Defense rallies Albany to beat Rhode Island 35-28

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) Jeff Undercuffler threw four touchdown passes and Albany rallied in the second half to beat Rhode Island 35-28 on Saturday.

Undercuffler had 140 yards passing for the Great Danes (5-3, 3-1 Colonial Athletic Association). Karl Mofor ran for 101 yards on 19 carries.

Albany trailed 14-6 at halftime but defensive end Eli Mencer sacked Rhode Island's Vito Priore on the opening drive of the second half, forcing a fumble which was picked up by lineman Nick Griffin who returned it 55 yards for a Great Danes touchdown. Rhode Island fumbled the ensuing kickoff return and cornerback Alex Badine recovered, setting up a 13-yard Undercuffler TD pass to LJ Wesneski four plays later for a 21-14 lead with 10:39 left in the third.

Turnovers plagued Rhode Island the rest of the game and Albany capitalized on a Priore interception with another scoring pass from Undercuffler to Wesneski, giving the Great Danes the lead for good, 28-21, with 1:09 remaining in the third.

Priore threw for 320 yards and two scores for the Rams (1-6, 0-4).