ASU defeats Wingate, 30-28, advances to quarterfinals of D-II playoffs

ALBANY, Ga.-- Next, please. The Albany State football team is moving on in the NCAA Division II playoffs after beating Wingate, 30-28, on Saturday afternoon in front of a packed house at Albany State University Coliseum.

Stanley Jennings threw two touchdowns, LiRonnie Davis and Rodrick Nabors got it done on the ground and the Rams' "Ditry Blue" defense held off Division II's most prolific offenses en route to the huge win.

In scary news, however, Rams defensive star Justin Blash had to be carted off the field after an injury late in the fourth quarter. There was no immediate word the extent of the injury, but it would be a huge blow to ASU if Blash can't return next week.

Wingate ousted, ends 9-3

ALBANY, Ga. The Wingate Bulldogs mounted a late rally against the Albany State Golden Rams Saturday afternoon, but fell short 30-28. The loss ends the Bulldogs' seven-game winning streak and 2010 season. Wingate finishes 9-3.

Albany State moves to 11-0 overall and will host Delta State (Miss.) next weekend. Albany State quarterback Stanley Jennings completed two touchdown passes for the Golden Rams. Albany State running back LiRonnie Davis (Macon, Ga.) ran nine times for 90 yards and two scores, including a 45-yard run in the fourth quarter that gave the host team a 30-21 advantage.

ASU-WINGATE NOTEBOOK: Rams await word on injured defensive lineman Blash, who was carted off late in 30-28 win Saturday against Wingate

ALBANY, Ga. — There was a scary moment in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game when 6-foot-5, 300-pound sophomore defensive lineman Justin Blash had to be carted off the field at the 4:34 mark after several moments of silent anticipation.

The early diagnosis was a sprained knee, and nothing appeared to be broken, but the coach Mike White said the team will know more Monday. If Blash can’t recover, it’ll be another tough loss for the Rams as they head into the Division II quarterfinals next week against Delta State after a 30-28 win against Wingate on Saturday.

Win-gate? Check.

For only the second time in school history, the Albany State football program is headed to the quarterfinals of the Division II playoffs, this after the Rams hold on to beat Wingate, 30-28, on Saturday afternoon at Albany State University Coliseum.

ALBANY, Ga. — Stanley Jennings is starting to look like he might have a future as a psychic. After guaranteeing earlier in the season that the Albany State football team would win the rest of its regular-season games — which came true — he predicted during practice this week that the “Dirty Blue” Rams defense would contain quarterback Cody Haffly and the explosive Wingate offense.

And that’s exactly what happened Saturday as ASU (11-0) defeated Wingate, 30-28, at home in the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs to advance to the quarterfinals against Delta State (9-3). Delta State defeated North Alabama, 47-24, on the other side of the bracket Saturday.

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