November 3, 2007. Greg Steward ran an interception back 26 yards for a touchdown, to cement a 17-6 Cortland victory over Rowan University. The win improved Cortland to 7-2 overall, and 6-1 in the NJAC. It was Cortland's first victory over the Rowan Profs since 2001.

Brian Haas and Jim Smith led a dominant Cortland defense with 12 tackles each. Kyle Pierce had an interception, a sack, and forced a fumble. Colan Shue had an interception and a fumble recovery. The Cortland defense held Rowan to 277 yards total offense, caused 5 turnovers, and overcame 5 lost fumbles by the Cortland offense.

Matthew Mintz got Cortland on the board first with a 21-yard field goal midway through the first quarter. The score ended a 12-play drive for 41 yards, which included a key 18-yard completion from Ray Miles to Eric Hajnos.

The Red Dragons took a 10-0 lead with 0:32 remaining in the first quarter, on a 48-yard touchdown pass from Ray Miles to Keith Greene. The Cortland defense pitched a shutout through two quarters, with Cortland leading 10-0 at the half. The drive was set up by a forced fumble by Kyle Pierce, which Colan Shue recovered at the Cortland 31-yard line.

Late in the second quarter the Cortland defense was called upon to stop Rowan. A lost fumble by the Cortland offense set up the Profs at the Cortland 26-yard line. On third down and goal from the Cortland 10-yard line, Jeff Beck made a spectacular interception in the end zone to end the Rowan drive.

Rowan chipped away at the Cortland lead in the third quarter, as Cortland had problems with its own turnovers. Dan Roberts kicked a 23-yard field goal early in the third quarter to pull Rowan within 10-3. With 5:53 remaining in the quarter, Roberts boomed a 40-yard field goal to cut the Cortland lead to 10-6.

With the Cortland offense struggling to put points on the board, the defense needed to hold the lead in the fourth quarter. Another lost fumble set Rowan up deep in Cortland territory at the 20-yard line. After an incompletion, Adam McPartland stuffed a Ben Boursiquot run for no gain. On third down and 10 yards to go, McPartland and Bryan Wiley combined to sack Joe Rankin for a 6-yard loss. Dan Roberts' 43-yard field goal was blocked by Richard Rollo.

Cortland's next drive pushed into Rowan territory. Shane Arce caught a 15-yard slant pass from Miles. Mike Sveda took a draw play 12-yards to the Rowan 46-yard line. A Kevin Bellamy sack ended the Cortland drive.

With 5:43 remaining to play and Cortland clinging to a 10-6 lead, Rowan took the ball at its own 17-yard line. Two short yardage plays set up a key third down and 4 yards to go situation from the Cortland 23-yard line. As Rankin set up to throw toward the Profs sideline, Greg Steward anticipated the throw and stepped in front of the receiver for the interception. Steward turned on the jets and raced 26 yards for the clinching touchdown, putting Cortland ahead 17-6.

Ray Miles had a solid game for Cortland. Miles completed 16-of-31 passes for 221 yards and a touchdon. Fullback Mike Sveda had 32 yards rushing on only 4 carries, with running back Dustin Bowser out with an injury. Eric Hajnos caught 6 passes for 107 yards. Keith Greene had 4 catches for 73 yards and a touchdown. But it was the Cortland defense which saved the game.

Joe Rankin completed 16-of-29 passes for Rowan, but was intercepted 3 times. John Impagliazzo had 9 carries for 53 yards.

Cortland travels to Ithaca next Saturday in the annual Tug for the Cortaca Jug. The winner of the game could have an outside shot at a Pool C NCAA tournament bid.