The Albany State Golden Rams make a powerful statement to open the 2025 season-opener, coasting past the Shaw Bears in a 51-7 win.
The 51 points put up by the Golden Rams are the most points they have scored in a season opener in the past 15 years.
Sophomore running back Tiant Wyche was the star of the game for the ASU, recording 137 rushing yards on 14 attempts and two touchdowns.
SIAC Preseason Player of the Year Isaiah Knowles posted 169 passing yards on 13-of-21 passing, along with 61 rushing yards on 13 attempts, scoring three total touchdowns.
Albany State’s defense got in on the action as well, forcing five sacks and four turnovers, limiting Shaw to just 189 offensive yards (allowed 481 yards in their matchup against Shaw last year).
The Golden Rams took control of this game from the opening kickoff, scoring on each of their first three offensive possessions, including two touchdowns by Knowles.
The Golden Rams kicked off the season with an exciting victory over the Bears! Next up, catch ASU in Frankfort, KY, to face off against Kentucky State on September 6.#CreatingLegacies | #AllIn | #Fight2Fini5h pic.twitter.com/uNb8RzRugN
— Golden Ram Athletics (@ASUGoldenRams) August 30, 2025
Despite holding a decisive advantage over Shaw, Albany State had some missed opportunities that could have allowed it to extend the lead even further.
This trend began after missing an open pass that would have been a touchdown during their first drive. Beginning the second quarter, Albany State failed to convert a fourth down on a drive that began by forcing a Shaw fumble.
Shaw later forced a fumble on a run before the Golden Rams’ back could reach the end zone, which led to a touchback.
However, this turnover would be inconsequential as Albany State would get back on the scoreboard with a three-yard run by Wyche to take a 24-0 lead.
Two minutes later, Shaw finally got its first points of the game, following a 33-yard touchdown connection from Justin Wheeler to Cobie Bates.
The Golden Rams would immediately respond with a 90-yard kickoff return touchdown by Cameron Watts to make the score 31-7 at halftime.
The second half was more of the same, with Shaw being held to 103 offensive yards and committing two turnovers. Meanwhile, the Golden Rams scored on three of their five second-half drives to put the game away completely.
Next week, Albany State enters SIAC play when it goes on the road to face Kentucky State, while Shaw will return to the football field on September 13 in a game against Ferrum College.
