The first loss to Rochester at home since 1991, together with Union’s 30-20 loss to Hobart College, put all four teams’ records at 5-1 in the league. The best part is, however, that they play each other this Saturday. In one of the most anticipated weekends of play in the league’s short history, Rochester and Hobart will duel it out while RPI travels to take on Route 7-rival Union College for two exciting noon games for the last weekend of regular season play.

It all comes down to this one day of play, to sort out the top of the league and determine whether or not RPI will be able to take home the trophy they have been chasing all year. It won’t be easy, though, as the Engineers must beat Union and hope that Hobart beats Rochester.

A national ranking is both a blessing and a curse; with the confidence and prestige it brings, it also has a dark side. You play every game with a target on your back and every team gunning to knock you out of the rankings. The Yellowjackets were no different this past weekend and managed to spoil the seniors’ last regular season game in front of the home crowd.

It all came down to a first-and-goal for the Engineers, and when the Rochester defense held its ground, RPI was unable to punch through from the three yard line for the first time this season.

First, a fullback dive was repelled, then an uncharacteristic fumbled snap, and finally two incomplete passes made for a blemish on the offense’s otherwise spotless record this season and the visiting offense took a knee to run off the clock.

Despite 425 total offense yards, nearly 80 more than the Yellowjackets, Rensselaer was unable to penetrate the defense in what amounted to Rochester’s sixth straight victory. Junior quarterback Jimmy Robertson threw for 267 yards and ran for 54, while going 25 for 42 with one touchdown. Senior receiver Brendan McGowan was his top target of the day with eight receptions for 88 yards, while junior Eren Savasli had five for 74. Freshman running back Nick Costa led RPI with 98 yards on 23 carries.

The Yellowjackets scored first, taking a 7-0 lead with 1:19 to go in the first quarter after recovering their own fumbled punt return. At half time, Rochester was still ahead, holding a 13-7 lead after hitting a pair of field goals. Junior Justin Heafy had put RPI on the board with his two-yard run.

The Engineers scored twice in a row in the third quarter, taking a 21-13 lead. Savasli’s snag from 10 yards had put RPI up 14-13 with 5:51 to play in the quarter, followed by Costa’s 38-yard sprint with 2:27 left.

Rochester took no time to answer, but missed its two-point conversion, letting RPI retain the 21-19 lead. Later in the fourth quarter came a 25-yard run by Rochester sophomore quarterback Adam Barrett to put the final score at 25-21 as the Yellowjackets missed another two-point conversion.