History in Western New York

ALBANY, N.Y. (September 7, 2016) – Friday night’s season opener was a signature moment for UAlbany Football.

Entering as 21-point underdogs, the Great Danes shocked the University at Buffalo at UB Stadium, winning 22-16. It was the program’s first victory over a Football Subdivision (FBS) opponent and redemption after a 51-14 defeat to the Bulls last season.

UAlbany’s football team celebrates a 22-16 victory over UBuffalo. (Photo by UAlbany Athletics)

Neven Sussman led UAlbany, completing 14-of-21 passes, totaling 113 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore wide receiver Zee Roberson caught a team-high five passes for 33 yards, while redshirt junior Brad Harris and tight end Anthony Manzo-Lewis accounted for the two Great Dane touchdowns.

Defensively, UAlbany was suffocating. The unit totaled four turnovers, including a game-saving fumble in the end zone with 3:52 remaining. UBuffalo only converted on 5-of-17 third-down attempts. Malachi Hoskins, Abner Logan, and Michael Nicastro each recorded 11 tackles.

Head coach Greg Gattuso was showered with Gatorade following the victory.

“I think it’s a lesson for our team that if we do things the right way, we can be a pretty good team,” Gattuso said. “Buffalo is a good team, they’ve had a lot of changeover, but there was a big difference from last year and this year. I’m proud of the kids and the way they played. They went out and hustled and did what we asked them to do and they stayed with it.”

UAlbany (1-0) is entering its fourth season as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The team travels to Rhode Island this Saturday to begin conference play.

The Great Danes’ home opener is Saturday, Sept. 17 against Holy Cross. Purchase your tickets today by visiting ualbanysports.com/tickets.

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