Last Week Game of the Week

Albany State University vs Fort Valley State University (The 22nd Fountain City Classic)

It always amazes me, how a team having a bad year, can become totally focused when it plays a rival opponent. This was the case in Columbus, Georgia this past weekend as 21,953 screaming fans were treated to a spectacular gridiron affair. The Fountain City Classic is always an exciting affair even if you do not venture into the football stadium. The tailgating started approximately 49 hours (Thursday at 1:00 pm) before kickoff. It is always about family, friends and fellowship before the game. After the kick-off though, it is war. After every game, the loser fans make the common phrase, wait until next year.

Now, on to the football game. Overcoming an early 14-point deficit, Albany State scored 28 second-half points to take control and earn a 38-29 win over Fort Valley State, which placed ASU in this week Inaugural SIAC Championship in Atlanta and giving them the SIAC East Division Champion Belt. Senior ASU QB Stanley Jennings (12-25 passed for 286 yards and 2 TDs) stated, making it to the championship game, means a lot to me. A name that should be around for a long time, Mr. Adrian Alexander a freshman (ASU, RB) rushed 110 yards on 6 carries and scored 3 TDs was voted MVP for Albany State. Ronnie Tubbs (ASU, WR) and Justin Blash (ASU, DL) turned in stellar performances as Tubbs finished 101 yards on just five receptions, while Blash led the True Dirty Blue Defense with eight tackles, forced and recovered a fumble plus he recorded 1 1/2 sacks. The game was basically a tale of two halves as Fort Valley came out swinging in going up on ASU 14-0. Albany State would close the gap to within four seconds before the half on Brandon Hamilton 22-yard field goal making it 14-10. On its first possession of the second half, Alexander took the handoff on the third play from scrimmage and raced off the right side of the offensive line 69 yards. ASU would not relinquish the lead the rest of the game going up 17-14. The SIAC East Champions will face West Champions Miles College on Saturday at Clark-Atlanta Stadium. Courtney Daniel (LB, FVSU) was named MVP for Fort Valley as he finished with 19 tackles (six solo, 13 assists) and a forced fumble in the game.

Game of the Week (Inaugural SIAC Championship)

The game everyone wants to see is here. It is a rematch, as Albany State won the season contest 34-27, but we can forget that game. Miles is a better team than when it played ASU in the season. This one is for all the marbles, everyone expected ASU to be here, and no one outside of the Miles locker room expected Miles to be here. Head Coach Reginald Ruffin has his team believing in his overall philosophy. For the second week, ASU defense must play True Dirty Blue football that is hard hits on every play. Expect the game to be close for three quarters. Head Coach Mike White of ASU will find a way to place his defensive players in the right positions to make plays. Miles College has an enormous fan base and will show up in force. The intangible players are ASU begin with QB, Stanley Jennings (playing in his last SIAC Championship game), when asked last week about the game he stated getting to the Championship means a lot to me. Other players I expect to have a spectacular game are freshman sensation Adrian Alexander (very quick player), the playing field surface is extremely fast when dry. Mr. Rashad McRae (S) should have a couple of picks and mammoth of a man Justin Blash (ASU, DL) is poised to control the line of scrimmage. Miles will counter with potent (QB) David Thomas, watch out for D. J. Fife (WR) as he his due for a breakout game. On defense, Miles is led by Quentin Jones (DB). The greatest weapon that Miles has though is Mr. Justin Evans (P), I have seen him place 4 critical punts within the opponents 20-yard line in one half and he is not afraid to run the ball on fourth down. This game should be a thriller. Prediction: (Albany State in a close one) ASU 17 vs Miles 13

ASU- Stanley Jennings (QB), Nathan Hoyte (RB) Ronnie Tubbs (WR), Antorio Wells (DL) Justin Blash (DL), Rashad McRae (DB), Jamarkus Gaskins (DB) and Larry Atkins (LB/DB)

Miles College- David Thomas (QB), Jordan Lewis (RB), Patton Chambers (K), Julantate English (LB), and Ronnie Stephens (DB)

Rest of the SIAC-Will Morehouse make the playoffs? Will Miles or Stillman compete in the only HBCU post-season NCAA sanctioned football game? The answers to these questions all belong to the genie in the clouds. I have stated all year ASU and Morehouse belong in the playoffs, we will have to wait and see and trust the committee voters. Two SIAC performers that definitely deserve pre-season All-American recognition next year are Morehouse David Carter (RB) and Albany State Justin Blash (DL), their individual statistics are representative of their play this year, as both will be seniors next year and will play an integral part in their team overall success.

Stillman College vs Concordia-Selma
It is Stillman Homecoming, enough said. Stillman 34 vs Concordia-Selma 12

Marvin Broadwater, Sr.
D2Football.com SIAC Columnist