Rhode Island recorded its first football playoff win in 40 years, Saturday, beating Central Connecticut State, 21-17.

Former Gray Collegiate Academy and Clemson QB Hunter Helms completed a touchdown to Tommy Smith for the Rams’ first score.

Rhode Island, ranked No. 10, will play at Mercer (10-2) next Saturday at noon. Mercer is a No. 7 seed. The victory was the 11th win this year for Rhode Island, a record. It was the Rams’ first postseason appearance since the 1985 NCAA I-AA playoffs.