Venue, Date & Time
Date: Friday, September 5, 2025
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Merrill Field at Yunevich Stadium, 1 Saxon Drive, Alfred, NY 14802
Surface: Natural Grass
Broadcast: Alfred University Athletics live stream / school media channels
Weather Forecast (Alfred, NY – Kickoff)
Conditions: Mostly clear skies
Temperature: ~72°F (22°C) at kickoff, cooling into the mid‑60s by the 4th quarter
Wind: Light, 3–5 mph from the northwest
Precipitation:
Impact: Ideal early‑season conditions; no significant effect on passing or kicking
Injury Report
(As of mid‑week; subject to change)
Hobart
No major injuries reported entering opener.
Depth chart intact from preseason camp.
Alfred
No significant injuries reported; full roster expected for Week 1.
2024 Postseason:
Hobart: Liberty League runner‑up; earned ECAC Bowl bid, defeating Westminster (PA) 31–17.
Alfred: Finished .500 in Empire 8 play; missed postseason but closed with two straight wins.
Recent Team Form (Last 5 Games of 2024)
Hobart
W 31–17 vs. Westminster (ECAC Bowl)
W 28–14 vs. Rochester
L 24–21 @ Union (NY)
W 35–10 vs. St. Lawrence
W 27–20 @ Ithaca
Alfred
W 27–24 @ Hartwick
W 21–17 vs. Utica
L 38–14 @ Cortland
L 35–21 vs. Brockport
L 28–20 @ Morrisville State
Key Player Matchups
Hobart Offense vs. Alfred Defense
Hobart averaged 27.1 PPG in 2024, led by a veteran QB and a balanced run/pass attack.
Alfred’s defense allowed 25.2 PPG; must pressure the QB and win on early downs to avoid giving up sustained drives.
Alfred Offense vs. Hobart Defense
Alfred’s offense averaged 24.0 PPG, leaning on a physical run game.
Hobart’s defense was stout against the run (allowing under 120 rush yards/game) and will look to force Alfred into obvious passing situations.
Special Teams Edge
Hobart’s kicking game was reliable in 2024, converting over 80% of FG attempts.
Alfred’s return units could be a hidden weapon if they can flip field position.
Series History
All‑Time: Hobart leads 2–0
Last Meeting: Sept. 2, 2023 – Hobart 30, Alfred 20 (in Geneva, NY)
Trend: Hobart has won both meetings by double digits, averaging 30.5 PPG in the series.
Betting Trends (Modelled)
Hobart
4–1 SU in last 5 games of 2024.
Averaged 28.4 PPG in wins last season.
3–2 ATS (modelled) in last 5 games.
Alfred
2–3 SU in last 5 games of 2024.
Averaged 24.0 PPG in wins, 18.3 PPG in losses.
2–3 ATS (modelled) in last 5 games.
Suggested Wagering Model
Model Inputs:
Hobart’s offensive balance and defensive edge.
Alfred’s home‑field advantage in opener could keep it close early.
Historical dominance by Hobart in the series.
Game Odds
Hobart Statesmen – 9.5
Alfred Saxons 47.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Thursday, September 4, 2025
