Reading, Pa. (Oct. 12, 2024) - Alvernia University (0-5, 0-4) led 20-16 at the half, but FDU-Florham (5-0, 4-0) outscored Alvernia 21-6 in the second half as the Devils took a 37-26 win over the Golden Wolves on Saturday afternoon in MAC Football action at Alvernia.

The game saw multiple lead changes and ties in the first half. The Devils got on the board first with a 22-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Thomas to Anthony Bilotta. Alvernia answered with a quick seven play, 75 yard drive that was capped off by a a 35 yard connection from Colin Payne to Dachan Thompson. 

The back and forth continued as the Devils retook the lead on a 47 yard pass that was nearly picked off by Alvernia, but the Golden Wolves responded once again. Alvernia drove down the field and Payne found Stefan Rich for a 13 yard pass to tie the game at 14-14.

A 13 yard touchdown run from Andrew Simmons gave Alvernia the 20-14 lead with 35 seconds remaining in the second quarter. But, FDU blocked the ensuing PAT and ran it back for two points. That seemed to swing the momentum into the direction of the Devils as FDU opened the second half with a seven and a half minute touchdown drive to take the lead, 23-20. 

Alvernia answered with a nine-yard touchdown pass from Payne to Michael Williams to put Alvernia back in front, 26-23, with 3:41 to play in the third quarter. The Devils then scored a go-ahead touchdown with 8:47 to play following an interception by Alvernia. The Devils added an insurance touchdown with under two minutes to play following a strip sack fumble on Alvernia by the Devils.

Alvernia drove the ball to the 50 yard line as time was expiring, but the Golden Wolves could not find the end zone again. 

Payne finished the day going 22-for-35 with a season-high 268 yards. He matched his career-high three touchdown passes, and it marks the sixth time Alvernia has had three touchdown passes in a game. 

Thompson led Alvernia's receivers with 117 yards on eight receptions with a touchdown. Zach Ayers finished with 53 yards on three receptions. He also had four kick returns for 108 yards. 

Andrew Simmons finished with 13 rushes for 69 yards and also had a reception for 11 yards. 

On the defensive side of the ball, McCabe Piavis led Alvernia with eight tackles, including one for a loss. Delva Jean-Baptiste finished with six tackles and 2.5 sacks for 13 yards.  Khysir Young and Jalen Philllips each had six tackles and two pass break-ups.

Alvernia is back at home next week to take on Eastern University. The Eagles are 1-4 overall and 1-3 in conference play. They are coming off a 35-23 loss to King's College this week.