Football | 11/6/2015 4:24:00 AM

Game Notes | Live Video (RPI TV) | Live Audio (WRPI) | Live Stats | Tickets

THE KICKOFF
Rensselaer comes off a bye week and host Springfield for a Liberty League contest at 12pm. The game is the final home contest for the Engineers, who won two in a row. Springfield, which was also idle last week, has lost its last two games. Prior to the game, 17 seniors and their families will be recognized for their contributions to the football program.

THE SERIES
The Engineers have played the Pride nine times in school history and have a 3-6-0 record. RPI won the first meeting (9-6 in 1924 in Troy), sixth matchup (40-34 in Springfield in 2003) and last year's contest (37-13 in Springfield). Six of the nine games have been played in Western Massachusetts.

TIGHT GAMES RECENTLY
Over the past three meetings, the teams have been separated by a total of four points with Springfield holding a 90-86 advantage.

STRENGTH ON STRENGTH
Rensselaer is first in the Liberty League in rushing defense, allowing 115.6 yards on the ground per game. Springfield leads the conference in rushing offense, averaging 304.4 yards per game.

COMMON OPPONENTS
RPI and Springfield have both played Rochester, Hobart, Merchant Marine and St. Lawrence. The Engineers beat all but the Saints, while the Pride defeated only Hobart.

THE STANDINGS
The Engineers remain in the hunt for the Liberty League title, sitting in second place. St. Lawrence is in first with a 5-0 mark and a head-to-head win over RPI. Springfield is in a tie for fifth place. The regular season champion earns a berth into the NCAA Playoffs.

AT-LARGE POSSIBILITY
Should Rensselaer win its final two games but not earn an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament, the Engineers would get serious consideration for an at-large berth. RPI last played in the NCAA Playoffs in 2007.  

UPCOMING
The Engineers cross the Hudson River next Saturday in order to play Union College in the Dutchman Shoes Trophy Game - the oldest college football rivalry in New York State.  The game begins at noon at Frank Bailey Field and it is the regular season finale for both teams.