Special teams woes plague UAlbany in Homecoming loss to Elon

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Just when it seemed like the University at Albany football team was turning the corner following back-to-back victories, the Great Danes suffered a setback against Coastal Athletic Association foe Elon Saturday afternoon.

After not having allowed a kickoff return for a touchdown since 2019, UAlbany surrendered two kick returns for scores, which was the difference in a 30-14 loss that spoiled the Great Danes' Homecoming, and moved both their overall and league record back below .500 (3-4, 1-2).
 
Key Stat Lines 

• Quarterback Myles Burkett passed for 214 yards and a TD on 18 completions.
• MarQeese Dietz led the receiving room with six receptions for 97 yards.
• Caden Burti caught the Great Danes only passing touchdown.
• Jojo Uga was able to find the end zone on the ground.
• Dontae Lunan recorded a team leading 12 tackles, including nine solo tackles.
• Thomas Joe-Kamara recorded a TFL and a sack on the day.
• Owen Lason finished with four punts that landed inside the Elon 10-yard line.

 
Head Coach Greg Gattuso: "Very disappointed in the outcome of the game. I gave them [Elon] three points before the half, two kickoff touchdown returns; it's very difficult to win a football game like that. Very disappointed in front of a great crowd for Homecoming who came out to see us play."
 
How it Happened: 

• The Great Danes opened the game with a hard-fought drive, marching 65 yards on 12 plays to take a 7-0 lead. The drive was capped by a two-yard run from freshman running back Jojo Uga.

• However, Elon punched right back with Chandler Brayboy taking the ensuing kickoff 94 yards to the house to tie the game.
• The Phoenix made it 14-7 as time expired in the first quarter. Quarterback Matthew Downing found tight end Cody Hardy for a one-yard hookup, finishing off a six-play 52-yard drive.
• Elon was able to put three more points on the board as time expired in the first half to extend the lead to 17-7. After taking over at midfield, the Phoenix settled for a 40-yard field goal from Jack Berkowitz.
• Punter Owen Lawson enjoyed a spectacular first half for the Great Danes, landing punts at the Elon seven-yard line, two-yard line, and two at the one-yard line.
• UAlbany finished the first half with 34 rushing yards and 63 receiving yards. Elon finished with 58 rushing yards and 59 receiving yards.
• Elon made increased the lead to 24-7 on the first drive of the second half. TJ Thomas Jr. ran it in himself from eight yards out on a 4^th-and-1 to finish a seven-play, 75-yard drive.
• The Great Danes got back into the game midway through the third when Caden Burti stretched for the pylon to score a nine-yard touchdown. His score was the final play of a four-play, 47-yard drive to make it 24-14.
• Similar to UAlbany's first score, Elon punched right back on the ensuing kickoff. Brayboy took another to the house, this time 93 yards, to make it 30-14. The extra point attempt was no good.
• The Great Danes missed a 41-yard field goal attempt with 2:24 remaining in the third.

  
Next: The Great Danes hit the road once again to travel to CAA foe Delaware. Keep up with all of the latest news, highlights, and insights on UAlbany football by following the team on X and Instagram and by following UAlbany Athletics on Facebook.