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ALBANY -- When the University at Albany football team joined the Northeast Conference in 1999, Robert Morris was the team to beat.
After slipping into also-ran status for several years, the Colonials again are on top as they host UAlbany in a pivotal Northeast Conference game on Saturday in Pittsburgh.
"They've got their swagger back," UAlbany coach Bob Ford said.
Robert Morris (5-1 overall, 4-0 league) is aiming for its first NEC title since 2000.
Meanwhile, UAlbany (3-2, 1-1) needs to win or risk falling out of contention early for the league title and an automatic berth to the NCAA playoffs in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision.
"Right now, these guys are undefeated in conference, so the road goes through them," UAlbany quarterback Dan Di Lella said.
The Great Danes are coming off a 48-0 victory over St. Francis (Pa.) that might be as close to a perfect football game as they're capable of playing.
UAlbany limited the Red Flash to 81 total yards and three first downs. The Great Danes gained 417 yards of total offense and didn't commit a turnover.
"Everything was just rolling," Ford said. "We could probably never do that performance again."
Still, Ford said he was pleased with the way the Great Danes practiced this week.
They've been motivated by the memory of last year's 13-10 loss to Robert Morris at University Field on a last-second field goal that kept the Great Danes from earning a share of their third straight NEC regular-season title.
"They came to our place last year and beat us on our home turf," junior defensive tackle Zach Gallo said. "We kind of want revenge."
The Colonials opened last season by losing their first six games. Since then, they've won 10 of 11 under head coach Joe Walton, the former New York Jets coach now in his 17th season with the Colonials.
"He has a lot of experience," Ford said. "I think it's a challenge (facing Walton)."
Robert Morris uses a pro-style offense with mobile quarterback Jeff Sinclair, who has 14 touchdown passes, and halfback Myles Russ, averaging 111.3 rushing yards per game.
"We have to bring outside pressure," Gallo said. "We have great defensive ends, so hopefully we'll keep (Sinclair) contained in the pocket and get a bunch of sacks."
At a glance
What: UAlbany (3-2) vs. Robert Morris (5-1)
When: Noon Saturday
Where: Joe Walton Stadium, Pittsburgh
Radio: WOFX (980AM)
