UAlbany Makes History, Defeats Buffalo
The University at Albany Great Danes came home from Buffalo Friday night with just a little more than a $275,000 guaranteed paycheck from the University at Buffalo, as for the first time in Dane football history, the Great Danes defeated a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) team, overcoming the Bulls by a score of 22-16 at UB Stadium.
A fourth quarter 35-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Neven Sussman to junior wide receiver Brad Harris gave the Danes a lead they would not succumb in the final 9:37, capping off a tremendous seven-play, 81 yard drive to put a stamp on arguably the biggest win in program history. The two then connected again on the two-point conversion to provide the final score of 22-16.
Sussman would finish 14-of-21 for 113 yards and a pair of touchdowns and didn’t turn the ball over, never allowing Head Coach Greg Gattuso to hand the reigns over to DJ Crook, who Gattuso said would get reps in the matchup.
One of the most crucial parts to the Danes victory was the turnover margin. The Danes didn’t turn the ball over once, while the defense forced three interceptions and a fumble, a +4 margin that cut the Bulls chances to score.
The play of the game was that forced fumble, when sophomore Mason Gray laid a big hit on Buffalo quarterback Tyree Jackson at the one yard line that prevented the possible game winning touchdown from being scored and rolled out of the end zone with 3:52 left in the game to give the Danes the ball.
After the Danes quickly went three and out, senior Kyle Sakowski intercepted Jackson on a pass that seemed to be intended for the Danes safety, a ball telegraphed right to him for the interception with 2:38 remaining.
Once again, Buffalo would look to get the ball back after another three and out. This time, however, UAlbany punter Jon Martin was run into and a roughing the kicker penalty was called, giving the Danes a fresh set of downs with 23 seconds left, and after a Sussman kneel down, the Danes had the most historic win they’ve had in program history.
Running Back Elijah Ibitokun-Hanks led the offense for the Danes, carrying the ball 23 times for 104 yards and a 33-yard touchdown run shortly before the half. Zee Roberson led the receiving core for the Danes, totaling a game high-five catches for 33 yards.
Michael Nicastro, making his return to the gridiron after seeing his 2015 campaign come to an abrupt end after tearing his ACL on a questionable call in the first half of the season opener last year at Buffalo, was one of three Danes with 11 tackles, also registering a 38-yard interception that led to the opening score, a five-yard pass from Sussman to tight end Anthony Manzo-Lewis with 12:57 in the opening quarter.
The Danes lead would be 14-13 after the midway break, after Jackson connected with Mason Schreck on a 17-yard touchdown in the final minute of the first half.
Mitcheson’s third field goal of the game would give the hosts a 16-14 lead with 6:12 to play in the third quarter, but the Danes, who came in a three touchdown underdog, would pull off the upset against their Mid-American Conference opponent.
Albany will look to build off the ever-so-confident building win when they open up Colonial Athletic Association play against Rhode Island next Saturday at 1:00 PM.