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

J.S. Carras/The Record

TROY - On the opening day of college hoops season, the Siena men's basketball team already feels like winners.

Troy High standout Javion Ogunyemi has committed to play for the Saints and coach Mitch Buonaguro.

Ogunyemi chose Siena over James Madison, which is coached by former Siena player Matt Brady.

The 6-foot-8 Ogunyemi ended last year in the postseason, suffereing a gruesome ankle injury that cut his season short, as the Flying Horses still made it all the way to the Class AA championship game.
Ogunyemi averaged more than 12 points per game last season for Troy High.