The memory of a triple overtime loss at home to Richmond last season must serve as a reminder to this UAlbany football team of what could have been, but also as motivation for what can be this weekend.

The Great Danes will host 8th ranked Villanova on Saturday night with a chance to pick up what some would argue is the first true statement CAA win for the program. Elijah Ibitokun-Hanks made his 2017 debut last week in a win over Monmouth but the preseason 1st team all-CAA running back is going to miss Saturday's game against Villanova. Ibitokun-Hanks had surgery to repair a torn ACL in December.

UAlbany has sought out big name opponents to kick off each season under head coach Greg Gattuso and following up a trip to Pitt in 2018, the Great Danes announced the 2021 season will start at Syracuse. There is still an open date out there in 2020 and a Big Ten opponent might be the target of Gattuso and director of athletics Mark Benson.

You can hear Gattuso's weekly spot on Big Board Sports right here:

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