The Hobart College Statesmen acquitted themselves well, but it was the same old story as Hobart (2-1) still can't beat good teams on the road. Undefeated Utica (3-0) was as good as advertised and jumped out to a commanding 23-0 lead at the half. The Statesmen trailed 29-7 with 7:28 to go in the third until they mounted an impressive comeback that just fell short.
SR QB Tyler Szalkowki went 33-42 for 319 yards passing with two TDs in the game. The Statesmen defense sacked him twice but wasn't able to get any INTs today. SO QB Aidan Conrath had a good day but was sacked four times. He passed for 261 yards and 3 TDs and seemed to really miss having his top target JR WR Johnny Harding, who didn't play due to an injury.
Without Harding, SR RB EJ Taylor ended up being one of Hobart's top receivers, catching five passes for 99 yards including a late 69-yard TD reception that brought the Statesmen within one score late in the fourth quarter. He rushed for 101 yards and scored a rushing TD also. SR TE Tim McKeever also stepped it up, catching five passes for 85 yards and two receiving TDs, the first and second of his Statesmen career.
Defensively Hobart gave up 397 yards and couldn't stop the Pioneers on third down. Utica converted eight of 12 conversions on the day. SR DB Zeshan Dixon once again led the Statesmen with 10 tackles, including a sack and TFL for -15 yards.
Hobart will need to refocus as Liberty League conference play opens next weekend. The Statesmen will be looking for revenge in what was an embarrassing homecoming loss to RPI last season. This year the Engineers (1-2) seem to be less formidable, losing badly today to Brockport (2-1), 45-10.
At the end of the day, getting through this opening OOC schedule 2-1 is a huge positive in my opinion. Hobart has as good a chance as any LL team to win the league title this season. It starts with a needed road victory at the ECAV next weekend.
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
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