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2025 New Haven vs UAlbany

New Haven Holds Off UAlbany Football 24-17 For First Division I Victory

New Haven Holds Off UAlbany Football 24-17 For First Division I Victory

New Haven jumped out to a 24-0 lead and was able to slow a second-half surge from UAlbany to secure its first NCAA Division I victory, 24-17.

Sep 14, 2025 by Matt Cannizzaro
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After two appearances in the transfer portal, junior quarterback AJ Duffy seems to have found a home at the University of New Haven, and he was able to help the Chargers to their first win of the season – and first at the NCAA Division I level – Saturday on the road at UAlbany.

Three first-half touchdown passes from Duffy helped New Haven pull ahead early, and while he was quiet after the break, the Chargers managed to hold on for a 24-17 win, spoiling the Great Danes’ home opener.

Through the first half, Duffy was 16 of 21 through the air for 165 yards and the three scores (to different receivers), but the UAlbany defense kept him honest after the break, while the Great Danes nearly completed the comeback for their own first win of the year.

Duffy finished the contest 23 for 35 for 180 yards, as UAlbany senior Jack Shields used his arm and his legs to bring the Great Danes within a play of winning the game.

With less than a minute left in the contest, UAlbany was at the New Haven 19-yard line with four chances to find the end zone.

Even with another first down still possible, the Great Danes took three shots at the end zone – all incomplete passes – before Shields was sacked to end any chance at a victory. Duffy then took a knee to run out the clock for New Haven.

Shields completed 31 of 53 passes for 396 yards. He had two interceptions and one touchdown, and he was sacked six times, erasing the 28 yards he had on the ground and leaving him with -13 for the game. 

UAlbany senior tight end Carter Moses caught nine passes for 119 yards, and junior receiver Caden Burti had five catches for 117 yards. 

Despite the final score, UAlbany had the more productive offense, running 79 plays for 436 yards, while New Haven had 64 and 294, respectively. 

The teams combined for 20 penalties for 182 yards, with 12/102 belonging to the host Great Danes.

Their meeting Saturday at Bob Ford Field at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium was their fourth overall and first since 1986.

The Chargers entered the contest with 2-1 record all-time against the Great Danes, picking up wins in 1984 (24-7) and 1986 (45-28), after losing in their first meeting in 1981 (36-6).

Both teams opened the 2025 season with back-to-back road games, and the result was a combined 0-4 record.

This season marks the first year of Division I FCS play for New Haven, which wrapped up its Division II tenure last season with an 8-3 record and a trip to the Division II Playoffs.

The new era in Chargers football started with losses to Marist (31-14) and Mercyhurst (48-14), but they’ll now get to return from their three-game road trip with a tick in the win column.

Interim head coach Jared Ambrose and the Great Danes started the year with losses to Iowa (34-7) and Delaware State (37-32).

Up next for his team will be a visit from Cornell on Sept. 20, followed by the start of Coastal Athletic Association play on the road against New Hampshire on Sept. 27.

New Haven now heads back to West Haven, Connecticut, for its first home game, a Sept. 20 meeting with Division II standout Saginaw Valley State. 

If you missed seeing the action unfold live, you can catch the replay, highlights, news and notes on FloCollege.

Final Stats From New Haven Football Victory Over UAlbany

TeamNew HavenUAlbany
First Downs2024
Rushing Attempts2925
Rushing Yards11440
Rushing Avg3.91.6
Receptions2331
Receiving Yards180409
Receiving Avg7.813.2
Passing Yards180396
Pass C-A-I23-35-031-54-2
Plays-Yards64-29479-436
Yards/Play4.595.52
Kick Return Yards2-353-54
Punt Return Yards1-81-0
Interception-Yards2-20-0
Fumbles-Yards0-00-0
Fumbles-Lost0-01-0
Penalties8-8012-102
Punts7-36.34-31.3
Possession3:458:15
3rd Down Eff4-124-15
4th Down Eff0-02-4
Points2417

New Haven Runs Out The Clock To Secure Its First NCAA Division I Victory, 24-17

New Haven gets the ball at its own 30-yard line and runs out the clock to earn its first Division I victory.

UAlbany Falls Short In Final Possession Against New Haven Football

The sequence with the game on the line (with a first down still possible): 

  • First down - incomplete pass (going for end zone)
  • Second down - incomplete pass (going for end zone)
  • Third down - incomplete pass (back of end zone)
  • Fourth down - Shields is sacked

Pass Interference Against New Haven!

Another pass interference call against New Haven gives UAlbany a chance to win it. 

It's first and 10 at the 19 with less than a minute left in the contest. 

UAlbany Threatening With Less Than Two Minutes Left

The Great Danes are moving the ball and have a first-and-10 opportunity at the UNH 28-yard line.

Shields is sacked, so it will be second and 18 at the 36. 

After a completed pass, it's third and 16 on the New Haven 34.

Biggest Play Of The Game For New Haven Football?

UAlbany is back in the game. The crowd is back in the game.

It's third and 9 for New Haven with just under five minutes left to play. A conversion here could be the end of UAlbany's second-half surge. Another stop by the Great Danes would give them a chance to steal a victory.

Duffy completes a short pass, but it's not enough. The Chargers are forced to punt for the seventh time.

UAlbany Adds Field Goal To Stay Alive Against New Haven, Chargers Ahead 24-17

The opportunity wasn't completely wasted for the Great Danes, who tack on three points with a 45-yard field goal from Bozek.

New Haven leads 24-17 with six minutes left in the contest. 

Great Danes Threatening In Final 10 Minutes vs. New Haven

Shields has found a rhythm and gets the Great Danes inside the New Haven 30, but back-to-back penalties against UAlbany sees the progress negated. 

It's first and 35 for UAlbany at the 50-yard line with 7:50 left to play in the game.

New Haven sacks Shields, setting up second and 43.

UAlbany Defense Stops Chargers, Special Teams Falters

The UAlbany defense forces New Haven into a three-and-out possession, but the ensuing punt is mishandled by the Great Danes.

Luckily for UAlbany, after review, the Great Danes get to keep the ball but have to start the drive from their own 21.

A 25-yard pass play from Shields to junior receiver Caden Burti gets UAlbany back to midfield. 

New Haven Defense Stops UAlbany Fourth-Quarter Surge

Shields finally was able to show off his legs for UAlbany, rushing 20 yards up the middle into New Haven territory.

On the next play, however, he throws his second interception of the game, with the misdirected pass going to junior defensive back Dre Kirton.

The turnover gives the Chargers a chance to run off some of the 12 minutes on the clock.

Time For Fourth Quarter In UAlbany vs. New Haven FB Battle

UAlbany came out firing in the second half, but the action quickly slowed in the first meeting between the Great Danes and New Haven since 1986.

It's New Haven 24, UAlbany 14 with 15 minutes left to play!

Touchdown UAlbany Great Danes!

Watch UAlbany find the end zone in the third quarter against New Haven.

UAlbany Football Has Momentum To Start Second Half, Great Danes Cut Deficit To 24-14

After converting on third and 23, UAlbany gets a 13-yard touchdown pass from Shields to freshman receiver Tavahri Groves to give the Great Danes the first score of the second half in their contest against New Haven.

Bozek adds the extra point to cut the deficit to 24-14 halfway through the third quarter.

The drive was 10 plays, 52 yards.

Shields is 15 for 29 for 233 yards. He has thrown for one touchdown and also threw an interception. 

Second Half Underway Between New Haven And UAlbany

New Haven leads 24-7, and Chargers quarterback AJ Duffy is looking to extend the lead during the opening drive of the second half.

Through two quarters of play, Duffy was 16 for 21 for 165 yards and three touchdowns.

First-Half Stats From New Haven Football At UAlbany

Team
First Downs		New Haven
17		UAlbany
9
Rushing Attempts1911
Rushing Yards8230
Rushing Avg4.32.7
Receptions1612
Receiving Yards165178
Receiving Avg10.314.8
Passing Yards165178
Pass C-A-I16-21-012-25-1
Plays-Yards40-24736-208
Yards/Play6.185.78
Kick Return Yards0-03-54
Punt Return Yards1-80-0
Interception-Yards1-20-0
Fumbles-Yards0-00-0
Fumbles-Lost0-01-0
Penalties4-406-42
Punts1-122-30
Possession16:0513:55
3rd Down Eff4-61-7
4th Down Eff0-01-2
Points247

First Half Between UAlbany Football And New Haven Ends With Missed Field Goal

With less than 20 seconds remaining in the first half, UAlbany attempts a 44-yard field goal and misses.

New Haven gets the ball back with 18 seconds and takes a knee.

The first half ends with New Haven ahead 24-7.

The Chargers will get the ball back to start the second half.

Don't Count Out UAlbany Football

Watch the first home touchdown of UAlbany's 2025 season.

Great Danes On The Board Against New Haven, Chargers Lead 24-7

Woodell finishes what he started and runs it in from a yard out to give UAlbany its first home touchdown of the season. Junior kicker James Bozek adds the extra point to make it 24-7.

There's 1:57 left in the first half.

New Haven will take over AND will get the ball to start the second half.

UAlbany Football Touchdown Called Back

Shields completes a 15-yard play with junior running back Griffin Woodell, who is called out at the 1-yard line after the play is reviewed. 

The Great Danes will try to punch it in from the 1.

One More Time For New Haven Football

Watch New Haven quarterback AJ Duffy get it done one more time!

AJ Duffy Unstoppable For New Haven Football, Chargers Lead 24-0

Duffy rolls out and tosses his third touchdown pass of the game, this time connecting with graduate student Nikkem Reynolds from 21 yards. Quigley adds the extra point to make it 24-0 with five minutes left in the first half.

The drive was five plays for 44 yards after a UAlbany punt.

Duffy is 13 for 16 for 145 yards and three scores.

New Haven Chargers Rolling Against UAlbany Football

AJ Duffy to Evan Chieca from the 3-yard line. Take a look!

New Haven Football Dominating UAlbany 17-0

A third-and-17 attempt from the UAlbany 30 turns into a first-and-10 opportunity from the UAlbany 12-yard line (an 18-yard pass from Duffy to junior tight end Evan Chieca).

Another penalty against the Great Danes sees the Chargers on the UAlbany 6-yard line - first and goal.

Duffy connects with Chieca from 3 yards out to increase the Chargers' lead to 16-0. 

Quigley adds the extra point to make it 17-0 with 8:10 left in the first half.

First Quarter Ends In UAlbany Football-New Haven Showdown

After one quarter of play, New Haven leads 10-0 and has the ball on its own 48-yard line.

New Haven Football Secures First Turnover In UAlbany Game

The first turnover of the contest goes to New Haven, an interception by Liam Godwin on a third-and-8 pass from UAlbany's senior quarterback Jack Shields.

A Look At The First Touchdown This Year At Casey Stadium

New Haven finds the end zone first in meeting with UAlbany. Check it out!

New Haven Adds To Lead Against Great Danes, Chargers Up 10-0

A 15-yard rush from senior Brian Thomas and a 21-yard pass from Duffy to Tracey put the Chargers in the red zone.

Duffy connects with junior receiver Matt Chandler from 12 yards out for the first touchdown of the contest. 

Quigley adds the extra point to put New Haven ahead 10-0 with 1:42 left in the opening quarter.

The drive was six plays for 63 yards, stunning the Great Danes and the home crowd.

UAlbany Football Fails To Capitalize On Momentum

A balanced UAlbany attack sees the Great Danes pick up consecutive first downs - one on the ground and one through the air - to get into New Haven territory.

The Great Danes are not able to capitalize on the opportunity, failing to convert on fourth and 6 on the New Haven 37. 

The Chargers take over, still leading 3-0.

Check Out The Opening Score From New Haven Football

The Chargers go up 3-0 with this field goal.

Chargers First To Score In Matchup With UAlbany Great Danes, Lead 3-0

New Haven has a solid first possession, but fails to convert on third and 12 from the UAlbany 26.

A penalty on UAlbany pushes the ball five yards closer.

Liam Quigley opens the scoring with a 38-yard field goal.

New Haven leads 3-0 with just under eight minutes left in the first quarter.

The drive was 47 yards on nine plays.

New Haven Comes Out Firing Against UAlbany Football

Junior quarterback AJ Duffy connects with senior receiver Joshua Tracey for a 19-yard strike, getting the Chargers into UAlbany territory on their first play. 

It's first and 10 on the UAlbany 49.

UAlbany Football Brave In First Possession At Home Against New Haven

The Great Danes convert on fourth-and-1 to extend their first possession of the year on their home field. 

New Haven Football vs. UAlbany Underway In New York

It's 71 degrees in Albany for the Great Danes' home opener. Let's go!

New Haven wins the coin toss and defers to the second half. The Chargers kick off to UAlbany, and we're underway!

A Look At The UAlbany Starting Lineup For Meeting With New Haven

See who will be on the field for the Great Danes against New Haven

Fast Fact: New Haven Football

Junior AJ Duffy is the team’s starting quarterback. 

In two games, he has completed 49-90 passes for 560 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. 

It’s not only on the field that Duffy has been a man on the move. New Haven is his third school in as many seasons, coming after stops at Florida State and San Diego State.

It's Nearly Game Time In Upstate New York

The UAlbany Great Danes are ready for their first home game of the 2025 season. Is this when they also pick up their first win?

When Is The New Haven vs. UAlbany Football Game?

The New Haven Chargers will take on the UAlbany Great Danes at Bob Ford Field at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium, on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. Eastern/6 p.m. Central.

How To Watch The New Haven vs. UAlbany Football Game

The New Haven vs. UAlbany football game is streaming live on FloCollege and the FloSports app.

Highlights, replays and breaking news will be available on both platforms.

2025 New Haven vs UAlbany


New Haven vs. UAlbany Football: By The Numbers

Courtesy of Madelyn Mendoza

With each team being two games deep into the 2025 season, here is a look at how the numbers stack up heading into kickoff Saturday.

Please note that all statistics are from the 2025 season and are an average number per game.  

New Haven

  • Points: 14
  • Total Offensive Yards: 312.5
  • Rushing Yards: 32.5 
  • Passing Yards: 280
  • Total Offensive Yards Allowed: 475
  • Rushing Yards Allowed: 248.5
  • Passing Yards Allowed: 226.5
  • Time of Possession:  23:52

UAlbany

  • Points: 19.5
  • Total Offensive Yards: 279.5
  • Rushing Yards: 60.5
  • Passing Yards: 219
  • Total Offensive Yards Allowed: 456
  • Rushing Yards Allowed: 339.5
  • Passing Yards Allowed: 116.5
  • Time of Possession: 21:48

About New Haven Football

New Haven does have recent playoff experience, having advanced to the Division II Football Championship in 2024, where the Chargers bowed out with a 14-7 opening-round loss to Slippery Rock. 

It was the final Division II game for New Haven, which made the move to the Division I FCS level for 2025 and will play in the Northeast Conference. 

The Chargers were 8-3 in their final Division II campaign and started their FCS era with losses to Marist University (31-14) and Mercyhurst University (48-14). 

How To Watch New Haven Football Games In 2025

All of New Haven’s conference games can be watched live on NEC Front Row, the official streaming platform of the Northeast Conference.

Check Out This New Haven Touchdown By AJ Duffy

In New Haven’s 48-14 loss to Mercyhurst last week, junior quarterback AJ Duffy threw for one touchdown and ran for another. Here’s a look at him in action.

About UAlbany Football

For UAlbany, interim head coach Jared Ambrose wasted no time testing his crew, as the Great Danes started their campaign under the bright TV lights of FS1 and against Big Ten powerhouse Iowa.

Though Ambrose’s men suffered a 34-7 loss to the Hawkeyes, he was proud of the way they battled for 60 minutes against a tough team. 

If nothing else, the meeting with Iowa was a great tune-up for the Great Danes’ contest against Delaware State, which featured a much closer 37-32 result. 

UAlbany still has a couple games on the slate before the start of conference play and plenty of season left to improve on last year’s 4-8 overall performance, which included a 2-6 mark in Coastal Athletic Association games. 

The season prior, the Great Danes were co-champions in the CAA, sharing the glory with Villanova and Richmond at 7-1 in conference matchups, and made a run to the NCAA Division I FCS national semifinals.

How To Watch UAlbany Football Games In 2025

CAA Football and UAlbany football home games will stream live on FloCollege and the FloSports app.

Game replays, highlights and breaking news will be posted on both platforms.

UAlbany Football Remembers AJ Simon

Prior to the start of the 2024 college football season, former UAlbany standout AJ Simon died in at age 25. He’d spent two seasons with the Great Danes and helped them to the playoffs in 2023. 

Each week during the 2024 campaign, UAlbany honored Simon’s memory by picking one defensive player each game to wear Simon’s No. 8. The choice was based on who best exemplified Simon’s work ethic and preparation during the week of practices. 

That tradition has continued in 2025, and junior defensive lineman Balansama Kamara has been selected to wear No. 8 against New Haven.

New Haven Football Schedule 2025

All Times Eastern

  • Aug. 29 (Fri): Marist 31, New Haven 14 (L)
  • Sept. 6 (Sat): Mercyhurst 48, New Haven 14 (L)
  • Sept. 13 (Sat): 7 p.m. at University at Albany
  • Sept. 20 (Sat): 1 p.m. vs Saginaw Valley State University
  • Sept. 27 (Sat): Noon at Duquesne
  • Oct. 4 (Sat): 1 p.m. vs Pace University
  • Oct. 11 (Sat): 1 p.m. vs Western Connecticut State
  • Oct. 25 (Sat): Noon at LIU
  • Nov. 1 (Sat): Noon at Sacred Heart University
  • Nov. 8 (Sat): 3:30 p.m. vs Merrimack 

UAlbany Football Schedule 2025

All Times Eastern

  • Aug. 30 (Sat): Iowa 34, UAlbany 7 (L)
  • Sept. 6 (Sat): Delaware State 37, UAlbany 32 (L)
  • Sept. 13 (Sat): 7 p.m. vs New Haven
  • Sept. 20 (Sat): 7 p.m. vs Cornell
  • Sept. 27 (Sat): 1 p.m. at New Hampshire
  • Oct. 4 (Sat): 3:30 p.m. vs Stony Brook
  • Oct. 18 (Sat): 3:30 p.m. vs Rhode Island
  • Oct. 25 (Sat): 3:30 p.m. at Villanova
  • Nov. 1 (Sat): 3:30 p.m. at William & Mary
  • Nov. 8 (Sat): 1 p.m. vs Bryant
  • Nov. 15 (Sat): 1 p.m. vs Towson
  • Nov. 22 (Sat): Noon at Monmouth

New Haven Football Roster For 2025

Here is where fans can find the New Haven football roster.

UAlbany Football Roster For 2025

Here is where fans can find the UAlbany football roster.

Watch More CAA Football On FloCollege

Here’s the CAA and FCS broadcast schedule on FloCollege for Week 2 of the 2025 college football season. Subscribe to watch. 

Saturday, Sept. 13

All Times Eastern

Latest Division I FCS Rankings 

AFCA FCS Coaches Poll For Sept. 6, 2025

  1. North Dakota State (2-0) - Previously: 1
  2. South Dakota State (2-0) - Previously: 2
  3. Tarleton State (3-0) - Previously: T-3
  4. Illinois State (1-1) - Previously: 7
  5. Rhode Island (2-0) - Previously: 8
  6. Montana State (0-2) - Previously: T-3
  7. Montana (1-0) - Previously: 10
  8. UIW (1-1) - Previously: 9
  9. UC Davis (1-1) - Previously: 5
  10. Idaho (1-1) - Previously: 11
  11. Villanova (1-0) - Previously: 12
  12. Lehigh (2-0) - Previously: 13
  13. Abilene Christian (1-1) - Previously: 17
  14. Southern Illinois (1-1) - Previously: 15
  15. Jackson State (1-1) - Previously: 14
  16. Tennessee Tech (2-0) - Previously: 20
  17. North Dakota (1-1) - Previously: 22
  18. Monmouth (2-0) - Previously: 18
  19. Northern Arizona (1-1) - Previously: 19
  20. South Dakota (0-2) - Previously: 6
  21. Sacramento State (0-2) - Previously: 16
  22. Mercer (0-1) - Previously: 21
  23. Austin Peay (1-1) - Previously: NR
  24. New Hampshire (2-0) - Previously: NR
  25. Youngstown State (2-0) - Previously: NR

Dropped Out: Stephen F. Austin (23), East Tennessee St. (24), Nicholls (T-25), Western Carolina (T-25)

Others Receiving Votes: ETSU, 43; Lamar, 38; Presbyterian, 35; Richmond, 28; West Georgia, 28; Stephen F. Austin, 22; Bryant, 19; Harvard, 18; Southeastern Louisiana, 17; Furman, 14; Indiana State, 14; South Carolina State, 12; Nicholls, 10; North Alabama, 9; Southeast Missouri State, 9; Central Arkansas, 7; Dartmouth, 7; Eastern Kentucky, 7; Western Carolina, 7; Lafayette, 5; St. Thomas 5; Gardner-Webb, 4; William & Mary, 4; Northern Iowa, 3; Georgetown, 2; LIU, 1.

When Do The 2025 FCS College Football Playoffs Start?

The FCS playoffs begin Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, featuring 24 teams. 

The 2025 Division I FCS College Football Championship game will be played on Jan. 5, 2026, at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

UAlbany Wins First CAA Regular-Season Championship In School History

Take a look back at the 2023 season and UAlbany’s first CAA title.


Archived Footage On FloCollege

Video footage from all games will be archived and stored in a video library for FloCollege subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscriptions.

Watch The 2025 College Football Season On FloCollege

FloCollege is the home of the best FCS, Division II and Division III football action all season long. 

Don't miss the latest college football action by bookmarking the FloCollege schedule page for the latest games. 

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