Albany State holds on to beat Miles

ALBANY — Some called it a must-win game.

Others said they wanted revenge after Miles College denied Albany State the SIAC championship last November.

The coaches said they just wanted a complete performance.

Albany State silenced the critics and exacted its revenge. But pacifying the coaches will have to wait for another day. Albany State was just grateful to take the victory home.

After scoring 35 unanswered points, the Rams took their foot off the proverbial gas pedal and had to hold on to beat Miles 35-33 Saturday night at the Albany State University Coliseum.

The Bears scored with 2:10 left to pull to within two points, taking advantage when ASU fumbled at its own 35 while trying to milk the clock.

But after failing to pick up a first down on third-and-2 on their ensuing possession, the Rams punted the ball to Miles with 1:45 left on the clock. The Bears moved into ASU territory before facing a third-and-two from the ASU 38.

Quarterback David Whipple scrambled across the field and picked up the first down before fumbling at the 29. ASU recovered, then burned the final seconds off the clock to preserve the victory.

After building a 35-10 lead after Mack Green’s 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to open the second half, Miles quietly scored two straight touchdowns, then got a safety early in the fourth quarter when the ball slowly rolled into the end zone and ASU tried to run it out.

While the game didn’t count in the SIAC standings, it was a victory ASU (2-3) needed. After close losses to Division II national powers Valdosta State, Tuskegee and West Georgia, the Rams needed something positive.

They will play at FCS foe Charleston Southern next Saturday, followed by a trip to Miles College on Oct. 15.

It took the Rams a while to get going Saturday night.

Nick Christiansen drilled a 30-yard field goal to give Miles an early 3-0 advantage, then after a three-and-out from ASU, quarterback David Whipple tossed an 11-yard touchdown pass to Jonathan Clark to give the Bears a 10-0 advantage.

But quarterback Caleb Edmonds marched the Rams downfield on just two plays when he hit Quadrey Simmons on a 25-yard touchdown pass with 6:32 left in the first quarter.

Then with 20 seconds left in the first quarter, Green scored on a four-yard run to give ASU the lead for good at 14-10. The nine-play drive covered 60 yards.

Dalviness Green scored on a five-yard run, then Jarvis Small scored on a 17-yard run to give Albany State a 28-10 halftime lead.