Football Ready to Begin 2011 Schedule Against Colgate on Saturday at Andy Kerr Stadium

Hamilton, N.Y. - UAlbany opens its 2011 schedule against Colgate on Saturday, Sept. 3 at Andy Kerr Stadium. Kickoff is 6:00 p.m. The Great Danes are beginning on the road for the 11th time in 13 NCAA Division I FCS seasons. Fans can listen to the game on WGY Radio 810 AM and 103.1 FM, with Rodger Wyland and Zach Bye providing the coverage.

The Raiders, who are coming off a 7-4 campaign, are receiving votes in both The Sports Network and FCS Coaches' national polls. Colgate was picked second in the Patriot League preseason rankings. Head coach Dick Biddle has a 120-55 career record and has guided the program to six league championships and six FCS playoff appearances. The Raiders reached the national championship game in 2003.

Biddle's squad returns 14 starters, including seven on offense and seven on defense. All-America tailback Nate Eachus is a candidate for the Walter Payton Award as the nation's top player. Eachus rushed for 1,871 yards and 21 touchdowns en route to being honored as the 2010 Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year. All-League linemen James Germano (6-3, 297) and Vittorio Ottanelli (6-4, 299) will pave the way.

On defense, inside linebacker Chris DiMassa led the team with 92 tackles, plus added 4.5 sacks and two interceptions last season. Defensive tackle Tyler Danielson (6-1, 292) anchors the line. He had 27 tackles and 2.0 sacks. Cornerback Kenny McKenzie and strong safety Chad Frey are back as starters in the secondary.

In 2010, the Great Danes established a program record with their fifth consecutive winning season. Bob Ford, who is in his 43rd season as a collegiate head coach, led the program to a 6-5 record and a tie for fourth in the Northeast Conference standings. Ford returns 14 starters for a squad picked third in the NEC preseason poll.

Buddy Leathley and Dan Di Lella split time at quarterback last year. The pair combined for seven touchdown passes and three rushing TDs. Tailbacks Andrew Smith and Dillon Romain were productive. Smith rushed for a team-leading 724 yards and seven scores. Romain, the NEC Offensive Rookie of the Year as a freshman, added 547 yards and six TDs on the ground. Ryan Kirchner, a preseason All-NEC candidate, hauled in 50 receptions.

Eddie Delaney, a two-time all-conference defensive end, and tackle Zach Gallo (6-0, 265) key a veteran line. Linebackers Dave Plungas (71) and Jon Morgan (54) led the team in tackles. Herb Glass, a senior placekicker, and preseason All-NEC punter Paul Layton (40.1 avg.) are a strong tandem.

Paw Prints: Saturday's opener at Colgate kicks off the 39th season of varsity football at UAlbany ... the Great Danes and Colgate are meeting for the second time on the gridiron ... the Raiders posted a 13-11 triumph in the first contest between the programs on Sept. 1, 2007 ... Bob Ford is first among active FCS coaches with 247 career victories ... the Northeast Conference champion will earn an automatic NCAA FCS playoff berth for the second consecutive year.