UAlbany Football Coach Ford Shooting For 2nd Straight NEC Championship And Undefeated NEC Season

An emotional comeback against Monmouth last week put the University at Albany football team in the driver's seat for its second straight Northeast Conference title.

This morning, the Great Danes will be passengers on an eight-hour bus trip to the Pittsburgh area for Saturday's game at Robert Morris.

UAlbany coach Bob Ford has warned his players they must keep their focus because their business is not yet finished.

"That's the challenge both for me and the kids and the coaching staff," Ford said. "Get down to earth. That was a great win last week. Put it behind us."

With a victory, the Great Danes would clinch at least a share of the Northeast Conference title and earn a berth in the Gridiron Classic, a postseason game that pits an NEC representative against the Pioneer League champion.

"If we're going to have a shot at this, I'd like to be champions, not co-champions," he said. "Second, we've got a shot at the bowl game."

The Great Danes (6-3 overall, 5-0 NEC) have a one-game lead over Monmouth and Sacred Heart with two to play. UAlbany closes at home against Wagner next week. Even if UAlbany finishes tied for first with Monmouth or Sacred Heart, the Great Danes would get the Gridiron berth by virtue of wins over both teams.

UAlbany would host the Gridiron Classic on Dec. 6 at University Field. The Great Danes lost that game at Dayton 42-21 last year.

UAlbany is also trying to become the second NEC team to go undefeated in league play two years in a row. Robert Morris was the other in 1999 and 2000.

"It's awesome," UAlbany junior tailback David McCarty said. "We have a chance to do something very special. And I hope everybody else on the team knows what we can do and I think that will be a key factor in the way we play on Saturday."

McCarty can become the school's career rushing leader on Saturday. He has 2,849 yards, 184 behind leader Gary Jones of Ravena.

Jones gained his 3,033 in two seasons (2002-03) after transferring from Hudson Valley Community College.

Ford believes McCarty, who has three 200-yard games this season, could be in for another big day against Robert Morris (4-5, 3-2).

"I think we've got a better offensive line and offensive group than they do defensively," Ford said. "I'll be surprised if we don't run the ball hard and a lot."

Ford is concerned about Colonials quarterback Erik Cwalinski, who has passed for 1,871 yards and 15 touchdowns. Cwalinski is complemented by halfback Myles Russ, eighth nationally with 123.2 yards per game.

"They're a team we've really got to be careful of," Ford said.

Cwalinski has completed at least 10 passes each to seven receivers.

"They've got a young group of receivers, but they're all doing well," said UAlbany safety Dave Casale. "They look for big plays."

Mark Singelais can be reached at 454-5509 or by e-mail at msingelais@timesunion.com.


At a glance

UALBANY at ROBERT MORRIS

Records: UAlbany 6-3 overall, 5-0 NEC; Robert Morris 4-5, 3-2

Kickoff: 1 p.m. Saturday, Joe Walton Stadium, Moon Township, Pa.

Radio: WOFX 980 AM

By MARK SINGELAIS