UPDATE: The Valdosta State Blazers gear up for an intense NCAA Division II playoff opener against the Albany State Golden Rams this Saturday, November 22, at 1 p.m. ET. Fresh off a stunning overtime victory over No. 3 West Florida, the Blazers (6-4) aim to extend their momentum and clinch a spot further in the postseason.
Last week, Valdosta State secured their playoff berth in dramatic fashion, with Matt Rolader kicking a 37-yard field goal in overtime to seal a 47-44 win. This victory not only marked the Blazers’ 12th Gulf South Conference championship but also showcased their resilience, rallying from a challenging 2-4 start to win four consecutive games and earn a postseason opportunity.
“Every other team in the playoffs is in playoff mode right now; we’ve been in playoff mode for three weeks,” stated VSU quarterback Jameson Holcomb. “We knew we had to win out, and we did. Nothing changes for us.”
Now, the Blazers face the formidable Albany State Golden Rams, who are riding an impressive eight-game winning streak. Albany State, the No. 1 seed in Super Region Two, clinched their playoff position by defeating Benedict College 22-16 in the SIAC Championship. Their defense is particularly noteworthy, ranking in the top ten nationally across six key metrics, including leading Division II in forced turnovers with 28.
The Golden Rams’ defense is anchored by standout players such as redshirt junior edge rusher Derrick Drayton, who has recorded 6.5 sacks, and redshirt sophomore defensive back Tyrell Gainey, who leads the team with four interceptions. “They force more turnovers than anybody in Division II,” VSU head coach Graham Craig highlighted, emphasizing the need for his team to protect the football.
On the offensive side, Albany State’s quarterback Isaiah Knowles has thrown for 1,643 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. The Blazers are focusing their defensive strategy on pressuring Knowles, who has been sacked five times in his last game.
As the rivalry reignites, the Blazers hold a historical edge over the Golden Rams, winning nine of their last ten encounters. Their most recent clash ended in a decisive 42-10 victory for Valdosta State at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium last August. However, coach Craig acknowledges the heightened stakes: “This is just another game for us, but it’s one that’s got a lot of history and is really big because it’s a playoff game.”
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the action live on ESPN or tune in on Talk 92.1 FM for radio coverage. With both teams poised for a fierce battle, the outcome could set the tone for the remainder of the playoffs.
Stay tuned for updates as this thrilling playoff matchup unfolds!
