Game Details
Time: 10:00 AM ET
Location: Durham County Stadium, Raleigh, NC
Broadcast: GMAC Digital Network
Team Form & Trends
Albany State enters Week 1 off a 3–2 finish to the 2024 season, highlighted by a 52–6 blowout of Morehouse and a narrow 28–26 loss at Savannah State. Their high-flying offense averaged 32 points over that span but coughed up 26 turnovers in 11 games last year. Shaw closed 2024 with five wins in eight outings, including a thrilling 43–40 victory over Albany State last September. The Bears leaned on a balanced attack and opportunistic defense en route to a 5–5 mark, showing steady improvement under second-year coach Pete Richardson.
Tactical Breakdown
Albany State will try to dictate tempo with quick throws and boundary stretching, forcing Shaw into sub-packages. Shaw counters by controlling the line of scrimmage and mixing run and play-action to keep ASU’s pass rush honest.
Players to Watch
Albany State Golden Rams
QB Jordan Johnson: Senior dual-threat who threw for 2,400 yards and rushed for 450 in 2024.
WR Daniel Carter: Speedster with 10 receiving TDs and a 17.8 yards/catch average.
LB Marcus Hall: Led the team with 102 tackles and 5 sacks last season.
Shaw Bears
RB Victor Owens: Workhorse back who logged 1,150 rush yards and 12 TDs.
DE Greg Simmons: Edge rusher with 8 sacks and 3 forced fumbles in 2024.
CB Robert King: Ballhawk with 4 INTs and 10 pass breakups.
Game Odds
Albany State Golden Rams 56.5
Shaw Bears – 4.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, August 29, 2025
