What Is 2011 Albany Great Danes football team

Overview

The 2011 Albany Great Danes football team represented the University at Albany, SUNY in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) during the 2011 season. Competing in the Northeast Conference (NEC), the team was led by head coach Greg Gattuso, who was in his fifth year at the helm.

The Great Danes played their home games at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium, a 8,500-seat facility in Albany, New York. While not eligible for the FCS playoffs due to conference transition rules, the team showed improvement in several statistical categories compared to previous seasons.

• Record: The team finished with a 6–5 overall record, marking a modest improvement from their 5–6 record in 2010.
• Conference: Albany competed in the Northeast Conference (NEC) during the 2011 season as part of their transition period.
• Scoring: The offense scored 287 total points, averaging 26.1 points per game, a slight increase from the previous year.
• Home Field: All home games were played at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium, which opened in 2013 but was under development during this period—games were still held on the site.
• Playoff Eligibility: Due to NCAA reclassification rules, Albany was not eligible for the FCS playoffs in 2011 despite a winning record.

Season Performance

The 2011 season featured a mix of competitive wins and narrow losses, reflecting a team in transition. The Great Danes faced a challenging non-conference schedule, including matchups with FBS opponents and regional rivals.

• Season Opener: Albany opened the season with a 27–24 win over Colgate on September 3, 2011, setting a positive tone.
• Key Player: Quarterback Vincent Testaverde returned as the starting QB, throwing for 1,852 yards and 14 touchdowns.
• Defensive Standout: Linebacker Eric Carter led the team with 87 tackles and 5.5 sacks.
• Loss to FBS Team: The Great Danes lost 34–20 to Buffalo (FBS) on September 17, a respectable showing against a higher-division opponent.
• Late-Season Surge: Albany won three of their final five games, including a 31–28 victory over Duquesne in November.
• Final Game: The season concluded with a 24–21 loss to Central Connecticut State on November 19, 2011.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a statistical comparison of the 2011 Albany Great Danes and their 2010 season performance:

The table shows measurable improvement across key performance metrics from 2010 to 2011. While the overall win increase was modest, the team’s conference record improved to 5–3, indicating stronger league play. Defensive consistency and offensive efficiency both saw gains, setting a foundation for future competitiveness in the NEC.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season was a transitional but promising year for Albany football, laying groundwork for future success in the FCS. The team demonstrated resilience and incremental growth under consistent leadership.

• Program Development: The 6–5 record signaled progress in Greg Gattuso’s rebuilding effort entering his fifth season.
• Player Development: Quarterback Vincent Testaverde gained valuable experience that would benefit future seasons.
• Conference Strength: Improving to 5–3 in NEC play showed the team could compete at a high level within the conference.
• Recruiting Momentum: Competitive performances against FBS teams like Buffalo helped boost recruiting visibility.
• Facility Growth: Continued development of Tom & Mary Casey Stadium enhanced the team’s long-term infrastructure.
• Foundation for 2012: The 2011 season set the stage for future playoff eligibility and stronger conference standings.

Though not a championship season, 2011 was a critical step in establishing Albany as a competitive FCS program. The team’s steady improvement reflected effective coaching, player development, and institutional support.