Can one bad apple spoil the whole bunch? 

That’s profound and forever debatable, but there was only one apple to worry about Saturday at LaValle Stadium in Stony Brook, New York, where the host Seawolves welcomed UAlbany for the 28th edition of their storied rivalry – the Battle for the Golden Apple.

The visitors fell behind early but rallied in the final three quarters to claim the coveted trophy for the first time since 2023 with a 48-31 victory. UAlbany now leads the series 16-12.

The Great Danes were helped by three Stony Brook turnovers – two interceptions and a lost fumble – and were able to spoil far more than a bunch of apples.

The win denied the Seawolves the opportunity to be the first team this century to win the Empire Clash three consecutive times, it ended a three-game 2026 winning streak for Stony Brook and saw an end to a seven-game home winning streak for the Seawolves going back to last season.

Stony Brook did outperform UAlbany offensively, tallying 492 total yards, compared to 483 yards for the Great Danes, but the guests were able to capitalize on Stony Brook’s mistakes and continue their own trend of pulling away in the third quarter.

The Great Danes came with a balanced attack that included a 14-for-21 passing effort from senior quarterback Kai Colon for 234 of the team’s 268 passing yards and all four touchdowns through the air.

BJ Norman was on the receiving end of seven Colon passes for 101 yards and three scores.

Junior running back Rahshan La Mons did the work on the ground, coming in to relieve and injured Joey Koch. La Mons finished the day with 134 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries.

However, the star of the game for UAlbany might have been junior defensive back Victor Holt, who had 11 total tackles, 0.5 sacks and both interceptions – the first of his season, while he now has recorded sacks in three consecutive games. 

Redshirt sophomore Quinn Boyd and senior receiver Seth Sweitzer were spectacular offensively for Stony Brook.

Boyd was 32 of 51 for 412 yards and two touchdowns, with 10 of those passes, and both touchdowns, going to Sweitzer, who had 190 yards on the day. 

However, that also means the Stony Brook running game was shut down, contributing just 80 yards in the loss. Boyd also led the rushing effort with nine carries for 45 yards. 

Stony Brook won the Battle for the Golden Appel in 2025 and 2024 and was going for first three-game winning streak in the rivalry since UAlbany won six in a row from 1996-2001.

Up next for UAlbany is a visit to two-time defending CAA champion Rhode Island on Oct. 24, while Stony Brook goes on the road to meet Bryant.

Entering the day, Monmouth sat atop the CAA standings at 3-0, but Stony Brook, Bryant and Campbell all were close behind at 2-0.

Monmouth defeated New Hampshire 42-21 to improve to 5-2 overall and 4-0 in CAA games, while Bryant topped Maine 17-14 to climb to 5-2 overall and 3-0 in conference contests.

In the final game of the day for the front-runners, Campbell rallied back from a 13-10 halftime deficit to defeat Towson 24-20. The Camels now are 6-1 overall and 3-0 in the CAA.

UAlbany Stat Leaders

• Kai Colon, QB: 14 for 21 passing, 234 yards, 4 touchdowns
• Rahshan La Mons, RB: 18 carries, 134 yards, 7.4 yards per carry, long of 50, 2 TDs
• BJ Norman, WR: 7 receptions, 101 yards. 3 TDs

Stony Brook Stat Leaders

• Quinn Boyd, QB: 32 of 51 passing, 412 yards, 2 touchdowns 1 interception
• Quinn Boyd, QB: 9 carries, 45 yards, 5 yards per carry, long of 15
• Seth Sweitzer, WR: 10 reception, 190 yards, long of 56, 2 TDs

Final Stats From 48-31 UAlbany Win Over Stony Brook

Time Runs Out For Stony Brook, UAlbany Wins 48-31

This one is over. UAlbany wins on the road, spoils homecoming for Stony Brook and takes the Golden Apple!

UAlbany 48, Stony Brook 31

More Of The Same For UAlbany Over Stony Brook, Great Danes Lead 48-31

Just out of the two-minute timeout, La Mons finds his way into the end zone with a 21-yard scamper for his second touchdown of the day.

Heitmeyer adds the extra point.

UAlbany 48, Stony Brook 31

So You're Saying There's A Chance For Stony Brook?

After a UAlbany punt, Boyd throws a 35-yard bomb to Sweitzer for another score.

Mannino adds the extra point after the long-distance TD.

Amazingly, even in a potential losing effort, Boyd is 32 for 48 for 412 yards and two touchdowns. He has one of the interceptions. Sweitzer actually threw the other one.

UAlbany 41, Stony Brook 31

Big day for Sweitzer:

Seth Report 📁

- 10 catches
- 190 yards
- 2 TD

📺 https://t.co/v38eWZ4GRp (FloCollege) | @SNYtv
📊 https://t.co/cT1DEn7ZeA#As1 | @SethSweitzer1 pic.twitter.com/pjVPc5rdxn

— Stony Brook Football (@StonyBrookFB) October 17, 2026

UAlbany Defense Shutting Down Stony Brook

Sweitzer continues to shine for Stony Brook, and a 39-yard catch on third and 17 keeps the hopes alive for the Seawolves.

Unfortunately, in an attempt to get to him in the end zone on fourth and 3 from the UAlbany 20, Boyd is intercepted at the goal line by Holt - his second interception on the day.

UAlbany gets the ball back with five minutes left to play.

UAlbany 41, Stony Brook 24

Great Danes Running Away With Matchup Against Stony Brook, UALB Leads 41-24

BJ Norman is back in the end zone for UAlbany, and the Great Danes are running away with this one against Stony Brook.

Norman catches a 9-yard pass from Colon for his third touchdown reception of the day.

Norman has seven receptions for 101 yards and three scores.

Heitmeyer adds the extra point.

UAlbany 41, Stony Brook 24

Watch Norman's latest touchdown:

TD NUMBER 3️⃣ FOR BJ#UAUKNOW pic.twitter.com/vCJZ2eyYXI

— UAlbany Football (@UAlbanyFootball) October 17, 2026

Stony Brook Threatening To Score To Start Fourth Quarter Against UAlbany

Boyd kept the momentum going with a 56-yard connection with Sweitzer to get the Seawolves into the red zone.

The third quarter ends with Stony Brook on the UAlbany 4-yard line.

The Seawolves finish the job with a 4-yard touchdown run from redshirt senior running back Jeremiah Coney. Mannino adds the extra point to make it a 10-point game. 

UAlbany 34, Stony Brook 24

Here's one for the home team:

Coney Touchdown 🙌

📺 https://t.co/v38eWZ491R (FloCollege) | @SNYtv
📊 https://t.co/cT1DEn7rp2 #As1 x @JeremiahConey pic.twitter.com/4ychhY3hzd

— Stony Brook Football (@StonyBrookFB) October 17, 2026

UAlbany Passing Game Continues To Excel Against Stony Brook, Great Danes Lead 34-17

UAlbany goes on a seven-play, 75-yard drive and finds the end zone with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Colon to junior wide receiver Jordan Rae.

Heitmeyer adds the extra point.

Colon is 12 for 19 for 218 yards and three touchdowns.

UAlbany 34, Stony Brook 17

Check out the finish on this scoring play!

MUSCLE THROUGH JORDAN RAE 🚂🚂🚂#UAUKNOW pic.twitter.com/mf1GnJycO4

— UAlbany Football (@UAlbanyFootball) October 17, 2026

UAlbany Off To Fast Start In Second Half Against Stony Brook Football

UAlbany opens the second half with a 50-yard rush from junior running back Rahshan La Mons to get the Great Danes into the red zone.

La Mons then finishes the drive with a 1-yard touchdown jolt.

He has 64 yards on nine carries in the contest.

The drive goes eight plays for 73 yards over 4:21.

Heitmeyer adds the extra point.

UAlbany 27, Stony Brook 17

Here's that score from La Mons:

RayRay came to play 👀@RahshanLa #UAUKNOW pic.twitter.com/I2X6W1xTFz

— UAlbany Football (@UAlbanyFootball) October 17, 2026

Back In Action For Second Half Of UAlbany-Stony Brook Showdown

Stony Brook kicks off to UAlbany, and here we go!

No team has ever won three consecutive games in this rivalry, and Stony Brook is in position to do so.

UAlbany 20, Stony Brook 17

It's Halftime In The Battle For The Golden Apple In Upstate New York

Here's a look at the first-half stats:

We've Got A One-Score Game In Stony Brook, New York

Boyd completes one to the left corner of the end zone! It's a 13-yard touchdown toss to senior wide receiver Seth Sweitzer. He's had at least five receptions in every game this season.

Mannino adds the extra point. 

UAlbany 20, Stony Brook 17

UAlbany Piling On Points Against Seawolves, Great Danes Lead 20-10

On the road, in a rivalry game - UAlbany is stepping up and increases lead over Stony Brook to 20-10 with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Colon to Norman. Heitmeyer adds the extra point.

The drive was six plays for 65 yards.

UAlbany 20, Stony Brook 10

Take a look:

12 ➡️ 5#UAUKNOW pic.twitter.com/lYAA9X257V

— UAlbany Football (@UAlbanyFootball) October 17, 2026

Great Danes Pick Off Stony Brook For First Turnover In 2026 Battle For The Golden Apple

The first turnover of the contest goes to UAlbany with an interception by junior defensive back Victor Holt, his first of the year. He also now has a sack in three consecutive games.

The Great Danes get the ball at their own 35-yard line.

UAlbany 13, Stony Brook 10

Peek at the pick now:

WADDYA SAY NOW 12#UAUKNOW pic.twitter.com/slI0ngBQe2

— UAlbany Football (@UAlbanyFootball) October 17, 2026

UAlbany Back On Top Against Stony Brook Football

Once again, another trip to the end zone is slowed by careless mistakes.

The Great Danes settle for another field goal, a 31-yard boot from Heitmeyer to end a 12-play, 60-yard drive that took almost six minutes off the clock.

UAlbany 13, Stony Brook 10

Here's the kick:

Second of the half for Brayden ✅#UAUKNOW pic.twitter.com/1uKuR6egHa

— UAlbany Football (@UAlbanyFootball) October 17, 2026

Stony Brook Answers, Ties Game Against UAlbany Football

Penalties slowed the Stony Brook drive, and the Seawolves are forced to settle for a 23-yard field goal from Mannino.

The Seawolves have made two costly penalties for 25 yards.

UAlbany 10, Stony Brook 10

UAlbany Now Leading Against Stony Brook Football, Great Danes Ahead 10-7

The change of quarters didn't slow the UAlbany offense.

The Great Danes complete their seven-play, 83-yard drive with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Colon to Norman.

UAlbany 10, Stony Brook 7

First Quarter Ends In Battle For Golden Apple

After 15 minutes of play, Stony Brook leads UAlbany 7-3.

The second quarter will begin with UAlbany looking to convert on third and 2 in Stony Brook territory.

Stony Brook 7, UAlbany 3

UAlbany Strikes Back In Empire State Showdown Against Stony Brook Football

Freshman Heitmeyer makes his first collegiate field goal attempt and puts UAlbany on the board with three points from 30 yards out.

Senior quarterback Kai Colon had the Great Danes marking, including a 47-yard catch-and-run strike to UA's leading receiver, sophomore BJ Norman, to get them into the red zone, but the drive fizzled out there.

Stony Brook 7, UAlbany 3

Stony Brook Scores Quickly Against UAlbany Football, Seawolves Lead 7-0

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Quinn Boyd leads a quick 10-play, 75-yard scoring drive for Stony Brook to put the home team up early against UAlbany. 

Redshirt junior running back CJ Hester finishes the complete drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, and sophomore kicker Michael Mannino adds the extra point. 

The drive lasted four minutes.

Stony Brook 7, UAlbany 0

It's the 11th TD of the year for Hester - Check it out now:

11th of the season for @cjhester_3 💪

📺 https://t.co/v38eWZ4GRp (FloCollege) | @SNYtv
📊 https://t.co/cT1DEn7ZeA#As1 pic.twitter.com/U9wMF1Sna3

— Stony Brook Football (@StonyBrookFB) October 17, 2026

2026 Battle For Golden Apple Is Underway!

The 2026 Battle for the Golden Apple is underway in New York.

UAlbany wins the coin toss and defers to the second half.

The Great Danes kick off to Stony Brook for the Seawolves' homecoming game.

Stony Brook is looking to become the first team in the rivalry to win three times in a row since the 1990s.

The Seawolves also are looking to log their eighth consecutive win at home at LaValle Stadium in Stony Brook, New York.

UAlbany 0, Stony Brook 0

Take a look at the UAlbany starters:

Ready to fight for the Apple! 🏆

Today's @CDPHP Starters 📃#UAUKNOW pic.twitter.com/M0XDJq8Y4m

— UAlbany Football (@UAlbanyFootball) October 17, 2026

AFCA FCS Rankings After Week 6 Of 2026

As of Oct. 10

1. South Dakota State (5-1) - 647 - Prev. 1
2. Tarleton State (6-0) - 626 - Prev. 2
3. Stephen F. Austin (6-0) - 588 - Prev. 4
4. Lehigh (6-0) - 558 - Prev. 5
5. Montana State (5-1) - 539 - Prev. 6
6. Youngstown State (5-2) - 517 - Prev. 9
7. Montana (5-2) - 461 - Prev. 3
8. Lamar (5-1) - 458 - Prev. 10
9. South Dakota (5-2) - 407 - Prev. 12
10. Northern Arizona (5-2) - 398 - Prev. 14
11. Austin Peay (5-2) - 397 - Prev. 8
12. UC Davis (4-2) - 396 - Prev. 11
13. Illinois State (4-2) - 333 - Prev. 13
14. Tennessee Tech (5-1) - 319 - Prev. 16
15. North Dakota (5-2) - 293 - Prev. 7
16. Mercer (5-2) - 253 - Prev. 18
17. Harvard (4-0) - 242 - Prev. 19
18. Campbell (5-1) - 227 - Prev. 20
19. Colgate (4-2) - 153 - Prev. 23
20. Monmouth (N.J.) (4-2) - 125 - Prev. 24
21. Idaho State (4-2) - 106 - Prev. 17
22. Richmond (5-2) - 96 - Prev. 15
23. Yale (3-1) - 61 - Prev. NR
24. East Tennessee St. (5-2) - 49 - Prev. NR
25. Northern Iowa (3-2) - 38 - Prev. NR

Dropped Out: South Carolina St. (21), Jackson State (22), Southeastern Louisiana (25)

Others Receiving Votes: Jackson State, 32; West Florida, 25; Morgan St., 24; South Carolina State, 18; Stony Brook, 18; ACU, 11; Southern Illinois, 11; Cal Poly, 7; Charleston Southern, 4; Delaware State, 4; North Alabama, 4; Southeastern Louisiana, 2; Wofford, 2; Central Connecticut State, 1.

Predicted Order Of Finish For CAA Teams In 2026

1. Rhode Island (12 first-place votes), 144
2. Monmouth, 119
3. Elon, 115
4. New Hampshire, 106
5. Stony Brook (1 first-place vote), 105
6. Towson, 93
7. Maine, 88
8. Campbell, 56
9. Bryant, 50
10. Sacred Heart, 49
11. UAlbany, 35
12. North Carolina A&T, 28
13. Hampton, 26

*Villanova and William & Mary left the CAA for the Patriot League, and Sacred Heart joins the CAA for the 2026 season.

2026 UAlbany Football Schedule

• Aug. 28 (Fri): Albany def. New Hampshire, 28-14 (W)
• Sept. 3 (Thu): Buffalo def. Albany, 21-17 (L)
• Sept. 12 (Sat): Albany def. LIU, 35-13 (W)
• Sept. 19 (Sat): Monmouth def. Albany, 28-20 (L)*
• Sept. 26 (Sat): Princeton def. Albany, 22-0 (L)
• Oct. 3 (Sat): Albany def. Delaware State, 28-3 (W)
• Oct. 17 (Sat): 2:30 p.m. at Stony Brook*
• Oct. 24 (Sat): Noon at Rhode Island*
• Oct. 31 (Sat): Noon vs. Campbell*
• Nov. 7 (Sat): 1 p.m. at Bryant*
• Nov. 14 (Sat): Noon vs. Maine*
• Nov. 21 (Sat): Noon at North Carolina A&T*

*CAA games

2026 Stony Brook Football Schedule

• Aug. 27 (Thu): Delaware State def. Stony Brook, 41-34 (L)
• Sept. 3 (Thu): Stony Brook def. Lindenwood, 36-32 (W)
• Sept. 12 (Sat): Ball State def. Stony Brook, 41-17 (L)
• Sept. 19 (Sat): Stony Brook def. Rhode Island, 56-24 (W)*
• Sept. 26 (Sat): Stony Brook def. Fordham, 31-16 (W)
• Oct. 10 (Sat): Stony Brook def. Towson, 31-24 (W)*
• Oct. 17 (Sat): 2:30 p.m. vs. UAlbany*
• Oct. 24 (Sat): 2 p.m. at Bryant*
• Oct. 31 (Sat): Noon vs. Sacred Heart*
• Nov. 7 (Sat): 1 p.m. at Campbell*
• Nov. 14 (Sat): 1 p.m. at New Hampshire*
• Nov. 21 (Sat): Noon vs. Hampton*

*CAA games

All FCS Games On FloCollege This Week

All Times Eastern

Saturday, Oct. 10

• Chicago State vs. N.C. A&T, noon
• Hampton vs. Sacred Heart, noon
• Bryant vs. Maine, 1 p.m.
• Monmouth vs. New Hampshire, 1 p.m.
• UAlbany vs. Stony Brook, 2:30 p.m.
• Towson vs. Campbell, 3:30 p.m.

Archived Footage On FloCollege

Video footage from all games will be archived and stored in a video library for FloCollege subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscriptions.

Watch The 2026 College Football Season On FloCollege

FloCollege is the home of the best FCS, Division II and Division III football action all season long. 

Don’t miss the latest college football action by bookmarking the FloCollege schedule page for the latest games. 

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