South Georgia neighbors Albany State and Valdosta State face off Saturday in a fascinating first-round matchup in the NCAA Division II football playoffs.
The Golden Rams (10-1) earned a No. 1 seed in the super region after winning the SIAC Championship Game last week for their eighth consecutive victory. The Blazers (6-4) squeaked into the field after winning their final four games to bounce back from a surprising 2-4 start.
It's not the position VSU expected to be in after making it all the way to the championship game last season, but the Blazers showed how dangerous they can be in stunning West Florida in overtime last week to take the Gulf South title and an automatic bid.
While the Blazers have four national titles to their credit, most recently in 2018, the Golden Rams are 3-14 all-time in the playoffs, their last win coming in 2010. History aside, ASU will be favored Saturday in what should be a tightly contested opening-round game.
Here's how to tune in and watch all the action.
Where to watch Albany State vs. Valdosta State
- TV channel: None
- Live stream: ESPN+
Albany State vs. Valdosta State will not air on traditional broadcast television, but fans can stream the showdown live on ESPN+.
Catch all your favorite ESPN+ action with ESPN Select! Just download the new ESPN app, sign in with your ESPN account, tap Subscribe to ESPN Select, and you're set to stream live sports, originals, and more—all in one place.
Albany State vs. Valdosta State start time
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 22
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
The Albany State vs. Valdosta State first-round game will kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 22.
The game will be played at the Albany State University Coliseum in Albany, Georgia. The Golden Rams picked up their lone win in 10 games against the Blazers at the stadium in 2017.
NCAA D2 football playoffs schedule 2025
Saturday, Nov. 22 - First round
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| No. 1 Kutztown vs. Bentley | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 4 Indiana (PA) vs. Assumption | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 2 Johnson C. Smith vs. Frostburg State | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 3 Virginia Union vs. California (PA) | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 1 Albany State (GA) vs. Valdosta State | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 4 Wingate vs. Benedict | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 2 West Florida vs. North Greenville | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 3 Newberry vs. Kentucky State | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 1 Ferris State vs. Northwood | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 4 Ashland vs. Minnesota Duluth | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 2 Findlay vs. Minnesota State-Mankato | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 3 UIndy vs. Truman State | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 1 Harding vs. Northwest Missouri State | 2 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 4 Pittsburg State vs. Chadron State | 2 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 3 CSU Pueblo vs. UT Permian Basin | 3 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 2 Central Washington vs. Western Colorado | 4 p.m. | ESPN+ |