2021 FCS Season Preview: Albany
College Sports Journal Projection: 8th
Albany struggled to a 1-3 record in the spring, but that doesn’t really tell the story of what kind of team they have. Quarterback Jeff Undercuffler played through a bunch of injuries, and missed the final game of the spring. He should be back under center for the Great Danes to guide a strong offense.
The Great Danes were a playoff team in 2019 and won their first round game. Coach Greg Gattuso has built a solid team that can compete for playoff spots moving forward. But depth has shown to be an issue for Albany. Developing depth will be key for them moving forward.
Impact Players
QB Jeff Undercuffler would have won the Jerry Rice is most other years. But in 2019 he was in competition with now 49er quarterback Trey Lance. He will be healthy entering the season and should show as the best quarterback in the CAA as only a Sophomore.
RB Karl Mofor helps drive the Great Dane offense and opens the pass game for the rest of the offense. Mofor averaged 115 yards per game in the spring and ran for 1290 yards and 10 TDs in 2019. A repeat performance should put Albany in great shape.
LB Danny Damico had 109 tackles in 2019 and 34 in four games in the spring. He added an interception and forced a fumble as well. As a Freshman Damico had 81 tackles. The arrow is pointing up on this defensive leader.
Key Game: October 2 at Delaware
Albany
| Home | Time/Results | Away | Venue | Match Day | TV/Streaming | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Albany  | 6 - 28 |  North Dakota State | Fargodome | Fargo, ND | - | - |
Rhode Island  | 16 - 14 | Albany | Bob Ford Field | Albany, NY | - | - |
| Albany |  Syracuse | Carrier Dome | Syracuse, NY | - | - | |
| Albany |  Delaware | Delaware Stadium | Newark, DE | - | - | |
| Albany |  William and Mary | Zable Stadium | Williamsburg, VA | - | - | |
Villanova  | Albany | Bob Ford Field | Albany, NY | - | - | |
Maine  | Albany | Bob Ford Field | Albany, NY | - | - | |
| Albany |  Towson | Johnny Unitas Stadium | Towson, MD | - | - | |
New Hampshire  | Albany | Bob Ford Field | Albany, NY | - | - | |
Morgan State  | Albany | Bob Ford Field | Albany, NY | - | - | |
| Albany |  Stony Brook | LaValle Stadium | Stony Brook, NY | - | - |
Worst Case: The offense continues to lose traction like it did in the spring, and the Great Danes struggle all season.
Best Case: The offense returns to its lofty 2019 heights, and the Great Danes secure a playoff spot and win a game in the playoffs.
Jamie is a proud 2002 graduate of James Madison University. He’s witnessed the growth of the program from no one in the stands in 1998, to the hiring of Mickey Matthews, to the 2004 National Championship, to the 2008 team, to the struggles in the early 2010s, and finally the rebuild under Mike Houston. He also allegedly really enjoys Washington, DC-based Stanley Cup winners.
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