The University at Albany football team is preparing for a much shorter rematch against Delaware State after last year’s marathon 7½-hour game that ended in a 37-32 loss on the road. That contest, delayed twice by weather, left players drained and frustrated, with junior linebacker Dillon Dunathan calling it “probably the worst game that I’ve been a part of.” Senior tight end Nick Petrillo described it as “a nightmare,” recalling the kickoff around 1 p.m. and not getting home until 4 or 5 a.m., all compounded by the defeat.
This Saturday, the Great Danes (2-3) will host the Hornets (3-2) at Casey Stadium for their nonleague finale and UAlbany’s homecoming game. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. with clear skies and a temperature around 66 degrees. The team aims to snap a two-game losing streak and regain momentum before their bye week ahead of Coastal Athletic Association play starting October 17 at Stony Brook.
Head coach Tom Perkovich stressed the importance of returning to winning ways. “Obviously, it’s incredibly important, right? We’ve got to get back on track,” he said.
UAlbany is coming off a 22-0 shutout loss at Princeton last Saturday, their first regular-season shutout in nine years. The offense struggled to convert inside the red zone, going 0 for 2. Petrillo said the issue is not a lack of talent or positioning, but execution. “I don’t think anything we’re doing is particularly wrong. We have the right people in the right spots. We’ve just got to finish. We’ve just got to execute better.”
The Great Danes could be missing one of their top receiving threats. Sophomore Tavahri Groves, who caught six passes for 81 yards against Princeton, went through concussion protocols after a hard hit on an incomplete end-zone catch in the fourth quarter. Perkovich said on Wednesday it looks doubtful Groves will play Saturday. Groves is second on the team with 13 catches for 174 yards and a touchdown.
There are also questions on the offensive line. Senior Jackson Nixon has shifted between center and left tackle, while senior tackle Emmitt Harris came off the bench against Princeton despite being healthy. Perkovich said they are still trying to find the best lineup amid injuries and adjustments. “We’re just trying to figure out what the best lineup is and what can be the most productive.”
Last season, UAlbany’s defense couldn’t contain Delaware State’s dual-threat quarterback Kaiden Bennett, who ran 27 yards for the winning touchdown in the final minute. Bennett has since graduated. His replacement is senior transfer Uli Ale, who spent time at the University of Houston and Troy University. Ale has thrown for 972 yards and four touchdowns, and leads Delaware State with 239 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
Dunathan said Ale is athletic but not quite on Bennett’s level. “The new guy’s definitely an athlete, but I don’t think to the caliber that the other guy was. But still definitely got to look out for the zone reads, (Ale) pulling the ball and getting around the edge.”
Delaware State is coached by DeSean Jackson, the former NFL wide receiver who played 15 seasons with six teams and made three Pro Bowls with the Philadelphia Eagles. Dunathan noted his respect for Jackson’s skills while keeping focus on the game. “I’ve seen the highlights, the deep balls he’s gotten, all that stuff. It’s fun to watch.” He added, “Definitely a lot of respect to (Jackson) and what he’s doing over there, but we’re coming to play on Saturday night.”
According to Yahoo Sports.