Hobart Comes Back to Beat Rowan, 20-17

The Hobart College Statesmen fans may need a cardiologist on call again after a sluggish offensive performance dug them into a 17-3 hole against the Rowan University Profs Saturday at Boswell Field. The defense dug in however and SR QB Ryan Hofmann would tie a school record with 59 pass attempts to help Hobart (3-0) comeback and beat Rowan (0-3).

Hofmann would overcome three turnovers - two INTs and a fumble on a strip sack, the first sack the OL had allowed all season - to pass for 380 yards and two TDs. His best pass of the day was one of his last - a 31-yard gain to SR WR Ray Conley to put Hobart in position to win the game. JR PK Kyle Hackett converted 34 and 38-yard FGs, the latter being the game winner.

SR OLB David McCarthy had a game high 13 tackles and two TFL. SR DE Collin Hudgins added 11 stops to go with three and half TFL. A bad snap on a punt cost Hobart a number of rushing yards in the stat book, and they ended up -1 on the day, after pretty much abandoning the run early in the game. The Statesmen finished with only 13 rushing attempts. Rowan by contrast rushed for 204 yards, but had a very costly fumble - forced by JR CB Jared Leake - when the game was tied 17-17 late in the fourth quarter.

Another key stat that can't be overlooked is how Rowan didn't help themselves, getting flagged eight times for -145 yards. The Statesmen were more composed, only losing 45 yards because of five penalties. Hobart did struggle to convert however with only two of 13 successful third down conversions, and going 0-3 on fourth down. Rowan didn't fare much better though, going 6-17 and 0-1, respectively.

While it wasn't pretty, you have to give Hobart credit for fighting back and winning against a tough opponent. It doesn't get any easier with Montclair State (1-1) up next, and who had an extra week to prepare for next Saturday's game.

The Red Hawks will be met with some spirited opposition, however, as long-time Hobart super fan Jon McGriff P15 will be in attendance for the Homecoming game.

GIVE ME A "H"!!!!!!

Week 3 - Rowan Game Preview

The Hobart College Statesmen will take on the Rowan University Profs for the first time since meeting them in the NCAA playoffs back in 2004 and 2006. The Statesmen lost both of those contests, but this is the first time the Profs will face the Statesmen at Boswell Field.

Last weekend Rowan (0-2) gave #11 Linfield (OR) from the Northwest Conference (NWC) a good game, tying the score at 14-14 after the Profs capped an 80-yard drive with a thirty-yard JR RB Messiah Divine run with 6:34 remaining in the third quarter. Rowan actually out-gained Linfield (1-0) in total yardage, especially in rushing (214-51 yards), but ended up -2 in TOM and were flagged six times for -81 yards. These errors helped the Wildcats to 21 unanswered points to close out the game with a final score of 35-14.

Scouting the Profs

I have to give it to Rowan, their online roster done MNF-style is pretty cool. It's nice to see D3FB teams go that extra mile for their teams and change things up from the status quo. That said I am going to take the same "change it up" approach in welcoming Juan Sanchez, a Rowan alum (Class of 2008) and football fan, the chance to tell you about his team.

I'll add my two cents after, as I have spoken with HC Jay Accorsi over the past couple of years for ITH and D3football.com related stories. Ironically, one of my first ever blog posts was to RowanFootball.com (I am not sure if it's still active, I don't believe it is) back in 2006, to provide an overview of the Statesmen leading into their NCAA playoff game. Here I am 13 years, 14 seasons returning the favor:

ROWAN OFFENSE
In the preseason coaches’ poll, the Profs were projected to finish fifth in the NJAC. Currently the Profs are 0-2 after tough games against Widener (1-1) and Linfield (1-0). The last time Rowan started 0-2 was 1988.

Rowan runs a spread Run/Pass offense typically from the shot gun. Although 0-2, Rowan has outgained their opponents in offensive yardage (745 vs 704). Rowan has been able to generate 745 (314 rushing yards and 431 passing yards).

After a tight QB battle in the spring and summer, the Profs appear to have found their QB leader in Mike Husni (Toms River, NJ / Toms River N. / Marist University). A dual-threat QB, Husni has thrown for 431 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 149 yards and another score in the Profs initial games. Husni had a hard time finding running space against Widener (13 att, 14 yards, 1 TD) but his running improved against Linfield (22 att, 86 yards).

The Brown & Gold return two all-conference offensive performers in receiver/returner Elijah Rehm (Clayton, NJ / Clayton / East Stroudsburg University) and offensive lineman Scott Dunscomb (Hamilton, NJ / Hamilton W.).

In 2018, Rehm led the NJAC in all-purpose yards and was a dangerous return specialist with four returns for touchdowns (two punts, two kickoffs). He also led the Profs in receiving with 508 yards and three touchdowns. Thus far in 2019, opponents have done a good job focusing on Rehm, but this has allowed Rowan’s other receiver weapons to shine. Captain and wide-out, Nick Grosso (Sewell, NJ / Washington Twp.), is leading the NJAC with 208 receiving yards on only 7 receptions.

In 2019, the Profs had to replace 2 graduated running backs in John Mannion and Anthony Diorio. Junior Messiah Devine (Belle Mead, NJ / Montgomery) assumes the role as Rowan's starting tailback and currently he has gained 173 yards and averaging 3.8 per carry. Divine has been Rowan’s workhorse with 22+ carries in each contest.

The offensive line returns a lot of experienced players including senior Pat McGowan (Middletown, NJ / Middletown N.) and all-conference sophomore guard Scott Dunscomb. Stalwarts include Jeff DeJean (Egg Harbor Twp., NJ / Egg Harbor Twp.), Matt Melamed (Toms River, NJ / Toms River N.), Mike Klein (Howell, NJ / Howell), and Jake Stillings (Audubon, NJ / Camden Catholic). The Profs have two freshmen starting on the line including red shirt freshmen Pryce Bouchard (Gloversville, NY / Gloversville) at center and Tyler Kelly (Monroeville, NJ / Delsea Reg./Kutstown University).

ROWAN DEFENSE
The Profs return one all-conference defensive player in senior defensive end David Gajderowicz (Medford, NJ / Shawnee). Gajderowicz and LB Anothly LaRosa (Sewell, NJ / Washington Twp.) were voted defensive captains by their teammates.

Over the years, the Brown and Gold have fielded very stout defenses; however, last season the Profs had the least proficient defense in the NJAC in terms of total yards allowed and pass defense. The Profs also allowed 20 passing touchdowns, most in the conference. The rush defense was slightly better, ranking fifth in the NJAC in rushing touchdowns allowed.

The Profs run a 4-3 defense. Rowan’s strength is the defensive line with several returning stars. The Profs graduated 4 seniors at linebacker. So far, the bright spot at linebacker has been Mike Mascioli (Hammonton, NJ / St. Joseph) who has been a hard-nosed defender with 16 total tackles.

Rowan’s defense has been challenged and has allowed 36.50 points per game. They have allowed several big passing plays, however they are only allowing 2.3 rushing yards per carry. Along side Gajderowicz, Antoine Alicia (Philadelphia, PA / Glassboro) and Eddie Hamilton (Chesapeake, VA / Western Branch) make up the starting defensive line, with junior Sunny Tapp (Hammonton, NJ / St. Joseph / Robert Morris University) completing the group.

The secondary is led by Malachi Winters (Hammonton, NJ / Hammonton) and Kam Kennedy (Palmyra, NJ / Palmyra). The profs have been torched by long passing plays early in the season likely due to inexperience in the group. JUCO transfer Manny Pelzer (Pleasantville, NJ / North Cobb (GA)) has been a tremendous addition to the team and is a hard hitter from the safety position.

ROWAN SPECIAL TEAMS
True freshman Jake Hurler (Freehold, NJ / Freehold) won the kicking duties for the Profs while returning kicker Alex Boyko (East Brunswick, NJ / East Brunswick) is listed as the backup. Sophomore Tom Brennan (Sewell, NJ / Washington Twp.) takes over as the new punter.

Rehm and speedster Mike Reed (Newark, NJ / Malcolm X Shabazz) have handled return duties in 2019. Rehm earner All American return specialist honors in 2018 but teams have done a decent job kicking away from him in 2019.

Keys to the Game:

1. Shore Up the Secondary - The Statesmen have surrendered 635 passing yards so far this season, which is more than double what the offense has produced. To the defense's credit, part of that is due to the fact opponents haven't had much success rushing the football. Hobart's D has only allowed 2 YPR and 83 RYPG and two TDs over Weeks 1 and 2. The red zone defense has been especially solid (only four scores in 10 trips), but if there's room for improvement, it's between the 20's. The Statesmen have allowed a 41.4% third-down conversion rate, so they have been staying on the field a bit longer than I'd like - the TOP margin is 35-25 in favor of the opposition. The defense has also allowed first downs via the pass 66.67% of the attempts (30-45).

2. Keep Up the Good Work, OL - The Hobart OL was a concern going into the season but so far this unit has done a great job. They've allowed zero sacks to date, but will be hard pressed to keep that streak alive given guys like SR DE David Gajderowicz who's one of the best pass rushers Hobart will face all season. He has been kept in check somewhat, but is second on the Profs defense with 14 total tackles. He has two TFL and one sack also. The Statesmen OL has opened holes in the running game as well, helping the team average 124.5 RYPG. I still think Hobart would benefit working more RPO or iso run plays leveraging a lead blocker. The Statesmen have a couple of pretty big guys who could fill that role if given the chance.

3. Bring the Blitz - We didn't see any blitzing last weekend until the second half. Hobart's defense has already racked up 10 sacks and 20 TFL (!!!) when they get let loose (last season the Statesmen had 18 and 53, respectively, over nine games by comparison). Obviously some of these stats come from the pass rush of the base defense - credit the DL/OLBs there - but the Rowan OL has only allowed two sacks so far this season, so the Statesmen may need to dial up the pressure to rattle Husni just like Linfield did last weekend. The Wildcats pressure game plan managed to force Husni to throw three INTs, which Hobart would do well to imitate Saturday.

4. Hold (Home) Court - The Class of 2020 has won 14 of 17 home games at Boswell Field since they matriculated. This home field advantage shouldn't be discounted, especially with a team having to travel about 275 miles up for the game.

Prediction:

I think we'll see another close game that goes into the fourth quarter. Rowan has struggled this season, but they've played a tough schedule and are a strong team Hobart can't take lightly. In the end I think the Statesmen will make enough plays to improve to 3-0 on the season, let's say by a 31-20 margin.

Thanks to Juan for his input into this week's preview. Best of luck to both teams this weekend. Thanks for reading and go 'Bart! 

Statesmen Sidestep Trap Game, Beat Morrisville, 38-24

The Hobart College Statemen will likely end up in the D3football.com Top 25 today (they didn’t and actually dropped, losing votes. More on that soon) after  managing to go 2-0 to open the season (and #19 RPI dropping a close 6-3 game to an improved WPI squad who is probably the favorite to win the NEWMAC now). The second win ended up being much harder to come by against SUNY-Morrisville (1-1) than it was last season, and even harder than it was last week against Brockport (1-1).

The game got off to an auspicious start as the underdog Mustangs easily drove 75 yards to score and take an early 7-0 lead. The defense looked shaky, but Hobart would respond, settling for a FG by JR PK Kyle Hackett which set the Statesmen record for most consecutive made with 20 straight. Unfortunately he would slip and miss on a later attempt so that 20 stands as the current record.

Hobart took it's first lead of the game when SR QB Ryan Hofmann found JR WR Mike Giacobbe from 28 yards out. Giacobbe made a spectacular one handed catch for the score and is becoming Hobart's most reliable receiver (which is saying a lot with the talent this unit has overall).

Morrisville would score on another 75-yard drive to take back the lead and Hobart once again responded. For the second week in a row, SR TE AJ Perlino hit pay-dirt on a short pass to push the Statesmen's advantage to 17-14. Unfortunately the next play saw Mustangs SO WR Toure Hall scorch the Statesmen's secondary on a go route where he simply blew everyone on the field away with his impressive speed.

Hobart trailed once again, this time by a score of 21-17, which would stand at the half.

Statesmen DL had a rough day against the Mustangs' 300+ lbs. OL, but ultimately won the day

I don't know what HC Kevin DeWall '00 and staff said to the team at halftime, but it worked. The Statesmen coaching staff made some solid adjustments, namely on defense which would hold the Mustangs offense to only 3 points the remainder of the day.

Perlino would score again on Hobart's opening possession to get the Statesmen the lead which they held for most of the third quarter. The Mustangs tied the game with 12:17, but then everything changed.

With the game still in doubt, Hobart's SO WR Shahkyle Matthews got the call and he responded running a 75-yard reverse to stun the Mustangs and put Hobart ahead, 31-24. It was an outstanding call at the perfect time by Coach DeWall and with a short field on the ensuing possession, FY RB Rayshawn Boswell put the game away with a 16 yard rushing TD.

Hobart was led on offense by Hofmann who went 11-23 for 140 yards and three passing TDs. Matthews' outstanding run aside, SR RB and Co-Captain Brian Haeffner paced the ground game with a gritty 16 rushes for 71 yard day.

Defensively the Statesmen were led by SR LB Josh Walker with 11 tackles in relief for injured FY LB CJ Calero. We hope CJ will be OK and also hope to learn of his status soon. JR OLB Emmett Forde continued his DPOY campaign with eight tackles, including three TFL and a sack. JR DE Zach Rudolph and SR OLB David McCarthy each added a sack to go with two and nine tackles, respectively.

The Statesmen will return home to take on Rowan University (0-2) next Saturday in the first of two match-ups against NJAC teams. I'll have more on that game later this week.

In the meantime, thanks for reading and go 'Bart!

Never Forget

On this 18th anniversary of the attacks of 9-11, I wanted to recognize former Hobart College football player and alumnus Andy Glokin '93 as well as fellow grads Scott Rohner '01 and Michael Simon '83, P '11 who lost their lives that unfortunate day.

I'd also like to recognize the Toyen family, who lost their daughter and sister Amy in the attacks. She was the younger sister of my Avon High School classmate, Heather.

Never Forget.

Week 2 - Morrisville State Game Preview

The Hobart College Statesmen will take their first road trip of the season to face the (nearby) SUNY-Morrisville Mustangs. This is the second game of their series, with Hobart's impressive 62-24 win in Geneva being the first. That game was also Kevin DeWall '00's first victory as HC of the Statesmen. Hobart got the win partially due to (then) JR QB Ryan Hofmann going 14-of-20 for a career-high 239 passing yards and six TDs. He'd break that career record with 328 yards against Shenandoah the following week. Hofmann also broke a game record for quarterback rating, finishing the day against Morrisville with a 269.4 QBR, 0.3 better than Shane Sweeney 18's mark which he set at a game against Union in 2015.

The Mustangs would go on to finish 2018 with a 6-5 overall record, including a respectable 4-3 mark in the E8, losing a 56-48 shootout to Grove City in an ECAC bowl game. They returned six offensive and four defensive starters from that team, according to D3football.com, for the 2019 campaign.

Last weekend the Mustangs (1-0) upset what was supposed to be an impressive Bridgewater State (MA) team last Saturday by a score of 39-7. The Bears (0-1) were held to 268 total yards, including only 68 on the ground for a paltry 2.1 YPR average. Bridgewater State committed three turnovers as well, which helped the Morrisville offense capitalize on field position.

Scouting the 'Stangs

This season the Mustangs have some new faces in their offensive backfield as JR QB Bill Flatow along with SR RB Kinsey Williams and SO RB Michael Cirasuolo. Flatow had a solid game against Bridgewater, completing 15-of-25 passes for 190 yards and two TDs. Flatow added eight carries for 28 yards and one rush TD as well. Williams and Cirasuolo split 19 and 10 carries for 73 and 70 rushing yards, respectively. Each tallied a rushing TD as well. Cirasuolo, who's the bigger (5'10" 195 lbs.), stockier back of the duo, broke one run for 34 yards in the game.

Flatow's main target in last weekend's game was short but speedy SO WR Toure Hall who had six catches for 48 yards and two TDs. Hall also carried the ball four times for 16 yards. Hall does double-duty as a punt and kickoff returner also.

Morrisville has a BIG OL that helps give them an advantage in the trenches. Last week's lineup included JR RT Rudy Pablo (6'4" 284), JR RG Zach Hutchinson (6'2" 310), SO C Brian Mapp (6' 285), JR LG Tyler Elmor (6'2" 365!) and SO LT Chris Pawlowski (6'7" 300). JR TE Kyle Tuohy is used mostly as a blocker, but he did make three catches for 44 yards against the Bears.

Defensively the Mustangs run a 4-3-4 scheme that featured a host of tacklers last Saturday. Their current leader in the stat book is SO LB Ernesto Mitchell who tallied eight stops, one sack and one TFL. SR CB Sage Thomas and JR CB Deondrade Wells each had INTs last Saturday and SO LB Philemon Benjamin led the defense with two sacks and two TFLs.

On special teams Morrisville has a strong punter and KO men in FY PK Hunter Regels and SO PK Max Falkner. Regels averaged 36.2 YPP and Falker had a 51.6 yard KO average. Flatow actually booted one also, likely a quick kick, for 32 yards so the Hobart secondary will need to keep an eye out for that trick play.

Keys to the Game:

1. Win the LOS - The Hobart DL and LBs will be at a size disadvantage, so they will need to leverage their gaps and look for openings to crack the big Morrisville OL. On the flip side, the Hobart OL needs to protect SR QB Ryan Hofmann since it looks like the Mustang defense blitzed / supplied a lot of pressure en route to five sacks and eight TFL for -51 yards last Saturday.

2. Attack on Defense - Flatow is only making his second career start and is inexperienced. If the Statesmen OLB and DEs can get in his face, they could see some of the same results they got against SR QB Jason Hellwig last weekend. Hobart JR OLB Emmett Forde and FY ILB CJ Calero both got recognized by the LL for their outstanding play last weekend, and should factor in a big way, once again, Saturday. One of the keys to Morrisville's success against BSU was how they were so balanced offensively. If the Statesmen can make them one-dimensional, it'll be an easier win for Hobart.

3. Establish the Run - The Mustangs appear to have a stout rush defense and Hobart didn't exactly run the ball well last weekend. FY RB Rayshawn Boswell earned a conference honor roll mention for his role in the return game, but otherwise the Statesmen RBs averaged less than two YPC against Brockport. Hopefully those stats will go up this weekend.

Prediction:

While I think this year's Mustang squad is the underdog in this game, I don't see Hobart dropping 62 points on them again. The Statesmen need to avoid this as a potential "trap game", given the high of defeating Brockport and having two NJAC teams coming up in the next two weeks.

I trust Coach DeWall '00 and staff will have Hobart dialed in and ready, so I'll take Hobart to win this one 35-17.

Thanks as always for reading and go 'Bart!

Hobart Picks Off #13 Golden Eagles, 33-7

The Hobart College Statesmen (1-0) came into the 2019 looking to avenge a down year in 2018 which included an embarrassing 48-point defeat to the eventual Empire 8 champions Brockport. The Statesmen got their revenge Saturday in Geneva, mostly due to an outstanding defensive performance that intercepted the Golden Eagles five times, including four in the first half.

Hobart capitalized on short fields to hide the fact that they were out-gained in total yards, TOP and other key statistical measures. To the Statesmen's credit, along with the turnovers they held Brockport (0-1) to one-of-five in red zone opportunities and sacked SR QB Jason Hellwig seven times until he was pulled from the game.

There was lots to celebrate for Statesmen fans and family today

While this is an upset to savor, the fact Hobart couldn't run the ball, averaging only 1.7 YPC remains a concern. SR QB Ryan Hofmann had a good game overall, passing for four TDs, but was inaccurate and rushed his progressions at times, finishing 12-25 for 147 yards and two INTs. 58 of the 147 yards was on one play -  a beautiful bomb to SR WR Jake Catalioto who hauled in two TDs on the day.

The Statesmen opened the scoring with FY TE Mike Zaccone catching a short pass in the left end zone for his first collegiate TD. Brockport evened things up a few minutes later on a scramble and seven yard pass from Hellwig to JR RB Jala Coad. After that it was all Hobart as the defense dug in and wreaked havoc on the Brockport offense for the remainder of the day.

SO LB Bryan Aguilar led the team with nine tackles to go with a sack and TFL. JR OLB Emmett Forde however was probably the MVP of the game with eight tackles, 2.5 sacks and 1 TFL. Forde also had two of the five Hobart interceptions, running the second back 71 yards to the Brockport 20 yard-line.

JR OLB Collin Urie with 1 of the 5 Hobart INTs on the day - this one went for 6

While the Statesmen are sure to savor this one for a bit, it's back to work as the rest of the top teams in the LL also had big days. RPI dropped 52 points, racking up 502 yards and Ithaca put up 66 as their new starting SR QB Joe Germiniero went 27-37 for 303 yards and six TDs. Even Union tallied 533 total yards in a 42-7 win.

Obviously Hobart's win is the most impressive of these, but there was enough evidence on the game tape that the Statesmen have room to improve in a highly competitive LL. I think it also proves the Brockport doubters that there was no way they'd be as strong without seven All-Region and several All-American players.

End of the day, it was one where it was great to be a Statesman. I'll have more on this one and preview Week 2's match-up against SUNY-Morrisville early next week.

Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!

Week 1 - Brockport Game Preview

The (new look) Hobart College Statesmen look to make a statement Saturday when they host #13 Brockport. The Golden Eagles beat and otherwise embarrassed Hobart in last season's opener by a lopsided 56-7 margin.

That was last year, as they say, and Hobart returns a more experienced and improved team in 2019.

Still, Brockport poses a tremendous challenge given their size, speed and defensive scheme which the Statesmen have struggled against in recent years. Hobart is 1-2 in their current series with the Golden Eagles and 4-7 overall, dating back to their original meeting in 1949.

Scouting the Golden Eagles

After a 24-2 run over the past two seasons, Brockport has seen a number of it's All-American and All-Regional players move on via graduation. One of the surprising moves this off-season was the transfer of SR QB Joe Germiniero to Ithaca, meaning SR QB Jason Hellwig is now the man in charge of the Golden Eagles offense.

Saturday won't be the first time he's started for Brockport however, as he did that back in 2017 against Saint Lawrence (more on that later). Hellwig (who we interviewed as part of our In the D3FB Huddle preseason show) will have a strong supporting cast, as seven starters return from last season on offense. The key one of those is SR RB Justin Morrison, who missed most of 2018 due to injury. Morrison rushed for 176 yards and two TDs the last time he played in Geneva, and will likely be a core aspect of the Brockport offense. Leading the way for Hellwig and Morrison will be SR OL Luke Lodino, who's also a captain of the team. Joining him will be returning starting tackle, JR OL Shawn Pridell.

The question mark for this season is how will DC Mike Fox replace several defensive stars, including having eight new starters in 2019? This unit will be led by SR OLB Alex West, who earned second team All-American preseason recognition by D3football.com. Joining him is JR OLB Lawrence Jenkins, who earned Empire 8 all-conference honors after ranking third in TFL and sacks last season. Jenkins is a versatile player, who's able to drop back in coverage and defended ten passes a year ago.

Also back in the secondary is SO DB Ben Marshall, who started in games when Jake O’Connell '19 was down with an injury. Other defensive players like SO DL Jordan Harris, Tafari Nedrick and Hakeem Yaya are expected to have more opportunities to step in and contribute this season as well.

Keys to the Game:

1. Learn from St. Lawrence - Hellwig's first career start showed some tendencies we could see this Saturday, namely more of an emphasis on running the football. Brockport ran the ball on 43 plays, compared to only 21 pass attempts, in that game. To Hellwig's credit he completed 14 of those 20 (70%) and a TD. He rushed for 115 yards, a TD and even caught a TD pass as well. Based on that history, I expect a somewhat similar game plan, leveraging the Golden Eagles' large OL, Saturday. Hellwig will distribute the ball on short to intermediate pass plays and at 6'4" he can easily see the field. As a baseball pitcher in the off-season, he's got strong enough arm to deliver the ball to Brockport's very fast and sure-handed players like SR WR Daquan Hubbard and SR WR Joseph Ortiz who have combined for 3,724 receiving yards and 33 TDs in their impressive careers.

2. Defense - Brockport has averaged 511 YPG against Hobart dating back to 2016. That's a ridiculous number and one the Statesmen need to change. While the Golden Eagles are likely to eat up some yards and clock, the Hobart defense can make a statement in keeping this game close from start. Hellwig is used to playing with a substantial lead. If the Statesmen DL can provide pressure and the LB/DB corps can come up with a turnover or two, Hobart stands a good chance.

3. Test the Corners - The one area the Statesmen have a clear advantage over Brockport is their WRs against a younger, less experienced CB unit. If SR QB Ryan Hofmann and/or SO QB David Krewson (who I do expect will play some) can get enough time in the pocket to find them, Hobart could make some significant gains, especially if running the football against the 3-3 stack defense remains difficult.

4. Don't Beat Yourselves - Week 1 football is often full of penalties due to mental and other mistakes given limited practice. Last season there were 13 penalties called in the game, and even though they didn't make much of a difference in the outcome, they are more costly in closer games (which we're all hoping for Saturday). INTs hurt Hobart last season also, as they saw one of their two INTs go for a 60-yard pick six.

Prediction:

Pretty much every outlet is predicting a Brockport win. Hansen Ratings predicts the Golden Eagles will win the game 33-24 and that the Statesmen only have a 27% chance of upsetting Brockport. I suspect D3football.com will make a similar prediction in their weekly Friday "Quick Hits" article.

Hobart should be an underdog in this game, but I think the team won't be blown out like they were last season. My head says the Hobart OL will need some time to gel and the offense may only score about 14 points, coming up short somewhere in the 28-14 range. My heart though says I'll take the Statesmen to upset the Golden Eagles on a late JR PK Kyle Hackett FG, 24-21.

Go 'Bart!