Albany State falls to Valdosta in season opener

VALDOSTA — Albany State’s season opener against Valdosta State on Saturday night was a lopsided affair that quickly got out of hand and ended with the Blazers getting a 45-14 home win.

VSU quarterback Rogan Wells put the Blazers on the board with a 3-yard touchdown run less than three minutes into the first quarter. He then found Brian Saunds for a 7-yard touchdown, and VSU went up 14-0 in the first while ASU struggled and failed to get a first down in three first-quarter possessions.

The Rams continued fighting in the fourth quarter when Kelias Williams found Mike Green for a 67-yard touchdown and Albany State’s first points of the game.

Here are a few notes from the contest:

1. Defense struggles against the run

The Rams knew coming in they would need to contain Blazers running back Kenny Benjamin. The good news is they held him to just 3 yards. The bad news is the Blazers threw a host of backs at the Rams and racked up 285 total rushing yards, led by Jamar Thompkins’ 128.

ASU head coach Gabe Giardina felt his team was in position to make plays, but the team just struggled to wrap players up when tackling.

“We just did not tackle well at all,” he said. “In terms of contact, their backs were more physical than our tacklers and we give them credit for that. We’ve got to go back to the drawing board and we’ve got to play more fundamental and we’ve got to tackle well. It doesn’t matter who you play.”

2. Quarterbacks produce mixed results

In his first start under center for ASU, Stephon Masha finished 7-of-10 for 37 yards. Williams came in late in the game, threw for a touchdown and finished 4-7 for 115 yards.

Masha was able to make some plays with his legs and extended a few drives. Giardina said he showed flashes of brilliance, as well as some slight rust.

“I think he looked OK. At times it looked like he hadn’t played in two years. There were a couple little flashes and some things he did well,” Giardina said. “But he’s got to get better too. We’ve all got to get better.”

3. Rams struggle with physicality

Coming into the contest, Giardina spoke on the importance of winning the battle at the line of scrimmage. His Rams gave up three sacks and were held to just 68 rushing yards. Giardina said the Blazers were simply more physical than his team on both sides of the ball.

“Just in general, offensively and defensively, VSU was just more physical with their contact,” he said. “That can never be a mark of an Albany State football team, and it’s my job to fix it and we’ll get it fixed early in the week. We’ve got to have a dramatic improvement from Week 1 to Week 2.”

4. Tuskegee will test ASU’s leadership

Tuskegee fell to Alabama State 26-20 in overtime on Saturday. Both the Rams and the Tigers head into the White Water Classic this Saturday in Phenix City, Alabama, looking for their first win of the season.

Giardina said his team showed great resolve in the closing minutes against VSU rather than quitting, but the true test will be how they responded against a conference opponent and fierce rival.

“They’re hurt and they’re a little embarrassed, but there is resolve and that’s what it has to be,” he said. “We have got to show that we have good leadership on this team, and I think we do. In fact, I know we do. They’ve got to step up this week and play.”