Image via Albany State Athletics
The Albany State v Valdosta State matchup was a tale of two halves. The first half featured plenty of offensive fireworks, with the teams combining for 44 points. The defense is settled in in the second half, this is especially true for the Albany State unit, cool size book trucks are the first pair that seem to have no answers for the Valdosta State offense,
However, in the second half, the Golden Rams’ defence batted down the Virtual hatches, shutting out the Blazers’ office and making two plates in pivotal moments.
Although the Albany state defense was neither as prolific proficient as they were in the first half they, like their defense, rose to the occasion when needed, including scoring points and picking up several critical first downs.
Albany State got off to an awful start, as Isaiah Knowles was intercepted by Jaden Dawkins on the Golden Rams’ first offensive play. However, the ASU defense was able to keep the Blazers out of the endzone, forcing them to settle for a 42-yard field goal off the foot of Matt Rolader to give Valosta State a 3-0 lead at the 13:34 mark of the opening period. Later in the period, Albany State took the lead, finishing a 9-play, run 67-yard drive when Roderick McCrary took it in 6 yards out to put the Rams up 7-3 with the successful PAT. Valdosta State responded on their next possession reclaiming the lead on Shawn Pascall’s 53-yard scoring scamper. The PAT was no good, leaving the score 9-7 with just 1:39 left in the opening frame.
Albany State answered back on its next possession, pushing back into the lead when Tiant Wyche burst through the middle for a 44-yard run that made the score 14-9. This time it was the Blazers’ turn to respond and they answered the bell with a 9-play, 75-yard drive that culminated with a 39-yard connection from VSU quarterback Jameson Holcombe to Allen Council, reclaiming the lead at 16-14 with 11:39 left in the second quarter. Albany State snatched the lead back on its next possession on Knowles’ 40-yard touchdown pass to Jamil Williams to make the score 21-16 at the 8:27 mark.
As has been the case in the first half, no lead was safe, and a 6-play, 62-yard drive pushed VSU back in front following Holcombe’s finding Xyre Wilson on a 16-yard scoring pass, giving Valdosta State a 23-21 lead. Albany State positioned itself to take the lead right before the half but Kyle Wright’s 44-yard field goal was no good, leaving the Golden Rams behind 23-21 at halftime.
Valdosta State did not need to run a play for their next score as Shawn Pascall took the second half kickoff 95 yards to the house, extending the Blazers’ lead to 30-21. Later in the period, the Golden Rams forced a fumble which Andrew Ruffin recovered and returned it to the ASU 45-yard line. Five plays later Albany State took advantage of the turnover when Isaiah Knowles scampered from 21 yards out to trim the lead to 30-28.
In what proved to be a decisive score, Albany State capped a 10-play, 77-yard drive when Knowles threw his second touchdown pass, a 22-yard toss to Jamil Williams that pushed Albany State back in front 35-30 with 8:22 left in the contest.
The Golden Rams defense forced a three-and-out on Valdosta State’s next possession, returning the ball to Albany State. The ASU offense was able to run the remaining 7:26 off the clock, securing the win for the Golden Rams.
Albany State racked up 530 yards (264 passing, rushing), while limiting Valdosta State to 283 yards ( 110 rushing, 173 passing).
Isaiah Knowles completed 24 of 37 passes for 264 yards, a pair of touchdowns and an interception, while adding 92 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Tiant Wyche led the ASU rushing attack with 134 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. Jamil Williams hauled in 7 passes for 87 yards and 2 touchdowns; Omari Steward added 80 yards on 7 receptions.
The win was the fourth playoff win in Albany State program history. Next week the Golden Rams’ playoff journey continues with Albany State/Benedict III. The Golden Rams have been the only team to defeat the Tigers this season- once in the regular season and again in the SIAC title game. Kickoff is set for 1 pm EST.
