The Valdosta State Blazers will kick off their NCAA Division II playoff campaign on Saturday, November 22, 2025, facing the Albany State Golden Rams. The Blazers secured their spot in the postseason with a thrilling overtime victory against the No. 3-ranked West Florida, winning 47-44 thanks to a critical 37-yard field goal by Matt Rolader. This win not only clinched an automatic playoff bid but also marked the Blazers’ 12th Gulf South Conference championship.
After a rocky start to the season with a 2-4 record, the Blazers have rebounded impressively, winning four consecutive games to secure their playoff position. As they prepare for the challenge of the 10-1 Golden Rams, quarterback Jameson Holcomb expressed confidence, stating, “We’ve been in playoff mode for three weeks. Nothing changes for us. We’ve got to go out every day and practice and get better and be ready on Saturday.”
Golden Rams: A Force to Reckon With
Albany State enters the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in Super Region Two, following their hard-fought 22-16 victory over Benedict College in the SIAC Championship. The Golden Rams are on an eight-game winning streak, their only loss this season coming on September 13 against Florida A&M. Under the leadership of head coach Quinn Fordham Gray Sr., Albany State boasts one of the nation’s top defenses, ranking highly in multiple categories.
This season, the Golden Rams have forced an impressive 28 turnovers and rank first in Division II for this statistic. Their defensive prowess includes a top-five ranking in total defense (257.5 yards per game), rushing defense (74.7 yards per game), and scoring defense (11.91 points per game). Standout players include Derrick Drayton, who leads the team with 6.5 sacks, and Isaiah Morrison, who has made significant contributions with 8 tackles for loss.
On the offensive side, quarterback Isaiah Knowles has thrown for 1,643 yards, recording 15 touchdowns against five interceptions. He also contributes to the running game, tallying 188 rushing yards and six touchdowns. The Blazers’ defense will need to apply pressure against Knowles, who has shown resilience by extending plays even under duress.
Recent Performance and Rivalry Dynamics
Last week, Holcomb delivered a standout performance against West Florida, completing 20 of 37 passes for a career-high 331 yards and four touchdowns. His efforts earned him Gulf South Conference Player of the Week honors. Meanwhile, junior linebacker Julius Pascal also received accolades, recording 11 total tackles and three pass breakups, reinforcing the Blazers’ defensive capabilities.
Historically, Valdosta State holds a significant advantage over Albany State, winning nine of their last ten encounters. The most recent matchup saw the Blazers dominate with a 42-10 victory, where they amassed 462 yards of offense, led by Sammy Edwards, who threw for four touchdowns.
As the two teams prepare to clash once again, the rivalry adds an extra layer of intensity to this playoff matchup. “This is just another game for us this week,” said head coach Graham Craig. “But it’s a game with a lot of history, and we’re excited about the opportunity.”
The kickoff for Saturday’s game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Fans can tune in via ESPN or listen to the action on Talk 92.1 FM, as the Blazers aim to continue their playoff journey against a formidable opponent in Albany State.
