SAVANNAH, Ga.-The Savannah State football squad had a flair for the dramatic in their home football finale on Saturday afternoon as the Tigers knocked off Albany State 28-26 at T. A. Wright Stadium and in the process, snapped a three-game losing skid to the Golden Rams.

For the Tigers (5-4, 4-2 SIAC) it was their first victory over Albany State (5-4, 4-2 SIAC) since the 2019 campaign, when SSU took a 35-19 victory at home.

Things started rocky for Savannah State as Albany State cracked the scoreboard in just :38 on three plays which was capped off with a 22-yard TD pass to take an early 7-0 lead. The Tigers would be equal to the task with a quick response of their own as Jhaydon Sullivan found Brent Carr in the back of the end zone on their opening possession to knot the score up at 7-7.

SSU added to the lead later in the first quarter when Sullivan found Da'Shun Mitchell on the opposite end of a 31 yard touchdown pass to extend the Tiger lead to 14-7. The Tigers would not be done as on their next offensive possession, Demeke Colbert powered into the end zone for a score to double the advantage to 21-7 with 3:31 remaining in the first quarter.

Albany State would get back on the scoreboard to start the second quarter on a two yard TD pass. The extra point would be missed and Savannah State's lead would be trimmed to eight at 21-13. The Golden Rams were able to get on the board again just before halftime courtesy of a 25-yard touchdown pass which cut the Tiger lead to two points at 21-19.

The two teams would be in a defensive battle for a remainder of the contest, thanks to several three and outs forced by both squads. Savannah State would get some breathing room at the 1:19 mark of the third quarter when on 4th and goal, Shamarcus Poole plunged into the end zone for a one yard touchdown to push the lead back out to nine at 28-19.

The Golden Rams would not go quietly as with 3:20 remaining in the fourth quarter, ASU scored a touchdown to come back within two points at 28-26.

With less than a minute remaining, Savannah State punted the ball away, but an Albany State muffed punt allowed the Tigers to recover and run out the clock en route to the two point victory.

Albany State took a 365-292 edge in total offense in the contest, but it was four key turnovers forced by the Savannah State defense that significantly stood out in the victory.

Jhaydon Sullivan finished the contest going 16-22 passing for 261 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Da'Shun Mitchell led all receivers with four receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown, while Brent Carr was not too far behind with five catches for 94 yards and a touchdown. Shamarcus Poole turned in nine carries for 26 yards and a touchdown, and Demeke Colbert also had nine carries for 18 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Gary Davis, Jr. led Savannah State with six total tackles and a fumble recovery while Xavier Esquillen had five tackles, one tackle for loss, a sack, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup. Ahlik Booker and Deandre Creary each recorded interceptions in the contest as well.

The 2024 season will conclude for Savannah State on Saturday, November 9th on the road against Benedict in an SIAC contest. Kickoff from Charlie W. Johnson Stadium in Columbia, S. C. is set for 2:00pm.