The Hobart College Statesmen will look to break a three-game losing streak Saturday when they host the defending Liberty League Champion, Union College. The Dutchmen (3-2, 2-0) have won three in a row and come into this critical matchup with some momentum. Hobart (2-3, 0-2) is still looking for their first LL win, and even more importantly, a first half TD in the last couple of weeks.
Last weekend, Union defeated Saint Lawrence (1-4, 0-2) by a score of 49-7. The Dutchmen (sorry I just can't call them the "Garnet Chargers") have been on a roll after losing to nationally ranked Susquehanna and Cortland in Weeks 1 and 2. They have put up 150 points while only surrendering 38 points in the last three games.
While the Statesmen have shown some great heart and determination, the big first half holes they've dug themselves into in Weeks 3-5 need to stop. Union defeated an injury-riddled Hobart team last season (only about 50-55 players were able to dress), 33-16 at Frank Bailey Field. The Statesmen are 51-55-2 all-time against the Dutchmen, making this Saturday's matchup the 109th in the series. As stated in my last write up, Hobart hasn't lost to Union at home since 2008, enjoying a seven-game winning streak at the Boz against this conference rival.
Scouting the Dutchmen / Chargers
Union is led by long-time Hobart assistant coach and former OC, Jon Drach. Coach Drach runs a dynamic and fast paced offensive scheme that requires his QB be a playmaker. After struggling with turnovers in Week 1, JR QB Cole Brisson has been replaced by JR QB Luke Sheehan, a tall (6' 3") and athletic guy out of Middleton, NJ.
Sheehan has passed for 661 yards and nine TDs in the last four games, while adding 99 rushing yards and 1 TD on the ground. Union has four receivers with over 100 yards, led by SO WR Caden Gore with a team high 238 receiving yards and three receiving TDs.
The Dutchmen also like to play a variety of RBs to keep defenses guessing and adjusting to their different running styles. SO RB Brady Markowski has the most attempts with 36 for 181 yards over the past three games. He's scored one TD. JR RB Jah'Cire Jones has rushed 33 times for 65 yards and two scores. He's more of their short yardage back. SO RB Justin Singh has run the ball 22 times for 98 yards and two scores.
Defensively Union has an experienced unit, led by SR LB Dwayne Hinds. He has racked up 34 total tackles, 2.5 TFL, a sack and two PBUs. The DL is anchored by SR DL Jordan Black (who I interviewed on In the D3FB Huddle in the preseason). He has a team high 8.5 TFL and four sacks. It's imperative the Hobart OL blocks this guy well on Saturday.
On special teams, the Dutchmen have a young but interesting group of kickers. FY PK Nathan Bearrows is the punter and JR PK Francesco Pileggi (what a great name for a kicker) has handled FGs and KOs. These guys are from CA and Brazil, so you have to credit Coach Drach for going out of his way to find these guys. Bearrows averages 40.65 YPP and has connected on a 62-yarder and seems to have been successful in pinning opponents inside their own 20-yard line. Pileggi has gone 1-2 on FGs with a long of 27, so his range seems short. FY PK Ben Stark seems to have taken over the KO duties from Pileggi, averaging 53.9 YPKO. He also seems to be their primary PAT kicker also.
In the return game, SO WR Kaden Gore has fielded most of the KOs and FY WR Peyton Kellett has handled most of the PRs.
Keys to the Game:
1. Get on the (Damn) Scoreboard: If the Statesmen are going to break this skid, they need to figure out how to score points in the first half. This offense is too talented to have been basically shutout in the first half for the past three weeks. The Dutchmen will look to get on the board quickly and the Union defense will attack early and often. The Hobart OL will need to win the battle at the LOS and open up running and passing lanes. The Dutchmen can be beaten for big gains due to their aggressive play, so the Statesmen will need to take those opportunities when they get them. They just need to execute better than they have of late.
2. Turnovers and Penalties: Union has a +6 TOM and has capitalized on their opponent's mistakes in recent weeks. It's common sense, but Hobart has to avoid giving the Dutchmen short fields, because they will make the most of those opportunities. The Statesmen also have to just play smarter, fundamental football. No more late hits and woofing after the whistle. Seriously, act like you've been there and done your job before and move on to the next play. Sure, celebrating and getting your teammates up is one thing, but Hobart hasn't picked their spots well, which is something the coaches need to get a better handle on, honestly.
3. Home Sweet Home: If the Statesmen ever needed some "home cooking" aka home field advantage, it's this Saturday. Ithaca added the fifth loss in 38 games last weekend, but Hobart still has an 87% winning percentage under Coach DeWall '00 at home. The Statesmen will need some magic to turn the corner and slow down this Union squad. Sticking to what has gotten us 33 wins - running the football, explosive plays, excellent special teams play and a tough defense - should be the recipe.
Final Thoughts
Coach Drach is a great guy and a long-time friend, so I like to see him do well, but Saturday I will be pulling for a Hobart victory. This is a winnable game, just like the last three, but the Statesmen need to play smarter, fundamental football. Here's hoping we get that and start a turnaround for the second half of the regular season.
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
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