Albany, GA – The Albany State University Golden Rams are set to kick off the 2024 football season on the road with a short trek down to Valdosta, GA, where they will face the Valdosta State University Blazers. The highly anticipated season opener is scheduled for 7:00 pm on Saturday, August 31, at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

Quinn Gray, Sr. returns for his second season as head coach, ready to build on last year's progress. The Golden Rams have been picked to finish first in the SIAC, and with players like Ahmed Brimah and Xavier Herndon earning spots on the All-SIAC First Team, expectations are high.

After wrapping up the 2023 season with a 6-5 overall record and a 6-2 mark in conference play, the Golden Rams are eager to make a strong start in 2024.

Valdosta State, meanwhile, comes into the game with something to prove after their postseason run ended in a tough loss to Lenoir-Rhyne in the NCAA Quarterfinals. The Blazers were picked to finish sixth in the preseason Gulf South Conference poll, following a solid 12-2 season.

This matchup marks the 16th meeting between the Golden Rams and the Blazers. The last time these teams met, the Golden Rams put up a fight but fell short, 16-21. Despite the loss, the Rams had a strong offensive showing, with 268 total yards—71 on the ground and 197 through the air. Quarterback Isaiah Knowles connected on 7 of 14 passes for 102 yards and a touchdown, while Aljhanod Thomas led the ground game with 43 yards on 10 carries.

The last season opener between these two teams was in 2019, with the Rams narrowly losing 16-21. Valdosta State currently leads the all-time series 21-2, but the Rams' last win over the Blazers was a decisive 29-12 victory in 2017.
As the Golden Rams head into this weekend's game, they're looking to start the season strong and show that they're ready to #MoveTheNeedle in 2024.

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