Week 5 - Ithaca Game Preview

The Hobart College Statesmen will try and break a two-game losing streak and get their first conference win this Saturday when the Ithaca College Bombers head up from Cayuga to Seneca Lake for another clash at Boswell Field. Hobart has only been able to beat the Bombers (3-1, 1-0) in Geneva, and did so in their last visit, 16-7, back in 2024. Otherwise, the series has been very lopsided with Ithaca winning 32 of the 38 matchups, dating back to 1961.

The Bombers are riding a three-game win streak where they have steamrolled their opponents by a 169-9 margin. Hobart (2-2, 0-1) is coming off a bad game at RPI (2-2, 1-0) and will need to get themselves together to avoid being embarrassed at home. While the Statesmen have won 33 of 37 games in Geneva since HC Kevin DeWall '00 took over in 2018, two of those losses have been to Ithaca. 

Scouting the Bombers

Ithaca's statistics have been boosted of late, and they are averaging an eye-popping 536 YPG on offense and nearly 49 PPG in scoring. The Bombers have more than twice the number of first downs (111-50) as their opponents.

SR QB Michael Reed leads the offense, passing for 834 yards and nine TDs (compared to four INTs), while also leading the team in rushing with 284 yards and three rush TDs. JR RB Chris Scully has rushed for 218 yards and a team high five rushing TDs. Reed's favorite target is SR WR Nicholas Lang, who's caught 21 passes for 425 yards and five receiving TDs. 

The Ithaca defense has a pair of SR DBs in Joe Spirra and Andrew Swierbut who have 26 total tackles each this season. SO DL Landon Varley leads the team with 5.5 TFL and SR DL Chris Clax has a team high four sacks to go with three TFL this year. 

Kickoffs are handled by SR PK Luke Savino (62.5 YPKO) and JR PK Caleb Wandell is the punter and FG kicker. He averages 40.67 YPP and has hit 2-2 on FGs with a long of 26.

Keys to the Game:

1. Don't Fall Behind: Hobart has seen two slow starts end up in two consecutive road losses. The Bombers will come out looking to assert themselves early, so the Statesmen need to be able to win the field position and LOS battle and hopefully take an early lead. 

2. Turnovers: The Bombers haven't forced many turnovers this season (in fact their TOM is -1), but Hobart gave up the ball three times last week and it cost them dearly. 

3. Be Better on Third Down: The Statesmen went 4-12 on third and 1-3 on fourth downs last weekend, and that number will need to drastically improve to have a chance against this Ithaca squad. The Bombers have held opponents to only 16-60 (26.67%) third down conversions on the season, so these will be at a premium for the Hobart offense to stay on the field. 

Final Thoughts:

I know the Statesmen are a completely different team at home, and that's the only thing that gives me hope that this won't be a lopsided rout. Still, given all the issues we saw last week, Hobart needs to turn things around in several areas to have a chance Saturday. Here's hoping a little Boswell magic and home cooking will be just what the Dr. ordered for the Statesmen.

Thanks, as always for reading and go 'Bart!