Central Connecticut State at Albany
The Blue Devils come into the playoffs having just swept through the Northeast Conference. And other than one home game with St. Francis, none of them were ever in real doubt. The only game Central Connecticut State lost this year was a 34-29 thriller at FBS Eastern Michigan. The defense is giving up a scant 18.3 points per game. One has to wonder if that’s a product of their overall weak schedule or is it really them. The offense could be renamed the Aaron Winchester show. Not only has the senior quarterback had a terrific year passing the ball; 65% completions and a 19/4 TD/INT ratio, he’s added another 765 yards rushing. Danley Exilhomme is a pretty solid running back and wide out Tyshaun James has nine touchdown catches and 951 receiving yards.
Albany was the second place team in the Colonial Athletic Association. And they probably did it as quietly as anyone in that conference ever has. Though, if you ask teams from the CAA, they’ll tell the Great Danes offense is plenty loud. Quarterback Jeff Undercuffler has thrown for just under 3,000 yards and 33 touchdowns this year. And that’s crazy since he hasn’t topped 200 yards in any of his last three, though he’s not thrown a pick in that time either. Receivers Juwan Green and Jerah Reeves enjoy the pass happy system. And just when you get too concentrated on that, Karl Mofor is there to bust you up with the run, with his near 1200 yards and nine touchdowns. Sometimes the defense gives up some points, but it’s a product of their offense’s proficiency leaving them on the field.
This game has offense to spare. CCSU has some good defensive numbers but it’ll be a real test here, on the road, with a team who’s probably got a lot more talent than what they’ve been seeing in the NEC. If it’s completely nutso scoring, maybe an upset takes place.
Prediction: Albany 45, Central Connecticut State 31
