From the Associated Press

HARRISONBURG, Va. — Michael Birdsong passed for 249 yards and three touchdowns as James Madison had no trouble beating UAlbany, 40-13 in a Colonial Athletic Association game on Saturday.

James Madison (1-1, 4-2) rolled up a 26-3 halftime lead as Birdsong hit on touchdown passes of 41 and 12 yards to Daniel Brown (5 catches, 86 yards). Khalid Abdullah added a 38-yard TD run and Dae’Quan Scott pounded one in from three yards.

Albany (0-2, 1-5) dominated the third quarter with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Will Fiacchi to Kevin Chillis, and a safety when Tim Kologrivov sacked Birdsong in the end zone.

Fiacchi finished the day 26 of 43 for 214 yards for the Great Danes.

But the Dukes regained control in the fourth quarter. Scott scored his second touchdown of the day on a 1-yard run, and Birdsong reached Brown for a 2-yard TD pass to cap the scoring.

The University at Albany football team knew that this season would be a battle

The Great Danes are not only trying to navigate a difficult Colonial Athletic Association schedule, but they are trying to stay healthy while do it.

UAlbany will get back junior linebackers Christian Dorsey and Jake Dwyer for this Saturday's game at James Madison, but will be without sophomore snapper and defensive end Cory Connell, due to a mild concussion.

"Everybody knew going in that it would be a battle of attrition, keeping everybody healthy," said junior quarterback Will Fiacchi. "The next guy has to step up and contribute."

The Great Danes are already without junior linebacker Kyle Jordan and senior defensive back Justinian Mason, who have suffered season-ending injuries.

The Dukes, who are ranked No. 21 in the FCS Coaches Top 25 poll, have a big, physical team led by running back Dae'Quan Scott, who is 5-foot-9 and 215 pounds and senior linebacker Stephon Robertson, who is 5-foot-11 and 230 pounds. 

It will certainly be another test for UAlbany.

J.S. Carras/The Record

Mike McMahon - The Record

On Monday, University at Albany running back Omar Osbourne earned a conference honor from the Colonial Athletic Association.

Osbourne (right) was named CAA Offensive Player of the Week, following a career-high 252-yard rushing effort in the 37-34 victory over Colgate.  Osbourne also rushed for two touchdowns.

The UAlbany football team is still receiving votes in The Sports Network Top 25.

The Great Danes play their first CAA game against Rhode Island, on Saturday. The game will be the first contest on brand new Bob Ford Field.

The University at Albany is a new member to the Colonial Athletic Association in football.

The Great Danes didn't receive much respect in the preseason poll, which was released on Wednesday, at the league's media day at M&T Stadium in Baltimore.

Coach Bob Ford and quarterback Will Fiacchi represented the team down at media day.

Here is the preseason poll.

1. Villanova
2. Towson
3. New Hampshire 
4. Richmond
5. James Madison
6. Delaware
7. Stony Brook
8. Maine
9. William & Mary
10. UAlbany 
11. Rhode Island

The Great Danes kick off the season on Aug. 31, at Duquesne, and play their first CAA game on Sept. 14, when they host Rhode Island, in the first game played at Bob Ford Field.

UAlbany football coach Bob Ford talks about his program's 2013 recruiting class.

In the story in Tuesday's paper, we said this was coming and here is the official statement.

The University at Albany football team is headed to the Colonial Athletic Association, one of the top leagues in the country at the FCS level.

The University is holding a press conference on Wednesday to talk about the move.