VALDOSTA – The Valdosta State University football team, ranked 17th nationally, is back on the field this afternoon for Homecoming, hosting the struggling Shorter Hawks. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. at Valdosta State.
The Blazers, with a 4-1 record, aim for their fifth win of the season after a significant break in their schedule, having played only twice in the last four weeks. The visiting Hawks (2-5) arrive mired in a three-game losing streak.
Valdosta State’s last game was on October 3, a dominant 56-0 victory over Erskine. In that contest, the Blazers recorded 474 total yards, including 289 rushing yards, with sophomore Shawn Paschall contributing 94 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, the Blazers’ “Black Swarm” came away with four interceptions and six sacks against the Flying Fleet.
Blazers head coach Graham Craig noted during his weekly press conference on Wednesday that the recent two-week layoff was structured like “a second fall camp” to prepare his team for the season's latter half. Craig said the first week of the break focused on camp-style work, while the second transitioned into game preparation for Shorter. He expressed satisfaction with the team’s focus, stating that attention to detail, energy, and competition were emphasized, and that he was “really pleased with the way our team’s gone about it.” Craig added that the team needs to “start fast and get us going” to get back into their rhythm.
The visiting Shorter Hawks enter today’s game on a three-game skid, having been outscored 71-13 over that span. Their losing streak includes a 23-0 defeat at Delta State on October 3, followed by a 17-10 home loss to Ferrum. Last week, the Hawks suffered a 31-3 road loss against 22nd-ranked North Greenville. Against North Greenville, Shorter managed only 114 total yards, with a mere 22 yards on 26 rushing attempts, averaging 2.2 yards per play. Turnovers have also plagued Shorter during this downturn, with three interceptions against Delta State and two against Ferrum.
Valdosta State aims to capitalize on turnover opportunities, an area where they excel. The Blazers boast a plus-10 turnover margin, placing them among the top five nationally in that category. Coach Craig emphasized the importance of this aspect, stating “It’ll be huge” and that it has been a focus throughout camp and the season, stressing the need to protect the football offensively and create takeaways defensively.
Another point of emphasis for the Blazers during their break was improving third-down efficiency. Currently, Valdosta State converts 41.5% of its third downs (27 of 65), ranking 60th in the country. However, they showed improvement against Erskine, converting 50% (7 of 14). In contrast, Shorter has converted just 30% of its third downs this season (30 out of 100). Craig highlighted the importance of “staying on schedule offensively” and defensively getting opponents into third-and-long situations, along with reducing penalties.
Despite Shorter's recent record, Coach Craig offered praise for the Hawks, noting that Coach Zach Morrison “does a great job” and that his team plays hard across all three phases. Craig specifically mentioned Shorter's secondary as strong and highlighted offensive players capable of making plays in the pass game.
For Valdosta State, this game marks the beginning of a decisive stretch of four games in four weeks to round out the regular season. Following today's contest, the Blazers will travel to face 25th-ranked West Alabama on October 31, host North Greenville on November 7, and conclude the regular season on the road against rival Delta State on November 21. Craig underscored the importance of this period, stating that “every week is so important” and emphasizing a one-week-at-a-time approach.
Beyond the football action, Valdosta State will reveal its 2027 Athletic Hall of Fame class at halftime of today's game. Fans unable to attend can stream the game on FloCollege.com or listen live on Talk 92.1 FM and talk921.com.
