After its thrilling 42-40 victory over Occidental College, the University of Redlands football team improved its ranking on both NCAA Division III top-25 polls. The Bulldogs elevated three spots on the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) list to No. 17 while rising one position to No. 16 according to the D3football.com rankings.

The Bulldogs gained 297 points on the AFCA poll and currently sit just two spots behind Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) foe Cal Lutheran University.

Redlands earned 179 points among the D3football.com rankings.

The team's last game proved closer than expected but the Maroon and Gray held on for the important conference victory, posting consecutive wins over the Tigers in their last two meetings.

Redlands (5-1, 3-1 SCIAC) strives for continued success during this Saturday's 2 p.m. Homecoming game against the University of La Verne Leopards, who stunned Chapman University in a 30-21 decision during last week's non-conference tilt.