Albany State prepares for pivotal test against Lane College

EDITOR’S NOTE: At the Albany Herald’s Thursday print deadline, Albany State was considering playing its Homecoming game against Lane College at 2 p.m. Saturday or moving it to Sunday because of Hurricane Isaias. Visit AlbanyHerald.com for the confirmed kickoff time and the latest game information.

By Joe Whitfield, Sports Editor

ALBANY — There are two ways to look at Albany State’s season.

One begins with a 2-3 record and the disappointment of a loss to Kentucky State.

The other begins with five games remaining, a 2-1 conference record and a path—complicated but still open—to the SIAC championship game.

David Bowser prefers the second view.

Whenever Albany State’s Homecoming game against Lane College is played this weekend, the assignment will remain the same: Beat the Dragons and begin a five-game push that could carry the Golden Rams back into the postseason.

Bowser said Thursday that a 2 p.m. Saturday kickoff remained possible, but moving the game to Sunday was also under consideration because of Hurricane Isaias.

What Bowser did not want lost amid the uncertainty was the importance of the game itself.

Albany State has lost three of its first five games, but two came against strong nonconference opponents Florida A&M and Johnson C. Smith. The third was a 24-16 loss to Kentucky State, which Bowser considers one of the best teams in the SIAC.

The loss hurt, but it did not eliminate the Golden Rams from either the conference championship race or the NCAA Division II playoff picture.

“If we handle our business, we are back in the championship,” Bowser said. “That is the exciting thing. We still control our destiny.”

There is little room left for error.

Albany State does not play SIAC leader Edward Waters or one-loss contenders Central State and Miles. It does face Tuskegee and Benedict, two of the six conference teams that entered the week with one loss.

Those contenders still must play one another, meaning some of the teams ahead of Albany State will fall. The Golden Rams’ job is to make certain they are not among them.

A sweep of Lane, Tuskegee, Benedict, Clark Atlanta and Fort Valley State would leave Albany State 7-1 in conference play and firmly in the championship discussion.

Bowser also believes the strength of the SIAC and Albany State’s demanding schedule could keep the Golden Rams in the Division II playoff picture.

“Last year, three SIAC teams got into the playoffs, and a fourth—Edward Waters—was sitting in a good position and almost got there,” Bowser said.

That larger picture matters only if Albany State handles what is immediately in front of it.

That begins with Lane.

The Dragons are winless and lost 47-6 to Albany State last season, but Bowser does not want his players thinking about either number. Lane produced its best defensive performance of the season Saturday, forcing four turnovers and holding Miles College to one offensive touchdown in a 9-6 loss.

Three of those turnovers were interceptions, including two in the end zone.

“I saw a major stride in the way they played defense on Saturday,” Bowser said. “They are playing with more confidence, so we have to take care of the football and manage the field position. I was impressed with how they played defense last Saturday.”

Lane’s record may say 0-6. Its defense told Bowser something else.

“All it takes is one week of momentum, and it can flip,” he said. “You can’t look at their record.”

That is why protecting the football has been one of Albany State’s biggest points of emphasis during the open week.

Bowser does not want his players fighting for unnecessary extra yards or attempting to turn an ordinary play into something spectacular. Lane showed against Miles what can happen when it is given additional opportunities.

“We’ve got to cover that ball up,” Bowser said. “Get down and don’t try to do too much. We can’t give them four extra possessions.”

The Golden Rams also used the break to work on an offense that managed only 81 rushing yards against Kentucky State.

Albany State expects starting offensive linemen Ty’Orice Brown and Stanley Tolbert to return. Their absence contributed to the Golden Rams’ struggles in the running game, and Bowser believes getting them back should make a significant difference.

“We’ve got to get back to establishing the run,” Bowser said. “We have a very good quarterback, but we’ve got to be able to run the football.”

Quarterback Jeffery Davis has completed nearly 75% of his passes, but Bowser does not want the offense resting entirely on Davis’ arm. Albany State needs that balance regardless of when the game is played, particularly after struggling to establish the run against Kentucky State.

Bowser wants Albany State to control the ball, manage the field and possess it for as many as 10 to 12 minutes in the opening quarter. Long offensive possessions would establish the tempo while allowing the defense to remain fresh.

“The best offense is when my defense is resting,” Bowser said.

That defense must move forward without two experienced linemen. Junior defensive tackles Montele Burton and Jalen Woodard are out for the remainder of the season and require surgery.

Their absence creates another test for a roster that includes 52 true freshmen and 28 redshirt freshmen. Bowser used the open week to evaluate younger players and reinforce a lesson coaches have preached since preseason: Every player must be ready when his number is called.

The Golden Rams also must play cleaner football. They committed seven penalties against Kentucky State, mistakes Bowser described as undisciplined and costly.

Albany State has little margin remaining for turnovers, penalties or missed opportunities. The Golden Rams may still have a path to the SIAC championship game, but that path becomes much more difficult with another loss.

Homecoming annually brings thousands of alumni and visitors to campus. This year, Hurricane Isaias disrupted those plans and created uncertainty surrounding the game.

Bowser hopes one part of the weekend remains unchanged: He wants fans inside the Coliseum supporting a young team trying to keep its championship hopes alive.

“These players are wanting to put on a real good show,” Bowser said, “so come into the stadium and support these young men who love this institution just as much as you do.”

There are two ways to look at Albany State’s season.

Bowser sees opportunity, but only if his team takes advantage of it.

Whether that opportunity arrives Saturday or Sunday, the Golden Rams’ five-game push begins with Lane.

GAME AT A GLANCE

Lane College at Albany State

Kickoff: Saturday or Sunday; visit AlbanyHerald.com for the confirmed schedule

Site: Albany State Coliseum

Broadcast: SIAC Network; WZBN 105.5 FM