Game Overview
The No. 1 seed Albany State Golden Rams (12-1) host the No. 3 seed Newberry Wolves (11-1) in a pivotal NCAA Division II quarterfinal showdown on Saturday, December 6, 2025, representing Super Region Two. This clash features Albany State’s historic undefeated regular season and SIAC dominance against Newberry’s late-season surge and knack for close victories, as the Wolves chase their first-ever DII semifinal berth. The Golden Rams, making program history with their first 12-win season, boast a high-octane offense led by Harlon Hill Trophy nominee QB Isaiah Knowles, while Newberry’s gritty defense and red-zone efficiency have fueled nine straight wins. The winner advances to face the Kutztown-Frostburg State victor in the semifinals, with Albany State’s home-field advantage and HBCU pride adding layers to this rare SIAC-SAC matchup. Expect a tactical battle where Albany State’s explosive plays test Newberry’s poise in one-score games, potentially deciding DII’s Southern powerhouse representation.
Venue and Location
The game unfolds at Albany State University Coliseum on the Albany State University campus in Albany, Georgia. Situated in southwest Georgia along the Flint River, about 180 miles south of Atlanta and 75 miles east of Columbus, the 7,500-seat stadium—upgraded with new lighting and turf in 2022—serves as the heart of Golden Rams football. Nicknamed “The Castle,” it’s been a postseason stronghold, where Albany State is 4-1 in playoffs and outscored opponents 312-112 this year. The venue’s humid, raucous atmosphere, fueled by HBCU traditions like the Ram Band and tailgates, creates an intimidating edge; expect packed stands for this Elite Eight tilt. Gates open 90 minutes early; parking is ample in campus lots, with shuttles from downtown Albany. Nearest airport: Southwest Georgia Regional (8 miles north).
Kickoff: 2:00 p.m. ET (1:00 p.m. CT local; confirmed for ESPN+ broadcast slot)
This early afternoon kickoff aligns with regional TV windows and allows for pre-game HBCU festivities amid December’s mild Georgia weather.
Weather Forecast
Early December in Albany brings mild, transitional conditions, and the forecast for game day predicts mostly sunny skies with temperatures around 58°F (14°C) at kickoff, warming to 62°F (17°C) by halftime before cooling to 52°F (11°C) in the evening. Light southerly winds at 4-8 mph pose no major issues for passing or kicking, with 65% humidity and a 15% chance of isolated showers late—negligible impact on the turf surface. Ideal for an up-tempo affair, favoring Albany State’s spread offense over Newberry’s ground control, though evening dew could slicken the ball. No delays anticipated; fans should prepare for comfortable, jacket-optional viewing.
Injury Report
Both teams dodged bullets in the second round, entering with near-full rosters after low-scoring grinds. Reports as of December 1:
Albany State Golden Rams:
Out: None major; the Rams’ depth shone in their 14-12 win over Benedict.
Questionable: Backup LB Jalen Mitchell (shoulder from Nov. 29) limited but expected to dress; no impact on starters.
Probable: QB Isaiah Knowles (wrist tweak from regular season) and RB Tiant Wyche (ankle) full participants after practices; DL Marcus Johnson (knee) cleared.
Newberry Wolves:
Out: Reserve WR Tyler Smith (foot fracture from Week 10) sidelined; minimal role (5 catches).
Questionable: EDGE rusher Connor White (hamstring from Nov. 29 vs. West Florida) game-time call; he’s third on team in sacks (6.5).
Probable: QB Noah Hall (concussion protocol cleared) and RB Montrell Johnson (shoulder) 100%; secondary intact.
Albany State at 97% availability edges Newberry’s 94%, bolstering their trench warfare edge.
Key Player Matchups
These individual battles could dictate field position and scoring:
Albany State QB Isaiah Knowles vs. Newberry Pass Rush (Led by DE Connor White): Knowles (3,200 pass yds, 32 TDs, 850 rush yds) is a dual-threat dynamo; White’s speed (6.5 sacks) disrupts pockets, but if questionable, backups yield 1.8 sacks/game. Albany’s O-line (top-10 in DII) should give Knowles time for big plays.
Newberry RB Montrell Johnson vs. Albany State Front Seven (LB Devin Jackson & DT Elijah Daniels): Johnson (1,100 rush yds, 14 TDs) anchors a run-first attack (170 YPG), but Albany’s D (No. 8 in rush defense, 95 YPG allowed) thrives on stops—Jackson (110 tackles) and Daniels (7 TFLs) could force 3-and-outs.
Albany State WR Jarius Johnson vs. Newberry CB Malik Allen: Jarius (65 rec, 950 yds, 12 TDs) stretches fields; Allen’s coverage (3 INTs) limits big gains, but Albany’s quick slants exploit man coverage.
Newberry QB Noah Hall vs. Albany State Secondary (S Keon Gaines): Hall (2,100 pass yds, 20 TDs) excels in clutch (7-0 in one-score games), but Gaines (4 INTs, 2 pick-sixes) baits QBs in zones—turnovers here doom Newberry’s road magic.
Albany’s star power tilts these, but Newberry’s situational football keeps it close.
Recent Team Forms
Albany State rides historic momentum; Newberry, a comeback kings’ tale.
Albany State Golden Rams: Perfect in SIAC (9-0), the Rams’ lone loss was a Sept. opener (24-21 to Tuskegee). Last five: W 14-12 vs. Benedict (Nov. 29, second round—ran clock in thriller), W 35-30 vs. Valdosta State (Nov. 22, first round—upset DII power), W 28-17 vs. Benedict (SIAC final), W 31-10 vs. Clark Atlanta (semis), W 42-14 vs. Morehouse (regular). Offense: 35.8 PPG; Defense: 16.2 PPG allowed (four shutouts in playoffs). Knowles’ efficiency (68% comp) fuels streaks.
Newberry Wolves: Early dominance (8-0 start) with lone loss to Catawba (21-10, Sept. 13). Last five: W 24-17 vs. West Florida (Nov. 29, second round—fourth-down stop sealed it), W 45-24 vs. Kentucky State (Nov. 22, first round—rout), W 27-20 vs. Wingate (SAC semis), W 31-28 vs. Carson-Newman (final), W 35-14 vs. UVA Wise (regular). Defense: 18.5 PPG lately; 7-0 in one-score games highlights resilience.
Albany’s home playoff grit vs. Newberry’s road upset prowess sets a tense tone.
Conference vs. Conference (SIAC vs. SAC)
The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and South Atlantic Conference (SAC) embody DII’s Southern rivalries, with the SIAC’s HBCU heritage clashing against the SAC’s balanced depth. The SIAC, founded in 1913 as the oldest HBCU league, features 13 members (mostly GA/AL-based) and leads DII in football attendance; it’s produced three national titles (Tuskegee 1979, Albany State 2010 black college) and 20 playoff teams since 2000, emphasizing speed and athleticism from talent-rich pipelines.
The SAC, formed in 1962 with 10 members across Carolinas/GA/TN/VA, is a multi-sport powerhouse with four national titles (Wingate soccer 2016, Lenoir-Rhyne lacrosse 2023) and 42 regional crowns since 2009; football has yielded three SAC-8 titles (Newberry 2025) and consistent playoff berths (15 since 2015). Head-to-head since 2010: SAC edges 18-14 (56% win rate), but SIAC upsets shine in bowls (e.g., Albany State’s 2010 run). SIAC’s three 2025 playoff teams outnumber SAC’s two, but SAC’s experience (7-3 in recent quarters) favors grinders. This pits SIAC flair against SAC discipline.
Team Records
| Team | Overall Record | Conference Record | Playoff Record (2025) | National Rank |
| Albany State Golden Rams | 12-1 | 9-0 (SIAC Champs) | 2-0 | No. 5 |
| Newberry Wolves | 11-1 | 8-0 (SAC Champs) | 2-0 | No. 16 |
Albany’s +800 point differential dominates; Newberry’s loss was narrow, fueling their streak.
Series History
The teams have met just once, in the 2006 DII playoffs (first round), where Newberry edged Albany State 24-21 in a thriller at Setzler Field. Newberry’s late FG sealed it, marking Albany’s only prior quarterfinal loss. No regular-season clashes; Albany holds 2-1 vs. SAC foes overall (e.g., 2023 win over Wingate). Newberry’s playoff mark: 4-3 all-time; Albany’s: 5-4. This rematch carries playoff ghosts.
Betting Trends
Albany State: 9-4 ATS (69%), covering 6 of 7 home games and both playoff wins. Public 62% on Rams; 8 of 13 overs, but playoff unders (both under 50).
Newberry: 8-4 ATS (67%), 5-1 as road dogs. Sharps 55% on Wolves +6.5 for upset potential; 7-3 to under in wins.
Neutral: SIAC vs. SAC 5-3 to under since 2015; DII quarters favor homes 70% ATS.
Historical Betting Results (DII Quarterfinals Context)
In the last 10 DII quarterfinals (2015-2024), No. 1 seeds like Albany State are 9-1 SU, 7-3 ATS (avg. margin 18 pts). Road teams: 4-6 SU but 6-4 ATS, covering in upsets (e.g., 2022 Wingate +7.5). Totals: 6-4 under (avg. 44 pts), thanks to defenses. SAC teams: 5-3 SU in quarters; SIAC: 3-5 SU but 5-3 ATS in road games. One-score specialists like Newberry cover 75% as dogs.
Final Score Prediction: Albany State 27, Newberry 20
Game Odds
Albany State (GA) Golden Rams – 3.5
Newberry Wolves 45.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, December 5, 2025
