 | |
| VSU's Gerald Ford hauls in a pass. (Brandon Powers | The VDT) |
VSU used a touchdown by freshman running back Cedric O'Neal with 37 seconds remaining to secure the win and advance to the playoffs, closing out the regular season with an 8-2 record.
The following are various notes from Thursday night's game:
Josey with a career night
Senior defensive end Tyler Josey recorded four sacks, six tackles and forced an impressive three fumbles in Thursday night's win. Josey's final sack and fumble forced set up VSU's game-winning touchdown drive in the final minutes. The four sacks by Josey ties a school-record.
Ford in the record books
With his two touchdown catches Thursday night, wide receiver Gerald Ford moved into seventh in touchdown receptions in a single season at VSU with 12. Ford leads the Blazers in points scored this season. He is a likely candidate for Gulf South Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
Cochran with 19 TDs
Quarterback Cayden Cochran tossed four touchdown in the win, giving him 19 this season. Cochran's mark in touchdown passes, which he accomplish without playing against Fort Valley State or in the second half against Saginaw Valley State or West Alabama, is the most touchdown passes by a Blazer QB since 2008 when Nick Hart threw 19 touchdowns in 11 games.
Ehrlich's bad luck against VSU
Kingsville's Bryan Ehrlich entered Thursday's game in the second quarter after starting quarterback Nate Poppell was apparently injured. Ehrlich, a fifth-year senior transfer from Newberry College, was intercepted by Chris Pope on his first pass attempt in Thursday's game. The INT was his ninth career interception against the Blazers, after he tossed 5 INTs against n 2010 and 3 in 2011 when he was the Wolves' starter. Ehrlich finished the game 12 of 24 for 224 yards with two touchdowns; he also added a rushing touchdown.
Javelinas rack up the yards
The Javelinas managed 495 yards of total offense, while Valdosta State managed 473 yards on the night. The majority of Kingsville's offensive production came through the air (389 yards). Kingsville's Anthony Johnson led the way with 72 yards rushing and 82 yards receiving, although Robert Armstrong had four catches for 132 yards with 2 TDs.
Linebackers with big nights
While Tyler Josey stole the night on the defensive side of the football, linebackers Jeremy Grable, Ryan Smith and Chris Pope all finished with big nights. All three linebackers recorded more than 10 tackles in the win, with Grable recording a game-high 12 tackles on the night. Smith and Pope also had interceptions on the night; Pope also recovered the final fumble of the night, setting up VSU's game-winning drive.
Success on 1st or 2nd
Valdosta State scored on its second offensive possession Thursday night when quarterback Cayden Cochran connected with Seantavious Jones for a 57-yard score. The score was VSU's seventh score this season on either its first or second possession of game.
Headed to the playoffs
Valdosta State secured a playoff berth with Thursday's win. The Blazers will wait to find out what seed they will serve as in Super Region 2. They'll also wait to see if they can secure a first round bye, which is awarded to the top two teams in the region.
