November 27th, 2025 7:00pm
Weekly Rewind
A look back at last weeks scores by the numbers. (SIAC teams denoted in bold)
Albany State 35 Valdosta State 30
Albany State—530 total yds 31 first downs/Passing 264 yds 2 td 1 int/Rushing 266 yds 3 td
Valdosta State—283 total yds 13 first downs/Passing 173 yds 2 td/Rushing 110 yds 1 d
Benedict 25 Wingate 24
Benedict—298 total yds 13 first downs/Passing 180 yds 3 td 2 int/Rushing 118 yds
Wingate—403 total yds 17 first downs/Passing 264 yds 2 td 2 int/Rushing 139 yds
Newberry 45 Kentucky State 24
Newberry—414 total yds 22 first downs/Passing 288 yds 3 td 1 int/Rushing 126 yds 3 td
Kentucky State—317 total yds 15 first downs/Passing 163 yds 3 int/Rushing 154 yds 3 td
SIAC Playoff Matchup-Round Two
Benedict (10-2) at Albany State (11-1)
For the third time this season, the Benedict Tigers will play the Albany State Golden Rams. The reward for victory continues to rise as every matchup between these two comes to fruition. The first matchup saw ASU dominate to the tune of 31-3 as the reward for that win was first place in the conference. The second game was contested two weeks ago, and the Golden Rams were the victors again, but this time the game was much closer, 22-16. The ASU victory in that contest made them SIAC champions. As the third games comes into focus for this Saturday, the winner will earn a spot in the quarterfinals of the Division II playoffs and inch one step closer towards a national championship.
Albany State won a shootout over Valdosta State in round one. It was a back-and-forth affair in the first half as Valdosta State took a 23-21 lead into the break. The Blazers also returned the second half kickoff back for a touchdown and extended their lead to 30-21. That woke up the Albany State defense as the scoring stopped for VSU after that. The Golden Rams defense pitched a shutout in the second half. A rushing and a passing touchdown in quarters number three and four by quarterback Isaiah Knowles put the Golden Rams ahead for good. ASU grinded out multiple first downs on the last drive of the game that kept the ball away from the VSU offense and sealed the 35-30 victory. Isaiah Knowles finished the game with a combined 356 yards rushing and passing while also contributing three touchdowns. The running game was sound all day as Tiant Wyche pounded out 134 hard charging yards on 20 carries while also touching paydirt once.
The game of the week at any level in college football last week was the Benedict/Wingate matchup. Trailing by five points with just three seconds remaining in the game and at their own 14 yard line, Benedict quarterback Jackson Jensen threw a short pass to Tre Simmons (last years quarterback) and as the Wingate defenders closed in, Simmons showcased his arm strength by throwing a perfect 40 yard lateral pass across the field to Malik Mullins who sprinted down the opposite sideline for a miraculous touchdown that gave benedict a 25-24 victory and a spot in the second round of the Division II playoffs. Benedict led the contest 24-0 early in the third quarter. Benedict showed tremendous resolve to find a way back to victory.
It's quite rare in college football to see two teams play twice in the same season. It’s nearly unheard of to see it happen three times. Can Albany State complete the trifecta or will Benedict find that the third time is the charm?
PREDICTION
Albany State 27 Benedict 19
SEASON PREDICTIONS
Last week 1-2
Overall 60-25
***Alabama State defeated Tuskegee 58-21 on Thursday November 27th in the Turkey Day Classic.