TROY, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute shut down Husson University’s rushing game and unleashed a balanced attack of its own while pulling away for a 38-14 NCAA Division III playoff victory on Saturday afternoon.
The Engineers (9-1) churned out 446 total yards, including 173 on the ground, while limiting the Eagles to 48 rushing yards and 336 total yards. RPI advances to play fourth-ranked College of Rockport in the second round.
Husson University of Bangor wrapped up the season at 8-3.
Coach Gabby Price’s Eagles received a productive final performance from senior quarterback Cory Brandon, who completed 30 of 44 passes for 288 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown throw to Kyle Gaudet (9 receptions, 93 yards). He was intercepted twice.
Keyshaun Robinson also made nine catches, for 103 yards, but Husson mustered only 2.5 yards per carry led by Miece Loureiro (14 carries, 49 yards).
RPI countered with quarterback George Marinopoulos (16-for-26, 273 yards, 3 TDs), Keaton Ackermann (6 catches, 150 yards, 1 TD) and halfback Nick Cella (18 carries, 123 yards).
The Eagles’ defensive stalwarts included Elvin Suazo (14 tackles), Zach Connolly (10 tackles) and Kaleb Caron (10 tackles). John Sadak registered a game-high 16 stops for the Engineers and Jack Hoggard made 10 with an interception.
Luke Watanabe iced the victory with an 89-yard interception return for a score with eight seconds left.
The hosts grabbed a 7-0 lead 6:29 into the contest after a Husson fumble. Tommy Avery’s 1-yard run was the only scoring in the first quarter.
Husson equalized with 8:04 left in the second quarter when Brandon found Gaudet to cap a six-play, 67-yard drive.
However, RPI took the lead for good on the final play of the half. Marinopoulos found Nick Smith on a 34-yard TD toss to make it 14-7.
The Engineers extended their lead on the opening possession of the second half, marching 66 yards on nine plays to set up Sanjay Krishnan’s 22-yard field goal.
RPI made it 24-7 with 22 seconds remaining in the quarter when Marinopoulos found Conor Davis for a 16-yard touchdown hookup.
Quan Soyini cut the deficit to two scores with 7:57 to play when he bolted 82 yards with a punt return for a score.
However, Hoggard’s interception on Husson’s next possession set up a 12-yard scoring toss from Marinopoulos to Ackermann on the next play to make it 31-14 with 3:59 to go.