RPI Football Loses Season Opener

The 17th ranked Alfred University football team dominated both sides of the ball in Saturday’s season-opening 48-17 victory over visiting RPI - spoiling the debut of new Engineers head coach Tim Landis.

AU was never threatened, scoring on its first six possessions. The Saxons tallied the game’s first 20 points, led 34-10 at the half, and didn’t punt the ball until late in the fourth quarter. The AU offense, which lost seven starters from last season’s Empire 8 Conference championship team, piled up 561 yards. 

While a veteran AU defense, which returned all but on starter, held RPI to 227 yards of offense, including only 51 on the ground.  The AU offense was sharp and balanced, producing 337 yards passing and 224 on the ground while converting 11 of 13 third-down chances and posting 27 first downs.

Landis was making his coaching debut for the Engineers.  The former San Jose State assistant took over for the retired Joe King - who stepped down in the spring after 22 seasons. 

Quarterback Mike Hermann was RPI’s leading rusher, with 22 yards on nine carries. He completed 18 of 35 passes for 176 yards and a score. Wipeout Reggie Colas caught six passes or 58 yards and wide receiver Steven Burpoe caught a pair of passes for 41 yards. The AU defense held RPI to 16 first downs and allowed the Engineers to convert only eight of 17 third downs.

RPI makes their home debut next Saturday night against Castleton State at 6:00pm.