Box Score Valdosta, GA- Albany State suffered a tough 42-10 loss on the road against Valdosta State in the season opener Saturday evening (Aug. 31) at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.
 
Albany State fell to 0-1 on the season, while VSU improved to a 1-0 start for the season.
 
In the first quarter, the Golden Rams set the tone early off a 10-yard run by Dajon Richard. After a critical turnover, ASU was unable to convert a much-needed first down.
 
The Blazers then jumped out to a 14-0 lead off a 41-yard pass from Sammy Edwards to Rodney Bullard, followed by a 24-yard pass from Edwards to Graeson Malashevich, late in the first quarter.
 
In the second quarter, Edwards connected with Bullard for a 25-yard touchdown, extending their lead to 21 points over the Golden Rams. The Golden Rams' defense held strong allowing the Blazers one score. ASU responded on a 23-yard field goal by Kyle Wright to close out the half and push the score 21-3 VSU.
 
A mishandled punt to open the second half led to a pivotal turnover by ASU. The Blazers capitalized on the recovery, extending their lead to 28-3 at the 10:35 mark. The Golden Rams showed signs of improvement as Knowles connected with Javion Jackson to advance into the red zone.
 
Knowles discovered Tiant Wyche in the gap, for an 18-yard rush to score ASU's first touchdown of the game at the 9:14 mark. Wyche gave the Golden Rams the extra energy needed to energize the offense backfield off a 41-yard rush to secure a first down.
 
In the fourth quarter, the Golden Rams' effort to shift the game's momentum fell short of the goal. Both teams were held scoreless until just under two minutes left in the game when VSU connected on a field goal to secure a 42-10 victory.
 
UP Next:
The Golden Rams will host Shaw University for the home opener at 6 p.m. on September 7 in Albany, GA. This game will be the first meeting between the two institutions. Additionally, the Golden Rams will honor the newly enshrined 2024 Athletics Hall of Fame Class during halftime.
 
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