ATLANTA, GA - Fans at Alumni Stadium are soon to witness a scorching clash as two storied programs, Kentucky State University and Albany State University, gear up to rival in a highly anticipated showdown! While it has been a considerable time since their last rival, the anticipation is high for this thrilling encounter, as 2011 and 2012 matchups occurred on neutral ground.
The Kentucky State Thorobreds are determined to reverse their fortunes in this homecoming matchup. With an overall record of 1-3 and a SIAC conference record of 0-3, the Thorobreds are seeking redemption. They've averaged 20 points and 276 yards per game, with their offense churning out 117 rushing yards and 159 passing yards per contest.
On the other side of the field, the Albany State University Golden Rams come into this matchup full of steam, having secured victories in the 2023 Toyota HBCU New York Classic and the Inaugural Coastal City HBCU Classic. The Golden Rams, under the leadership of Coach Quinn Gray, Sr., will be aiming to extend their winning streak to three games. Their recent successes have instilled confidence in the Albany State faithful, and they're eager to see their team perform at its best.
Historically, the Golden Rams have dominated this series, winning nine out of the past ten matchups against the Thorobreds. However, with the unpredictable nature of the sport, anything can happen on the field, and the Thorobreds are determined to make this contest a hard-fought battle.
One player to keep a close eye on during this matchup is Kentucky State's freshman sensation, Denim Johnson. In his first collegiate start against Fort Valley State, Johnson showcased his potential by completing 21 passes for 218 yards and rushing for 111 yards, including a touchdown. Johnson's abilities will be crucial for the Thorobreds if they hope to upset the Golden Rams.
Offensively, the Golden Rams are averaging 15 points and 302 yards per game, with a balanced attack of 95 rushing yards and 207 passing yards per game. Their defense yields an average of 19 points and 328 yards per game, with opponents averaging 155 rushing yards and 173 passing yards per game.
Where to Watch: theGrio (Cable)
Replay: HBCU GO Sports
Time: 1 p.m. ET
About the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)
The SIAC is a NCAA athletic conference consisting primarily of historically black colleges and universities with headquarters in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The SIAC includes 15 member institutions (Albany State University, Allen University, Benedict College, Central State University, Clark Atlanta University, Edward Waters University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Savannah State University, Spring Hill College, and Tuskegee University), which are located within a contiguous seven-state footprint (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Ohio). The SIAC sponsors seven men's and six women's sports and is a proud member of the NCAA Division II. For more information, visit www.thesiac.com.