The Albany State Golden Rams will open the 2022 football season at home against the Mississippi Choctaws at 7:00 pm on Saturday, September 3.
The Golden Rams defeated the Choctaws (24-0) on last season in Clinton, Mississippi. The Golden Rams had 279 yards of total offense, including 189 yards on the ground and 90 yards through the air. The Golden Rams were led by QB
Dionte Bonneau who went 6-of-13 passing for 74 yards and one touchdown.
Marcuis Fulks and
Kamran Ward had 66 yards and 91 yards rushing, respectively.
The Golden Rams "Dirty Blue" defense held the Choctaws to 179 yards of total offense and 9 total first downs. The Golden Rams defense only allowed 38 yards passing and intercepted the Choctaws twice.
In 2021, the Golden Rams topped the conference in total defense, allowing just 197.6 yards per game, and led the league in rush defense and pass defense. ASU was also No. 1 in pass defense efficiency, allowing just 107.2 yards passing per game. The key to ASU's defensive success was their ability to stop the run. The "Dirty Blue" defense allowed just 89.8 yards per game.
In the 2022 D2 Football Preseason Top 25 Poll, the Golden Rams are ranked #20 in the country.
In the SIAC, reigning champions Albany State was picked to win the 2022 Eastern Division.
Albany State University junior quarterback
Dionte Bonneau was selected as the 2022 SIAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. Bonneau finished the 2021 season with 1,763 yards passing. Bonneau completed 117 of 223 passes for a 52.5% average and connected with 18 different receivers.
Joining Bonneau on the All-SIAC first team was 2021 SIAC Defensive Player of the Year
Stephan Pierre. Also on the first team are
Katray Pringle (OL),
Tyree Taylor (TE), and
Malik Barnes (DL). On the second team, the Golden Rams have eight players.
Jajuan Gordon (OL),
Josh Simon (OL), Joe'Vontae Shorter (WR),
Kam Ward (RB),
Anthony Harvey (DL),
Josh Hill (DL),
James Hawkins (DB) and
Brandarious Rawlings (DB) all made the squad.
Tickets can be purchased online by clicking
https://asugoldenrams.com/sports/2022/8/15/tickets.aspx
Click on the following link or Live Stats:
http://www.asugoldenrams.com/sidearmstats/football
