In a game between the last two unbeaten teams in conference play in the SIAC, the Albany State Golden Rams came out on top, taking down the Benedict Tigers in a 31-3 win.
Albany State remains unbeaten against Division II opponents (only loss to Florida A&M), improving its overall record to 7-1, including a 6-0 record in SIAC play.
Meanwhile, Benedict’s hopes for a third perfect regular season in the last four years are dashed with its first overall loss, dropping to 7-1 overall and 6-1 against the SIAC.
This game was marked by the return of Albany State star quarterback Isaiah Knowles, who missed the last three games after suffering an injury in the Week 5 matchup against Allen.
Knowles finished the game with 294 passing yards on 22-of-37 passing, scoring three touchdowns.
Jamill Williams led all receivers with five receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown, followed by Corey Petty, who had three receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown.
Sophomore running back Tiant Wyche rushed for 75 yards on 10 attempts and a touchdown.
After turning the ball over on their first offensive possession, placing the Benedict offense past midfield, the Albany State defense returned the favor with the Tigers in scoring position.
Going for a pass 15 yards out from the end zone, a deflection allowed Albany State defensive back Tyrell Gainey an opportunity to make a play, hauling in his first of two interceptions and being downed for a touchback.
Being forced to punt on their ensuing offensive possession, the Albany State defense once again stepped up with Aydin Henningham forcing a fumble to get the ball back in plus territory.
This time, the Golden Rams cashed in on the turnover with Knowles connecting with Jamarion Davis on a 30-yard touchdown pass on the first play from scrimmage.
Benedict’s next offensive possession saw the team’s biggest play of the game on a 63-yard pass up the middle from Darius Ocean to Troy Hillman on a play-action pass.
Albany State’s defense would once again recover, limiting Benedict to a field goal attempt that swung wide left to leave them scoreless.
From there, the Golden Rams would take control of the game, scoring 17 points in the second quarter to take a 24-0 lead at the halftime locker room.
The Tigers were limited to 19 offensive yards in their last four drives of the first half, including a pair of three-and-outs for no gain.
The second half would be more of the same for Benedict, with a late field goal allowing them to avoid a shutout.
Albany State will now look forward to its home finale against Savannah State next weekend, needing a win to clinch a spot in the SIAC championship game.