The inaugural game at Gaetano Field in Utica was certainly a disappointment for Pioneers fans. RPI fans fared little better, watching the Engineers sputter through wind and rain to a lackluster 17-6 victory on Saturday.
It was, in short, a sloppy game in sloppy weather. The teams combined for eight turnovers, and only 10 of the game’s 23 points were scored by the offensive units.
The bright spot for the Engineers was certainly their defense, which allowed no long gains by the Pioneers. In fact, Utica managed only 163 yards of total offense, did not cross midfield until late in the second quarter, and got past the RPI 20-yard line only once in the game.
Ramses Jimenez anchored the defensive effort up front, making eight tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery; he was named Defensive Performer of the Week by the UCAA. Linebacker Chris Pierz also had a big day for Rensselaer, with nine tackles and an interception.
On offense, the Engineers showed little of the spark that has driven them for the past two seasons, partially because of the loss of key playmaker Flynn Cochran to a preseason injury. On five trips inside the Utica 10-yard line, RPI came away with only a single touchdown, a nine-yard pass to Tony Couture midway through the third quarter that was the game’s final score. Rensselaer’s other touchdown came when Jai Echols recovered a bad punt snap and ran it back from 20 yards out.
On the plus side, the Engineers were clearly trying to establish their ground game, with moderate success. Rensselaer ran the ball more often than they passed, with junior Otis Williams and freshman Jay Bernardo splitting the majority of the carries between them.
Quarterback Dan Cole passed the school’s career marks in completions and passing yards on what was otherwise an off day compared to past performances—Cole went 16-of-30 for 162 yards, with a surprising two interceptions, including one pick that was returned for the Pioneers’ only points of the day.
Head coach Joe King placed extra emphasis on special teams in the preseason, but results were decidedly mixed on Saturday. Kicker Matt Verenini hit on a 32-yard field goal early in the second quarter, but missed a 25-yard attempt into the wind later on—and an earlier attempt never got off because of a bad snap.
Others had hit-or-miss days as well. New punter Colin Adalian posted kicks of 49, 45, 36, 27, and 7 yards—the last was partially blocked. Junior Danny Stephens had kickoff returns of 30 and 20 yards, but fumbled away the opening kick of the second half.
RPI’s next opponent is the Coast Guard Academy, and the Engineers are likely to need a bit more offense to take down the Bears, who posted 47 points in their season opener last week—their largest total in five years.
Saturday’s Shotglass Trophy Game is also the Engineers’ home opener. Dr. Jackson and Myles Brand ’64 will be on hand for a halftime ceremony honoring alumni of RPI sports. Game time is 1 pm.
