What Is 2022 Albany Great Danes football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2022 Albany Great Danes football team represented the University at Albany in the NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 6–5 record under head coach Greg Gattuso. They competed in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and did not qualify for the FCS playoffs.

Key Facts

The 2022 Albany Great Danes finished the season with a 6–5 overall record
Head coach Greg Gattuso led the team in his sixth season at Albany
The Great Danes played their home games at Bob Ford Field at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium
They competed in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), finishing with a 4–4 conference record
Albany did not qualify for the 2022 FCS playoffs after a losing season in conference play

Overview

The 2022 Albany Great Danes football team represented the University at Albany in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Competing as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the team was led by sixth-year head coach Greg Gattuso and played its home games at Bob Ford Field at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium in Albany, New York.

The season marked a transition year for the program, as the Great Danes aimed to rebuild after previous playoff appearances. Despite strong individual performances, the team struggled with consistency, particularly in conference matchups, ultimately falling short of postseason eligibility.

Record: The team finished the season with a 6–5 overall record, marking a slight decline from previous years’ success.
CAA Performance: In conference play, the Great Danes posted a 4–4 record, finishing in the middle of the CAA standings.
Stadium: All home games were played at Bob Ford Field, which has a seating capacity of approximately 8,500 spectators.
Head Coach: Greg Gattuso entered his sixth season at the helm, overseeing offensive and defensive adjustments throughout the year.
Postseason: Albany did not qualify for the FCS playoffs, missing the postseason for the second consecutive year.

Season Performance

The 2022 campaign featured a mix of competitive non-conference matchups and tough CAA road games. The Great Danes showed flashes of offensive strength but were hampered by defensive lapses and inconsistent quarterback play.

Opening Game: Albany defeated Central Connecticut State 38–21 in Week 1, setting a positive tone early in the season.
Key Loss: A 31–28 defeat to Maine in October proved pivotal, as it damaged their playoff resume.
Offensive Output: The team averaged 27.6 points per game, ranking in the middle tier of the FCS nationally.
Defensive Struggles: The defense allowed 28.2 points per game, struggling to contain high-powered CAA offenses.
Home Record: The Great Danes went 4–1 at home, demonstrating strong support from their local fanbase.
Rivalry Game: The annual 'Empire Clash' against Stony Brook ended in a 24–17 loss, snapping a two-game win streak.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2022 season compared to recent years in key statistical categories:

Season	Overall Record	CAA Record	Points Per Game	Postseason
2022	6–5	4–4	27.6	None
2021	7–5	5–3	29.1	None
2019	7–5	5–3	31.8	FCS First Round
2018	10–4	7–1	34.6	FCS Semifinals
2017	7–5	5–3	30.2	FCS First Round

The 2022 season reflected a gradual decline in performance compared to the peak years of 2018 and 2019. While offensive production remained relatively stable, the inability to win close conference games limited their advancement. The team also faced challenges with player development and depth, especially on the defensive line.

Why It Matters

The 2022 season was a pivotal moment in the trajectory of the Albany football program, highlighting both resilience and areas needing improvement. As the Great Danes aim to return to FCS playoff contention, the lessons from this season are critical for future planning.

Program Development: The season underscored the need for stronger recruiting and player retention strategies.
Conference Competition: The CAA remains one of the toughest FCS conferences, making consistent success difficult.
Coaching Adjustments: Greg Gattuso faced increased scrutiny, prompting evaluation of offensive schemes and defensive coordination.
Facility Investment: Continued upgrades at Bob Ford Field are essential to attract top-tier talent.
Player Health: Injuries to key starters disrupted team chemistry and depth throughout the season.
Future Outlook: The 2022 season laid groundwork for rebuilding, with hopes of resurgence in 2023 and beyond.

Looking ahead, the Great Danes must focus on strengthening their defensive unit and developing a more balanced offense. With strategic coaching decisions and improved player development, Albany remains poised to re-emerge as a contender in the FCS landscape.