Stony Brook Advances with Comeback Win over Albany

Stony Brook’s first venture into the FCS playoffs looked gloomy early in the third quarter when Albany scored at the 13:25 mark to take a 28-10 lead. The Seawolves simply turned to Brock Jackolski to take over the game.

By Myron Hosea
CSN So South Columnist
College Sporting News

Jackolski scored three touchdowns, and the Seawolves defense made a big play in the end zone in the final minute of the game for a 31-28 first-round playoff victory over the Great Danes.

The win sends Stony Brook (9-3) to Huntsville, TX, where it will play top-seed Sam Houston State (11-0) at 3 p.m. EST on Dec. 3. Stony Brook also became the first Big South Conference football team to win a postseason game.

"Wow," Stony Brook head coach Chuck Priore said in a statement released by the school. "I know I say it a lot, but good teams find ways to win. I'm really proud of my alma mater (UAlbany class of 1982) and the job they did tonight, but I'm even more proud of our team. We're excited for the opportunity to play another week."

To get to play another week, the Seawolves needed a big play from defensive back Donald Porter, who made seven solo tackles, a tackle for loss, and intercepted a pass. Albany (8-4) mounted one last drive, getting a first down on the Stony Brook seven. The Great Danes, behind quarterback Dan Di Lella, converted three third-down plays and a fourth down to get there. On second down from the four, Porter tipped Di Lella’s pass in the end zone and Seawolves teammate Dominick Reyes intercepted it to seal the game.

That play meant Stony Brook held Albany scoreless over the final 28:25 of the game. In its five offensive possessions between its last touchdown and that final drive, Albany ran 20 plays for 40 total yards.

Meanwhile, the Seawolves broke loose on offense. Jackolski scored on a six-yard run with 4:10 left in the third quarter. With 1:16 remaining in the quarter, he teamed with quarterback Kyle Essington on a 55-yard scoring pass. With 12:40 to go in the game, Jackolski ran 11 yards for the game-winning score.

Jackolski ran 22 times for 103 yards. Miguel Maysonet added 75 yards on his 22 rushes.

Albany managed only 82 yards on the ground. Wide receiver Ryan Kirchner generated offense for the Great Danes by catching 12 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown.