Bryant falls to UAlbany at home on Saturday

Match Review: Football | Oct 12, 2024 7:32 p.m

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University football team fell to UAlbany 24-17 at home in a CAA football matchup on Saturday.

Landon Ruggieri caught his ninth touchdown of the season and had his fifth straight game with a score. Fabrice Mukendi recorded 94 yards on the ground and 50 yards receiving (144 all-purpose). Drew Montez completed his first career TD as a Bulldog and Jarrett Guest threw for 233 yards and two scores.

Collin Elliott and Olatunde Mkparu had an interception and Cole Nilles made a career-high 13 tackles. Ben Silver And Maximus Villar had a sack while Michael Otty counted 2.5 TFLs.

Game information
UAlbany 24, Bryant 17
Records: Bryant (2-4, 0-2), UAlbany (3-3, 1-1)
Location: Beirne Stadium (Smithfield, RI)

Key moment

 

• On the 3rd^approx and 31 in the fourth quarter, Great Danes converted a first down on a 38-yard pass that led to a touchdown and broke the 10-10 tie (17-10).

How it happened

• The Bulldogs started the game with a 39-yard rush from Mukendi, who sent a 36-yard ball to Ruggieri for the first score of the game (7-0).
• On the next drive, the Great Danes were on the move, but were stopped on fourth down by Elliott, who charged through the line to attack the runner.
• The Black and Gold then drove down the field to the UAlbany 2-yard line early in the second quarter, but were unable to score after a fumble at the goal line.
• After a second Bryant fumble, the Great Danes began the possession at the Bulldogs’ 36-yard line, drove to the 18-yard line and then threw a fade route that was jumped by Elliott for an interception.
• The Bulldogs were forced to punt from their own end zone, which was blocked. Bryant’s defense stayed strong and held the Great Danes to a field goal (7-3).
• UAlbany started the second half with the ball, driving down the field and capping the drive with a 3-yard TD pass (10-7). At the subsequent kickoff Keylijah Williams changed direction and recorded a 55-yard return, starting the Bulldog drive on the Great Danes’ side.
• The Black and Gold then moved down the field, resulting in a 22-yard play Bryce Solos FG brings the game to a draw (10-10).
• UAlbany countered with a seven-play drive that took the Great Danes to the Bryant 9-yard line before Mkparu jumped in front of the receiver in the end zone and hauled in the pick.
• The Great Danes began the fourth quarter with possession and led an eight-play touchdown drive, scored by a 5-yard pass (17-10).
• On the next drive, the Bulldogs were intercepted, putting UAlbany in the redzone.
• The Black and Gold defense stopped the Great Danes and set up a field goal that was missed, leaving the deficit at one point.
• Both defenses held strong for five minutes before UAlbany stopped Bryant at 4^Th from their own nine, resulting in a touchdown (24-10).
• Bryant then had a seven-play drive that resulted in a 21-yard touchdown pass to Montez with eight seconds left (24-17).
• The Bulldogs set up an onside kick that was deflected, giving Bryant a chance for a Hail Mary. The Ave Maria was knocked down and the game ended.

statistics

• Mukendi managed 95 yards on the ground and 40 yards receiving, for 144 all-purpose yards.
• Guest recorded 233 yards and two touchdowns.
• Ruggieri had 3 recs for 50 yards and a score.
• Montez scored 37 yards and a TD.
• Nilles registered 13 tackles and one TFL.
• Mkparu scored seven TKLs and one INT.
• Michael Otty recorded four TKLs and 2.5 TFLs.
• Elliott had an INT, a breakup and three tackles.
• Ben Silver And Maximus Villar posted a bag.

Game notes

• Ruggieri now has 35 recs, 599 yards and nine touchdowns this season.
• He has a touchdown in five straight games.
• Guest has 1,592 yards and 13 TDs this year.
• Mukendi recorded his second consecutive 100+ all-purpose game and a season-high 95 yards on the ground.
• Elliott recorded his first INT of the season and his third of his career.
• Silver has produced a sack in three straight games and has 4.5 this year and 10 in his career.
• Nilles had a career-best performance with 13 tackles.
• Mkparu recorded his first INT of the season and his second of his career.
• Montez scored his first TD of his Bulldog career.

Next

Bryant travels to New Jersey to face Monmouth on Saturday.