UAlbany Football Loses in Close Game to Bryant

By Carter Schum | November 10, 2025

Carter Moses (#84) caught a touchdown on Saturday (11/8). 

Photo Credit: Liam Martin | The ASP

On Saturday, Nov. 8th the University at Albany Football team was defeated by the Bryant Bulldogs 27-24.

“Tough loss, proud of my guys,” said Interim Head Coach Jared Ambrose of his team's performance Saturday afternoon. 

UAlbany would receive the opening kickoff, and they would take advantage of this as they would advance to the Redzone on a stretch of big plays by the offense. 

The game would take a turn, as Bryant defensive lineman Michael Grant would collide head to head with UAlbany receiver BJ Norman and fall onto the field. After being evaluated by medical personnel, Norman was transported in an ambulance. Word on his condition has not yet been released. 

The drive concluded with kicker James Bozek kicking a 25 yard field goal to put the Great Danes up 3-0 with 8:54 left in the first quarter.

The Great Dane defense would make a big play on the first drive of the second quarter, as Denzel Patrick recovered a fumble that was forced by Chris Gales at the Bryant 32 yard line.

It would take only 3 plays for UAlbany to capitalize, as Jack Shields would connect with Stephen Mahar Jr. for an 18 yard touchdown, to increase the Great Dane lead to 10-0 with 12:23 remaining in the 2nd quarter.

However, the Bulldogs would answer back immediately, as Elijah Elliot would run in for a 7 yard touchdown to make the score 10-7 with 7:22 remaining in the 2nd quarter. 

UAlbany would throw a punch right back at Bryant, as Shields would connect with Carter Moses for a 33 yard touchdown, to get the Great Dane to 17-7 with 5:53 remaining in the second quarter.

Just 2 plays later, Bryant would score yet again, as quarterback Jaden Keefner would connect with Zyheem Collick for a 68 yard touchdown to make the score 17-14 with 4:04 minutes left in the 2nd quarter. 

The Bulldogs would nearly score once more to end the half, as following a UAlbany turnover on downs, they would drive into the Redzone and attempt a field goal. However, Nicholas Stoyanovich’s kick would miss, keeping the score 17-14 in favor of the Great Danes at halftime.

The Bulldogs would get back into a dangerous position on the first drive of the second half, and this time they would cash in, as Stoyanovich would knock in a 21 yard field goal to tie the game 17-17 with 9:20 remaining in the third quarter. 

The UAlbany defense would have its second big play of the game, as Zakar Morris would recover a fumble forced by Balansama Kamara. 

UAlbany would take advantage of the turnover, as quarterback Aiden Semo would extend his touchdown streak, with a 3 yard rushing touchdown to make the score 24-17 Great Danes with 3:51 remaining in the 3rd quarter. 

Bryant would tie the game once again however, as backup quarterback Ridge Docekal would throw a touchdown pass to Tristen Riley on a 4th and goal play with 9:45 remaining in the 4th quarter to level the score 24-24. 

The Bulldogs defense would force their first turnover of the game with 8:04 left in the 4th quarter, as Brandon Perkins recovered a forced fumble out of the hands of Shields to put Bryant in the UAlbany redzone. They would capitalize on this with a converted field goal from Stoyanovich to give them a 27-24 lead with 5:43 remaining in the game. 

The Great Danes had a chance to level the game late, as a series of big plays by Jordan Rae and Griffin Woodell put UAlbany in the Red Zone. However, on 3rd down, Shields would be called for intentional grounding, which brought the Great Danes back to their own 17 yardline. Bozek would attempt a field goal, however this would be blocked by Bryant, to clinch the game for the Bulldogs. 

A series of quarterback kneels would follow, and when the game ended, Bryant emerged victorious 27-24. 

With the loss, UAlbany fell to 1-9 overall and 0-6 in Coastal Athletic Association Football Conference, while Bryant improved to 3-7 overall and 1-5. 

UAlbany is back in action next Saturday November 15th, when they play the Towson Tigers on Senior Day.