| ASU | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MHC | 0 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 10 |
The Golden Rama of Albany State University stayed undefeated in SIAC play with a hard fought defensive battle in a 14-10 win over Morehouse College Maroon Tigers.
The defenses for both teams came out sharp and focused as the first quarter was highlighted by punts and a pair of turnovers , a Derik Davis interception of MHC quarterback Michael Sims and and an Albany State fumble that the Maroon Tigers recovered.
The punt fest extended into the second quarter until on Albany State’s second drive of the period, capable offense finally showed up and the Golden Rams was able to put together a 6 play, 58 yard drive that ended with a Dionte Bonneau 19-yard touchdown pass to Javon Wooten to put ASU up 7-0.
Albany State seemed to have another drive working late in the second quarter, but the 10 play, 51 yard drive was snuffed out when Armani Maddox intercepted Bonneau in the endzone , leaving the score at 7-0 at the half.
On the opening drive of the second half, Daniel Norman sacked Bonneau and forced a fumble which the Maroon Tigers recovered, setting their offense up at the Albany State 2-yard line. Three plays later Michael Sims found Shon Strickland on a 5-yard touchdown pass that evened the score at 7 apiece.
Morehouse forced a three-and-out on Albany State’s next dive giving the ball back to their offense , who then proceeded to embark on a 10 play drive and seemed primed to take the lead but the Rams defense stood tough on a 4th and 1 from their own 26, ending the drive.
Albany State would take the lead early in the fourth quarter, following an 8 play, 55-yard drive that ended in a 5-yard touchdown run from Marcuis Fulks to put the Golden Rams up 14-7.
Morehouse would march on a 11 play, 59 yard drive , but would have to settle for three points, as the drive stalled at ASU 16 -yard line and Fernando Sdeleamora knocked three a a33-yard field goal to cut the lead to 14-10.
Morehouse would get another takeaway when Dionte Bonneau was intercepted for the second time on the afternoon, once again by Armani Maddox.
The Albany State defense would stand tough , causing a turnover-on-downs when Sims’ 4th and 5 pass attempt to Abner Connell fell incomplete, allowing the ASU offense to take over and run the clock out.
With the win, Albany State ( 8-1, 5-0) has secured the SIAC Eastern division and heads into their season finale next week in the Fountain City Classic against Fort Valley State. This game is still a must-win for the Golden Rams that carries playoff implications as No. 25 ASU will need to win if they hope to secure a spot in the postseason. Kickoff for the FCC is 2pm EST from A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium in Columbus, Georgia.
The Maroon Tigers will conclude their season next Saturday against Clark-Atlanta; kickoff for that game is scheduled for 2pm EST.
