ALFRED, NY - The Alfred University football team endured a 51-28 loss to Utica University on Saturday afternoon from Yunevich Stadium. 

"This has definitely been a tough two-week stretch for us," Head Coach Bob Rankl said. "As a football team, we have to work on building off of the positives that we saw in today's game. Our coaching staff and our players are completely committed to improving in every aspect of the game. We will rally and start preparation for Brockport."

Following an opening turnover from the Saxons (3-4, 1-3 Empire 8) offense, Utica scored early to force AU to play from behind. The Pioneers (5-2, 3-1 Empire 8) capitalized with 30 straight points before Steven Bidwell (Owego, NY/Owego Free Academy) found the end zone in the final minute of the first half. In the third quarter, Bidwell scored again to cut the deficit for Alfred University. An interception by TJ Marsh (East Aurora, NY/East Aurora) led to a goal line touchdown from Tommy Nyquist (Warren, PA/Warren Area) for the Saxons. The Saxons relied on a touchdown pass from Caleb Eastman (Colonie, NY/Colonie Central) to Lucas Freeland (Buffalo, NY/West Seneca West) in the final quarter, but 21 points in the second half for Utica was enough to come away with the win. 

Alfred University will next compete on the road at SUNY Brockport next Saturday at 12:00 PM.