What Is 2014 Albany Great Danes football team

Overview

The 2014 Albany Great Danes football team represented the University at Albany in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Competing in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the team was led by head coach Greg Gattuso, who was in his fourth year at the helm. The Great Danes showed significant offensive strength but fell just short of qualifying for the FCS playoffs.

Despite a solid 7-5 overall record and a 5-3 conference performance, Albany did not receive an at-large bid to the postseason. The team’s offense was one of the most productive in the FCS, consistently scoring over 30 points per game. The season reflected both growth and missed opportunities for the program.

• Record: The Great Danes finished the 2014 season with a 7-5 overall record, demonstrating competitiveness against a challenging FCS schedule.
• Conference play: In the Colonial Athletic Association, they posted a 5-3 conference record, placing them in the upper half of the league standings.
• Head coach:Greg Gattuso led the team in his fourth season, emphasizing physical play and disciplined defense.
• Offensive output: Albany averaged 34.8 points per game, ranking among the top 15 FCS teams in scoring offense.
• Playoff exclusion: Despite their strong performance, the Great Danes were not selected for the FCS playoffs, a decision that sparked debate among fans and analysts.

How It Works

The 2014 season operated under standard NCAA FCS rules, with team performance evaluated through conference play, strength of schedule, and national rankings. Selection for the 24-team playoff field relied on a combination of win-loss records, computer rankings, and committee discretion.

• Division I FCS: The NCAA's Football Championship Subdivision is the second tier of college football, culminating in a 24-team playoff to crown a national champion.
• CAA Membership: The Colonial Athletic Association is a competitive FCS conference that includes teams from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
• Playoff Selection: The FCS playoff field is determined by a selection committee, prioritizing conference champions and at-large bids based on merit.
• Strength of Schedule: Teams are evaluated on opponents' records and rankings, which influenced Albany’s playoff chances despite their 7-5 record.
• Offensive Scheme: Albany ran a spread-based, pass-heavy offense led by quarterback Vincent Testaverde, who threw for over 2,000 yards.
• Defensive Strategy: The defense utilized a 4-3 alignment and focused on stopping the run, though it struggled at times against high-powered offenses.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2014 Albany Great Danes with other top CAA teams and the eventual FCS champion:

This table illustrates that Albany’s record and scoring output were comparable to other CAA teams that also missed the playoffs. While their 7-5 record matched several non-qualifiers, the selection committee favored teams with stronger non-conference wins or better defensive metrics. North Dakota State, the national champion, stood out with a perfect season and dominant defense.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a pivotal moment in the development of Albany’s football program, highlighting both progress and the challenges of breaking into the FCS playoff picture. The team’s offensive firepower demonstrated the program’s potential, but the playoff snub underscored the importance of non-conference scheduling and national perception.

• Program growth: The season marked continued improvement under Greg Gattuso, building toward future competitiveness in the CAA.
• Offensive identity: Albany established itself as an offensive powerhouse, setting a foundation for future recruiting and scheme development.
• Playoff implications: Missing the postseason by a narrow margin emphasized the importance of marquee wins and strength of schedule.
• Recruiting boost: Strong individual performances, especially on offense, helped attract higher-caliber recruits in subsequent years.
• Conference reputation: The CAA’s depth was evident, as multiple 7-5 teams were excluded, showing the league’s overall strength.
• National exposure: Competitive games against ranked teams increased visibility for the Great Danes on a national level.

Ultimately, the 2014 Albany Great Danes season served as a stepping stone, laying the groundwork for future success in one of the FCS’s toughest conferences.