BUFFALO, N.Y.- The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) football team earned a 48-7 Liberty League win at Buffalo State this afternoon.

RPI got off to a hot start and never looked back, as the Engineers led 17-0 after the first quarter.

Following a three-and-out from Buffalo State on its opening drive, Jon Connelly blocked the ensuing Bengals punt attempt and RJ Encarnacion pounced on the loose ball in the end zone for the Engineer's first touchdown.

The rest of RPI's first-half scoring came courtesy of explosive passing plays to Paisley Nickelson, who finished with a game-high 96 receiving yards. Nickelson hauled in touchdowns from 32 and 64 yards out to help the Engineers close a dominating first two quarters with a 24-7 lead.

Sean Kelly and Dameon Ming both recorded 29-yard scores in the fourth quarter to help RPI pad its lead. Frankie Garbolino had a three-yard rushing touchdown as well in the final frame.

Garbolino and Anthony DeMatteo combined to go 17-of-26 for 300 yards and three passing touchdowns under center for the Engineers. Kelly had six catches for 76 yards and Ming led the team with 56 rushing yards. The Engineers finished with 155 yards on the ground in the victory.

The RPI defense had three interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and did not allow an offensive point to the Bengals on the day. Jeremiah Wolo, Cortez Garrett, and Tristan Korfonta each generated takeaways in the secondary, while Nate Sicard and David Kalinowski both forced fumbles for the Engineers.

Anthony D'Agostino had a team-best nine tackles, including three takedowns behind the line of scrimmage. Mark Lapioli logged seven tackles and Cole Garrison and Owen Boland had six apiece. Garrison also registered 2.5 tackles for loss.

RPI turns its focus to next Saturday's Dutchman Shoes Trophy Game, which features Union College visiting ECAV Stadium for a 12:00 pm kickoff in the annual rivalry game.