UAlbany Football Beats Hofstra In Overtime Thriller

UAlbany Football Beats Hofstra In Overtime Thriller. More to come... Hempstead, N.Y. – David McCarty rushed for 178 yards and scored on a seven-yard run in overtime, as UAlbany upended Hofstra, 22-16, on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Shuart Stadium. The Great Danes ended a nine-game losing streak in the series and won for the first time since 1985.

Hofstra (0-2) rallied from a 16-9 deficit in the fourth quarter behind the running and passing of quarterback Cory Christopher, who connected on 27 of 38 passes for 272 yards and added 44 on the ground. Anthony Nelson hauled in a 17-yard completion before a pass interference call kept the offensive set alive. Freshman Brock Jackolski took an option pitch and reached paydirt from three yards out with 10:34 remaining.

The Pride, who had won 22 of their previous 26 home openers, used 16 plays to drive from their own 15-yard line in an effort to get the winning points. Christopher hit Nelson with a slant pass to the UAlbany 22 to set up a field goal attempt. But free safety Dave Casale came off the right edge to block Brian Hanly’s 34-yard try with nine seconds to play.

“We brought pressure from the middle and right,” said Casale, who added a career-high 13 tackles. “(Daniel) Avery and I are a tag team on that side. Their end went for Avery and I got both hands on the ball.”

In the extra period, Hofstra’s first possession stalled out at the Great Danes’ 13 when Christopher’s pass sailed out of the bounds on third-and-eight. The Pride had a chance when Nguti blocked a 30-yard attempt and Casale tackled holder Shane Casciano, who picked up the loose ball. UAlbany ran McCarty four straight times to the end zone, the last carry a driving run over left guard to the goal line.

UAlbany (1-1) trailed 9-7 at the intermission, but regrouped to take the lead in the third quarter. Christopher, working out of the shotgun, mishandled a snap from center and was covered in the end zone by Chris Blais and Mark Peretore for a safety. The Great Danes then marched 11 plays with the free kick. Quarterback Vinny Esposito completed a third-down throw to the Hofstra 1, before scoring himself over right guard with 2:12 to play in the period.

“I told the team we have four great challenges to begin the season,” said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, whose team was playing the second of four consecutive Colonial Athletic Association opponents. “This was kind of thrilling. The safety was a key play and then we were fortunate to block two kicks in the game. I think when our offense stepped on the field in overtime they knew they were going to score.”

Hofstra scored on its opening possession when Christopher directed his team on a nine-play march. Atter Jackolski gave his team great field position with a 38-yard kickoff return, Christopher completed three passes, including a 13-yarder to Aaron Weaver for a touchdown. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound junior rolled to his right on fourth down and floated a pass to his wide open receiver in the back of the end zone. However, UAlbany’s Raphael Nguti blocked the extra point attempt.

UAlbany took a 7-6 lead the second time its offense touched the ball. McCarty, who set a school record with his eighth consecutive 100-yard rushing game, moved his team into Pride territory with a 46-yard sweep around left end. Esposito later converted a third-down play with a 10-yard completion to redshirt freshman John Lullen, before scoring on a 1-yard sneak with 1:04 left in the first quarter.

The Pride defense stopped the visitors on a fourth-and-eight at their own 38-yard line when Luke Bonus sacked Esposito. Hofstra’s offensive unit responded with a 10-play scoring sequence, led by Christopher’s five completed passes. His third-down pass to Anthony Nelson kept the drive alive. Hanly’s 25-yard field goal put his team ahead, 9-7.