What Is 2013 Albany Great Danes football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Albany Great Danes football team represented the University at Albany in the NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 7–5 record under head coach Greg Gattuso and advancing to the FCS playoffs for the first time in program history.

Key Facts

The team finished the 2013 season with a 7–5 overall record
Albany won the Northeast Conference (NEC) championship with a 6–0 conference record
They earned their first-ever FCS playoff berth
The Great Danes defeated Central Connecticut State 41–0 in the NEC title game
Head coach Greg Gattuso led the team in his fifth season

Overview

The 2013 Albany Great Danes football team marked a historic milestone for the University at Albany's program, achieving unprecedented success in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Competing as a member of the Northeast Conference (NEC), the team posted a 7–5 overall record and a perfect 6–0 in conference play, securing the NEC title outright.

This season was particularly significant as it represented the program's first appearance in the FCS playoffs since transitioning from Division II. The Great Danes' dominant defense and balanced offensive attack propelled them to national recognition, culminating in a playoff berth that elevated the program's profile.

Record: The team finished with a 7–5 overall record, including a flawless 6–0 mark in NEC competition, securing the conference championship.
Playoff appearance: Albany earned its first-ever FCS playoff berth, a historic achievement under fifth-year head coach Greg Gattuso.
Defensive dominance: The Great Danes shut out Central Connecticut State 41–0 in the NEC title-clinching game, showcasing a powerful defensive performance.
Quarterback leadership: Quarterback Kyle Kennedy led the offense, throwing for over 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns during the regular season.
Home field: The team played its home games at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium, a 8,500-seat facility in Albany, New York, which provided a strong home-field advantage.

Performance and Season Highlights

The 2013 season was defined by consistent performances and a breakthrough in postseason eligibility. Albany’s ability to win close games and dominate conference opponents set the tone for a memorable year.

NEC Champions: The Great Danes won the NEC title outright with a 6–0 conference record, the first undefeated conference season in program history.
Playoff run: As the No. 1 seed in the NEC, Albany hosted a playoff game but lost 36–21 to Stony Brook in the first round.
Scoring offense: Albany averaged 31.2 points per game, ranking in the top 25 nationally among FCS teams in scoring offense.
Defensive strength: The defense allowed only 20.8 points per game and recorded three shutouts during the season.
Rushing attack: Running back Brock Berlin rushed for 1,037 yards and 12 touchdowns, becoming the first Great Dane to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a season.
Special teams: Kicker Sean Devine made 10 of 13 field goals and contributed 52 extra points, providing reliable scoring support.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2013 Great Danes stacked up against previous seasons and conference rivals:

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Playoff Result	Head Coach
2013	7–5	6–0 (NEC)	Lost in First Round	Greg Gattuso
2012	4–7	3–3 (NEC)	Did not qualify	Greg Gattuso
2011	6–5	4–2 (NEC)	Did not qualify	Greg Gattuso
2010	5–6	3–3 (NEC)	Did not qualify	Greg Gattuso
2009	6–5	4–2 (NEC)	Did not qualify	Greg Gattuso

The 2013 season clearly stood out as the most successful in program history up to that point, with the only undefeated conference record and first playoff appearance. The team’s improvement from a 4–7 record in 2012 to 7–5 in 2013 demonstrated significant progress under Gattuso’s leadership. The combination of offensive firepower and defensive consistency made this season a turning point for the program.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season laid the foundation for future success and raised the profile of Albany football on the national stage. It proved that the program could compete at a high level in the FCS and inspired recruiting momentum.

Program growth: The playoff appearance signaled the arrival of Albany as a competitive FCS program, boosting visibility and recruiting.
Conference legacy: Winning the NEC with a perfect record established Albany as a dominant force in the conference.
Player development: Several players earned All-NEC honors, highlighting the team’s talent and coaching effectiveness.
Home success: A 5–1 home record demonstrated strong fan support and home-field advantage at Casey Stadium.
Media exposure: The playoff game was televised, increasing national exposure for the university and athletic department.
Future impact: The 2013 season paved the way for future playoff appearances in 2017 and 2018, building a winning culture.

Ultimately, the 2013 Albany Great Danes football team represented a breakthrough moment in the program’s history. Their success on the field translated into long-term benefits for the university’s athletic reputation and football program development.