Danes Suffer First Defeat in Last Seconds

After a 4-0 start, UAlbany fell for the first time in 2014, losing 31-28 to visiting James Madison on Saturday at Bob Ford Field.

Despite the loss, UAlbany showed well in its first real Colonial Athletic Association test. The Danes are 1-1 in league play. They beat Rhode Island earlier in the year.

Greg Gattuso's squad used a lot of resolve and moxy in keeping the game close against a perennial FCS power. However, the Danes were hurt by allowing 256 yards on the ground -- and some very questionable officiating decisions.

Tied at 28-28 with :04 seconds left, James Madison kicked the game-winning 34-yard field goal.

The Purple and Yellow took a 7-0 lead early when Omar Osbourne scored from 2 yards out. He finished the day with 129 yards and two scores.

The Dukes then scored the next three touchdowns to take a 21-7 lead before Albany scored right before halftime. Will Fiacchi connected with Josh Gontarek on a 16-yard pass.  He also scored right after halftime as UAlbany tied the game at 21-21.

Trailing 28-21, Osbourne scored his second TD with :55 seconds left to tie it at 28-28. UAlbany looked to have tied the game earlier in the fourth as Fiacchi connected for a deep touchdown pass down the right sideline, but the play was called back for offensive pass interference.

UAlbany was also hindered by a "kick-catch interference" call in the fourth quarter. The Dukes punt returner fumbled the ball inside his own 20 and the Danes recovered, but the call negated that turnover and change of momentum.

The Danes will host Richmond next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in CAA play.