November 17, 2002

GENEVA, N.Y.—The NCAA announced the 2002 Division III football postseason pairings this afternoon, and for the second time in three years, the Hobart College Statesmen will have the opportunity to vie for the national championship. Hobart will host John Carroll University at noon on Nov. 23, at Boswell Field. Ticket prices will be announced on Monday.

The Statesmen—who began the season with a seven-game win streak, the program’s best start in 48 years—completed the regular season with an 8-1 record. Hobart compiled a 4-0 mark in the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association, finishing atop the league standings for the third time in five seasons, and marking the first time the Statesmen have run the table in UCAA play.

Hobart also made the tournament field in 2000, winning its first round game over Bridgewater State, 25-0, before falling to Widener, 40-14.

John Carroll completed the 2002 regular season with a 9-1 record, suffering its only loss of the season to two-time defending national champion, Mount Union. The Blue Streaks are making their third NCAA Tournament appearance, following playoff trips in 1989 and 1997.

The two teams have met twice, but not since Nov. 18, 1961. The Statesmen took the inaugural contest, 7-6, in University Heights, Ohio, on Nov. 12, 1960, while the Blue Streaks rebounded the following year in Geneva, 6-0.