What Is 2017 Albany Great Danes football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Albany Great Danes football team represented the University at Albany in the 2017 NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 7-5 overall record and a 5-3 mark in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Head coach Greg Gattuso led the team to its first-ever CAA North Division title. The Great Danes did not qualify for the FCS playoffs.

Key Facts

The 2017 Albany Great Danes finished with a 7-5 overall record
They went 5-3 in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA)
Won the CAA North Division title for the first time in program history
Head coach Greg Gattuso led the team in his second season
The team played home games at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium in Albany, NY

Overview

The 2017 Albany Great Danes football team represented the University at Albany in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), competing as members of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Under head coach Greg Gattuso, the team achieved a 7-5 overall record and a 5-3 conference record, marking one of the more successful seasons in program history.

Albany claimed its first-ever CAA North Division title, a significant milestone for the program. Despite a strong season, the Great Danes narrowly missed qualification for the FCS playoffs due to a lack of marquee wins and a weak non-conference schedule. The team played its home games at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium, which has a capacity of 8,500.

First CAA North Division title: The Great Danes clinched the division crown in 2017, a first in program history, finishing ahead of rivals like Stony Brook and Maine.
7-5 overall record: This marked the team’s best win total since joining the FCS ranks and reflected steady improvement under second-year head coach Greg Gattuso.
Quarterback combination: The team relied on a dual-threat backfield with redshirt sophomore quarterback Jeff Undercuffler and senior Vincent Testaverde sharing snaps.
Defensive strength: Albany’s defense ranked among the top in the CAA, allowing just 20.8 points per game, a testament to its disciplined scheme.
Home-field advantage: The Great Danes went 5-1 at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium, showcasing strong support from the local fanbase and student section.

Season Performance

The 2017 campaign was defined by consistency and resilience, as the Great Danes navigated a tough CAA schedule that included powerhouses like James Madison and Richmond. While they avoided blowout losses, missed opportunities against ranked opponents ultimately cost them a playoff berth.

September 2, 2017: Albany opened the season with a 35-13 win over Sacred Heart, setting a positive tone with a balanced offensive attack.
Non-conference struggles: A 31-21 loss to Buffalo (FBS) exposed gaps in depth, though the team competed well against a higher-division opponent.
CAA dominance: The Great Danes defeated key rivals Stony Brook (27-24) and New Hampshire (24-10) to solidify their division lead.
Close losses to ranked teams: Narrow defeats to #6 James Madison (27-21) and #13 Richmond (24-23) proved costly in playoff consideration.
Running game: Senior RB Karl Mofor rushed for 782 yards and 8 touchdowns on 187 carries, anchoring the offense.
Defensive leader: Linebacker Mike Morrell recorded 98 tackles, leading the team and ranking among CAA leaders in tackles per game.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2017 Albany Great Danes compared to other top CAA teams in key statistical categories:

Team	Overall Record	CAA Record	Points For	Points Against	Playoff Result
Albany	7-5	5-3	25.1 PPG	20.8 PPG	Did not qualify
James Madison	13-2	8-0	38.7 PPG	15.3 PPG	Champions
Richmond	10-4	6-2	28.9 PPG	20.1 PPG	Quarterfinals
Stony Brook	5-6	3-5	23.5 PPG	24.7 PPG	Did not qualify
New Hampshire	7-5	4-4	25.4 PPG	21.6 PPG	Did not qualify

The table illustrates that while Albany matched New Hampshire in wins, their stronger division record earned them the North title. However, James Madison’s dominance in both offense and defense highlighted the gap between the Great Danes and the nation’s elite FCS programs. Despite solid stats, Albany’s lack of a signature win hurt their playoff resume.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a turning point for the Albany football program, demonstrating its ability to compete at a high level within the FCS landscape. It laid the foundation for future recruiting success and increased regional visibility.

Program credibility: Winning the CAA North elevated Albany’s status and boosted recruiting efforts across New York and the Northeast.
Coaching validation: Greg Gattuso’s second season proved he could build a competitive team, earning him greater support from the athletic department.
Player development: Several players, including Jeff Undercuffler, gained national attention, improving the team’s profile.
Home attendance: Average home attendance increased by 12% compared to 2016, reflecting growing fan interest.
Foundation for 2018: The 2017 season set expectations higher, leading to an even stronger 2018 campaign with playoff aspirations.
Regional rivalry growth: Games against Stony Brook and UMass gained intensity, enhancing the Great Danes’ regional footprint.

The 2017 Albany Great Danes may not have reached the playoffs, but their achievements marked a pivotal step in the program’s evolution, proving they could lead a division and compete with FCS powerhouses on a consistent basis.