Columbia, S.C. – The Albany State Golden Rams made a bold statement on Saturday afternoon, defeating the previously unbeaten Benedict College Tigers 31-3 on the road in Columbia, S.C. The victory not only marked a decisive win over the reigning SIAC champions but also propelled the Golden Rams to the top of the conference standings. With the triumph, Albany State improves to 7-1 overall and 6-0 in SIAC play, securing its first seven-win season since 2022.

The Golden Rams wasted no time setting the tone. Midway through the first quarter, Isaiah Knowles connected with Jamarion Davis for a 30-yard touchdown strike on the very first play of the drive, putting ASU ahead 7-0. The offense continued to fire on all cylinders in the second quarter, as Knowles found Jamill Williams for a 20-yard touchdown to cap a 90-yard drive. Moments later, the duo of Knowles and Corey Petty extended the lead to 21-0 with a 6-yard scoring pass following a quick three-play drive.

As time expired in the first half, Ian Kelly drilled a 37-yard field goal to give the Golden Rams a commanding 24-0 lead heading into the break. The offensive rhythm carried into the second half when Tiant Wyche powered through the Benedict defense for a 10-yard rushing touchdown, finishing a 10-play, 62-yard drive to push the lead to 31-0. Benedict managed to get on the board with a 22-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, but the Golden Rams' defense remained impenetrable for the remainder of the game.

The Albany State defense turned in one of its most dominant performances of the season, holding the high-powered Benedict offense to just three points and forcing multiple three-and-outs. The front line, anchored by Derrick Drayton and Abe Clinkscales, consistently applied pressure in the backfield, while Cam Watts and the secondary shut down the passing lanes.

Offensively, Knowles showcased elite poise, finishing with three touchdown passes and leading multiple long scoring drives. Wyche continued his consistent ground attack, while receivers Davis, Williams, and Petty each contributed key touchdown receptions.

With momentum at its peak, the Golden Rams now set their sights on closing the regular season strong. Up next, Albany State returns home for Senior Day to host Savannah State University on Saturday, October 25, at 1 p.m. inside the ASU Coliseum. The Golden Rams will aim to extend their winning streak and solidify their top spot in the SIAC standings as the postseason approaches.

Stay Connected
For complete coverage of ASU Athletics, follow us on social media @asugoldenrams (Instagram), @ASUGoldenRams (Twitter), ASU Rams Nation (Facebook), or visit the official home of the Golden Rams at www.asugoldenrams.com.
 
ABOUT ALBANY STATE ATHLETICS
Albany State University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II-level intercollegiate athletic program. The university currently fields teams in 11 sports: women's volleyball, women's tennis, women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, softball, men's and women's track and field, women's soccer, baseball, and football with all teams compete in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), except women's soccer, which participates in the Peach Belt Conference.