GOLDEN RAMS DEFEAT BENEDICT IN THRILLING SECOND-ROUND BATTLE, ADVANCE TO NCAA QUARTERFINALS FOR THIRD TIME IN PROGRAM HISTORY

From www.ASUGoldenRams.com 

In a hard-fought defensive showdown between two familiar foes, the Albany State Golden Rams emerged victorious over Benedict College, earning a 14-12 win in the second round of the NCAA Division II Super Region II Playoffs. With the win, Albany State advances to the NCAA Quarterfinals for just the third time in program history, and for the first time in more than a decade.

The victory marks a historic milestone for the Golden Rams. Under Head Coach Quinn Gray, Albany State has now achieved 12 wins in a single season, setting a new program record and solidifying this year's team as one of the most successful in Albany State history.

Albany State wasted no time establishing dominance. With 9:19 remaining in the opening quarter, quarterback Isaiah Knowles connected with Jamill Williams, who was streaking downfield, for a 41-yard touchdown pass. This capped a quick four-play, 67-yard drive that put ASU ahead 7–0.

Benedict responded late in the quarter when their defense forced a short field. Zane Spires converted a 43-yard field goal, trimming the lead to 7–3 with just 11 seconds remaining. The Tigers capitalized again midway through the second quarter, converting another short drive into a 30-yard field goal, bringing the score to 7–6. From that point on, both defenses tightened their grip, forcing punts, collapsing pockets, and limiting explosive plays, allowing the Rams to maintain a narrow lead into halftime.

The third quarter featured a defensive standoff, with both teams trading field position and struggling to make significant gains. Knowles faced heavy pressure throughout the game, taking six sacks but continuing to deliver when his team needed him most.

The breakthrough came with 7:41 left in the fourth quarter. Starting from their own 11-yard line, the Golden Rams engineered one of their most impressive drives of the season—a remarkable 89-yard march over seven plays. Knowles finished the drive by keeping the ball himself, powering into the end zone on a 1-yard touchdown run. Kyle Wright added the extra point, extending the lead to 14–6.
Benedict refused to go quietly. The Tigers responded with a 70-yard drive and found the end zone on a 9-yard run by David Smith, cutting ASU's lead to 14–12 with 3:49 remaining. The Tigers attempted a two-point conversion to tie the game, but the Golden Rams' defense held firm.

Albany State's defense delivered one of its most complete postseason efforts during the Gray era. Aydin Henningham led all tacklers with eight total stops, while Luke Rose and Andrew Ruffin added seven and five tackles, respectively, each recording key pass breakups. Daytin Baker, Tyquan Glenn, and Isaiah Morrison made critical plays to halt Benedict's drives, while the defensive front consistently applied pressure to keep the Tigers off balance. When the game was on the line, the defense forced a final stop that sealed the win and sent the home crowd into a celebration.
Under constant pressure, Isaiah Knowles delivered a composed and effective performance, completing 19 of 29 passes for 244 yards and one passing touchdown. He also contributed a crucial rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter.

His top target was Jamill Williams, who had a standout postseason performance with six receptions for 112 yards and one touchdown, including a long of 41 yards. Wide receiver Omari Stewart added four catches for 60 yards, helping to stretch the field and keep drives alive.

With today's victory, Albany State has advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals for the third time in its history and achieved its first playoff advancement since 2010. The Golden Rams have also set a program record with 12 wins under Head Coach Quinn Gray and have defeated Benedict College for the third time this season. This postseason run has established the Golden Rams as one of the nation's elite Division II programs in 2025.

Up Next: The Golden Rams continue their postseason journey next week as they prepare to host Newberry College in the NCAA Quarterfinals on Saturday, December 6.