The Hobart College Statesmen will hit the road this weekend for the first of two trips away from the friendly confines of the Boz. This week Hobart (4-1, 1-0) will look to improve their Liberty League record to 2-0 with a win over the Buffalo State Bengals. Buff State (2-2. 0-0) has already matched last season's win total going into their LL schedule.
The Statesmen are 7-3 all-time against the Bengals dating back to the 1984 season. Hobart has won the last five contests (the first taking place in 1993, a game I attended in person), including the last four in a row where Buff State has been an affiliate member of the LL.
Last season Hobart dispatched the Bengals by a score of 45-21 (the same score they won by in 2021, ironically). Needless to say, while I get Buff State has improved, I still expect a Statesmen win by at least a few scores.
Scouting the Bengals
Some of the Buff State stats were negatively affected by them taking on and losing by 55 points to Mercyhurst, an FCS D1 level program, last weekend. Still, here are some of the highlights from their team so far this season.
While their mascot is a jungle cat, the Bengals have utilized a veritable stable of RBs this season. Buff State has had four different ball carriers with at least 17-20+ rushing attempts and three RBs with over 100 yards rushing this season. Leading the way is SR RB Ale Wilson (I'm pretty sure that's pronounced like Ah-lay) with a team high 42 carries for 243 yards. Pictured above is SR RB Cody Phillips who has 35 carries for 86 yards and one rush TD. Phillips has also caught two passes for 27 yards and one TD.
The Bengals are a run first team (121 rushing attempts vs. 45 passing) and have had two different QBs play so far this season. SO QB Amir Cameron had five passing TDs vs. Hilbert in Week 3 but has thrown 2 INTs since. JR QB Noah Kimble has passed for 221 yards, 0 TDs and 3 INTs.
SR WR Tariq Nelson has been their favorite target, catching 14 passes for 156 yards and 2 TDs. Big SR TE Julian Maloney (6' 4", 240 lbs.) has a TD reception and could create matchup problems near the goal line and running game.
JR LB Sincere Green leads the defensive side of the ball with a team high 37 tackles, 9.5 TFL and three sacks.
SR PK Nick Sciandra handles the kicking duties. He averages almost 39 net yards as a punter, 51.4 yards on KOs, and has gone 1-2 on FGs, but to his credit, the one he made was from 53 yards.
SR WR Darion Jones has been their primary return man, averaging 12.67 yards on PRs and 19.27 yards on KORs.
Keys to the Game:
1. Play With Style(s): Given the uncertainty surrounding the injury suffered by SR QB Johnny Columbi in the Ithaca game, I am assuming SO QB Tru Styles will get the start on Saturday. This is kind of the perfect situation to get him more reps and work with the offense.
2. Stay Consistent: While the Hobart passing attack still needs work, the running game, defense and special teams have been great. Hopefully this game will allow those units to continue fine tuning their already solid status, while allowing the passing game a chance to work some of its kinks out. The Bengals have been allowing over 300 yards of total offense and at least three TDs per game.
3. Win and Move On: While the Statesmen can't overlook Buff State, they are definitely the stronger team. This is just one of those "business trips" where Hobart can fine tune things and look to give second and third string players valuable game experience.
Prediction:
Given how well the Hobart defense is playing, this could be a shutout. I still think this Bengals team is a little better than last season. but will struggle to score until later in the game. I'll take the Statesmen to win 42-7 with a good mix of passing, rushing and maybe even a defensive TD in this one.
Thanks as always for reading and go 'Bart!
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