Saturday the Albany State Golden Rams and the Wildcats of Fort Valley State in the 31st annual Fountain City Classic. For the Wildcats (5-4 , 2-2) a win in the game will finish the season above .500 in both conference and overall, but would also be doubly sweet, as it would end the playoff aspirations of their rival. For the Golden Rams, if they wish to extend their season past the SIAC Championship game , they have to win, and likely will have to do so in impressive fashion.
Fort Valley comes into the game with the fifth best scoring offense , putting up 25.0 ppg ( right behind Albany State who is putting up 25.2 point per contest). Sophomore quarterback Tyrell Jackson has thrown for 1827 and 14 touchdowns, but also 10 interceptions and will by far face his stiffest challenge of the season when he and the FVSU offense face an Albany State defense that is allowing just 5.2 points per game,
The Fort Valley State defense has been very good against the run, ranking second behind Albany State in the SIAC in giving up just 100.2 yards per game. That means it could be a very tough day for Marcuis Fulks and other Golden Ram ball carriers. The opportunities for the Golden Rams offense may be there for Dionte Bonneau and the passing game. The FVSU defense has given up on average 204.4 yards per game through the air, which is even more the the 186.1 passing yards per game that Albany State normally racks up. However Bonneau will have to be accurate, as he is completing just 50.69% percent of his passes in throwing for 944 yards, 9 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.
Prediction
Albany State comes into this year’s Fountain City Classic with a heavy heart, with the tragic death of linebacker Adonis Butler this Monday. The emotion of the week will fuels the Rams has they will be playing for their fallen brother. The intensity will be particularly seen on the defensive end, where they wick will be turned up on young Wildcat caller, Jackson and the Fort Valley offense who simply will not be able to deal with the Golden Rams defense.
It will be a long day for the Fort Valley offense. The Albany State offense will make plays through the air and at the final whistle, the Golden Rams will head into the SIAC title game still unbeaten in conference play.
Final Score: Albany State 34,, Fort Valley State 3
