UAlbany Heads North to Begin 38th Football Season in Opener Against CAA Opponent Maine

Orono, Maine - UAlbany kicks off its 2010 season against Colonial Athletic Association opponent Maine on Thursday, Sept. 2. Game time at Alfond Stadium is 7:07 p.m. Fans can listen to the game on Fox Sports 980-WOFX AM, with Rodger Wyland handing the play-by-play coverage.

The Black Bears, who return 17 starters from a squad that finished second in the CAA's North Division, have made five NCAA FCS playoff appearances in their history. Head coach Jack Cosgrove's club is receiving votes in both national polls. Warren Smith has earned the starting job at quarterback after passing for 1,695 yards and 12 touchdowns one year ago. Tailback Derek Session led the rushing attack with 479 yards and three scores. Fullback Jared Turcotte, who missed all of last season with an injury, was an All-America selection as a freshman.

Cornerback Steve Barker was a third-team All-CAA choice last year after accounting for 48 tackles, 10 pass break-ups and three interceptions. Donte Dennis, a junior inside linebacker, also received third-team all-conference recognition and led the team in tackles (106). Roverback Mark Masterson returns from a medical redshirt season. He had 68 tackles and seven pass break-ups as a junior.

In 2009, UAlbany finished second in the Northeast Conference standings. The Great Danes have won seven or more games in four consecutive seasons. Andy Sparano, a preseason All-NEC center, is among four returning offensive linemen. Andrew Smith is a triple threat on offense as a quarterback, tailback and receiver. Trevor Anderson, a first-team all-conference defensive tackle, leads a unit that has traditionally been tough against the run. Defensive end Eddie Delaney and cornerback Ross Bertrand, who has 105 career tackles, are also veterans. Herb Glass was a second-team All-NEC kicker as a sophomore.

"I think we are ready to play someone else besides ourselves," said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, who begins his 38th varsity season at the helm. "We draw up a pyramid of success and one of the blocks is ‘beat the odds', and Maine is one of those games in that category where we are a probable underdog. I think our team knows they can win, but now we have to go out there and play well."

Paw Prints: UAlbany begins its schedule on the road for the 10th time in 12 seasons at the NCAA Division I FCS level ... the Great Danes are opening with a Colonial Athletic Association opponent for the seventh time as a FCS program ... the Northeast Conference champion receives an automatic NCAA playoff berth for the first time in 2010.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information