GENEVA, N.Y.—When Hobart College hosts the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy on Saturday, Oct. 1, the Liberty League football matchup will feature two distinctly different approaches to offense. The high-flying Statesmen feature the league's top passing offense, while the Mariners boast the nation's No. 1 rushing offense.
 
Hobart's passing game is led by juniors Shane Sweeney and Brandon Shed. Sweeney is fourth in the nation in passing touchdowns (13) and seventh in passing yards (1,255). He has competed nearly 60 percent of his pass attempts and has a 150.85 pass efficiency rating. Shed is his top target. The wideout from West Palm Beach, Fla., is second in the nation in receiving touchdowns (8) and third in receiving yards (546).
 
The Statesmen (4-0, 1-0) are tied for 15th in the latest AFCA Coaches' Poll and 21st in this week's D3football.com Top 25.
 
Merchant Marine's triple option attack is averaging 375.7 yards rushing per game. Junior quarterback Robert Moore is 11th in the nation in rushing (149.0). Sophomore fullback Wiley Martin adds 86.7 yards per game and is 13th in the nation in rushing touchdowns with six.
 
The Mariners are 2-1 overall and 1-0 in the Liberty League after handing Rochester a 55-7 loss last weekend.
 
Defensively, the teams have similar numbers. Merchant Marine is second in the league in both total defense (263.7 yds/g) and scoring defense (18.0 ppg) while Hobart is fourth in total defense (292.8) and scoring defense (20.3).
 
Kickoff at Boswell Field at the Caird Center for Sports and Recreation is scheduled for noon. Tickets are $5 for general admission and $2 for children.
 
WEOS-FM (89.5/90.3) will broadcast the game live. Fans can also follow the action online with All-Access Video and Live Stats.