The RPI Football Team advanced to the finals of the NCAA Division III East Region by defeating top-seed Springfield College 40-34 on Saturday, at Springfield. The Rensselaer defense stopped two consecutive drives by Springfield in the waning moments of the fourth quarter to preserve the hard-fought victory.

Senior quarterback Dan Cole went 26-for-44 for 348 yards and threw five touchdowns. The RPI offense was as different from the Springfield offense as day is to night. According to the Times Union, Springfield rushed for 441 yards on 79 carries, but never completed a pass.

RPI was losing 27-17 early in the third quarter, but then scored 20 unanswered points to take the lead for good. During the time, they were passing the ball into a strong wind.

Rensselaer next faces Ithaca College at '86 Field on Saturday, December 6, at 12 noon in the NCAA Division III East Region Finals. This will be RPI's first appearance in a regional final, which can also be considered the NCAA Football quarterfinals. RPI was defeated by Ithaca two years ago in a second round game that also occurred in Troy.