In the pivotal game of the 2002 football season in Upstate New York, Hobart beat Rensselaer 34-27 on their home field in Geneva, NY. Hobart led throughout the game, amassing a 21-6 lead midway through the third quarter and hanging on inspite of a late rally by the Engineers.

With the victory, Hobart clinches the UCAA title and is almost guaranteed a bid to the NCAA Division III football tournament. RPI may still get a bid to the ECAC regional championship which will take place on November 23.