Shaw Bears Rally to Stun Albany State Golden Rams in a 43-40 Thriller
Albany, GA Saturday, September 7th 2024 – In a heart-pounding home opener at ASU Coliseum, the Albany State Golden Rams fell just short in a high-scoring battle, losing 43-40 to the Shaw University Bears. The loss drops Albany State to 0-2 on the season, while Shaw improves to 2-0 after a stunning final-minute comeback.
First Half: Momentum Shifts
The first quarter was a defensive stalemate, with neither team managing to find the end zone. Both defenses held firm, setting the stage for an explosive second quarter. The turning point came early in the second quarter when an interception by Shaw's defense led to a costly mistake by Albany State. A celebratory misstep resulted in a safety for Shaw, giving the Bears their first points of the game and shifting the momentum in their favor. On the ensuing drive, Shaw quarterback Christian Peters found Maceo Wingate for a 31-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 9-0.
Albany State responded with a methodical 10-play, 72-yard drive, capped by a 4-yard touchdown pass from Isaiah Knowles to Jamill Williams, closing the gap to 9-7. But the Bears quickly struck back, with Peters connecting on a 53-yard touchdown pass to Jon Barnes, sending Shaw into halftime with a 16-7 lead.
Second Half: Thrilling Finish
The Golden Rams came out firing in the third quarter. They capitalized on great field position, with running back Dajon Richard punching in a 1-yard touchdown to bring Albany State within three points, 16-13. Moments later, Knowles delivered a 23-yard strike to Devon Dorsey, giving Albany State its first lead of the game, 19-16. Albany State extended its lead with another Knowles touchdown pass, this time a 17-yard connection with Xavier Herndon, putting them ahead 26-16. The Rams' defense, known as the "Dirty Blue Defense," stifled Shaw's offense for most of the third quarter, frustrating the Bears as the momentum swung firmly in Albany State’s favor.
The fourth quarter was a scoring frenzy. Shaw's Christian Peters connected with Jon Barnes for a 5-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 26-23. However, Albany State immediately answered with an electrifying 88-yard kickoff return by Tiant Wyche, putting the Rams back on top 33-23.
Not to be outdone, Shaw fought back with an 11-yard touchdown run by Peters, narrowing the score to 33-30. But Albany State once again countered with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Knowles to Williams, extending their lead to 40-30 with just over four minutes left in the game.
Shaw wasn’t finished. Peters orchestrated a 9-play, 65-yard drive that ended with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Ah'shaan Belcher, bringing the score to 40-37. With only 1:54 left, the Bears’ defense forced a quick stop and handed the ball back to Peters, who delivered in the clutch. With only eight seconds remaining, Peters found Belcher again, this time for a 28-yard touchdown to give Shaw a stunning 43-40 victory.
Statistical Leaders
- Shaw’s Christian Peters was the star of the night, passing for 322 yards and four touchdowns. He displayed tremendous poise under pressure, especially in the final drive.
- Jon Barnes was a key target for Shaw, finishing with 53 yards and two crucial touchdown catches.
- Albany State’s Isaiah Knowles had a strong outing, throwing for 262 yards and four touchdowns. However, the Rams' inability to hold their lead in the fourth quarter proved costly.
Key Team Stats
- Shaw outgained Albany State 481 to 327 in total yards, with 322 passing yards compared to Albany State's 262.
- Albany State struggled on third downs, converting just 1 of 6, while Shaw converted 8 of 17.
- Time of possession heavily favored Shaw, who controlled the ball for 40:10, compared to Albany State's 19:50.
History and Next Game
This win ties the all-time series between Shaw and Albany State at 2-2, with the teams last meeting in 2028 when Albany State secured a 27-10 victory. Shaw's last win against the Golden Rams came in 1968.
Albany State will look to bounce back on September 21 when they face Central State in the inaugural Frederick Douglass Classic in Rochester, NY. The Golden Rams will need to regroup after this gut-wrenching loss and prepare for the start of conference play.
