ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - The Albany State Golden Rams are less than 24 hours away from hosting Benedict College in the SIAC Championship.

The winning feeling began way before the season even started. Coach Quinn Gray’s message to his team at the start of the season centered around one question: “Do you believe?”

Gray told his players this is the best team he has coached since arriving at Albany State, but he emphasized that he cannot believe in them more than they believe in themselves. That message has been the catalyst of the Rams’ 2025 campaign.

The coach’s philosophy focuses on consistency throughout the game.

“We always want to start fast and finish strong,” Coach Gray said.

Players have embraced the championship mindset throughout the season.

“This team right here feels like the team that’s going to get it done this year,” one player said.

The Rams enter the championship game with an unblemished conference record.

“Guess what — We’re still undefeated in the SIAC,” a player said.

Team unity has been a cornerstone of Albany State’s success this season. The team’s approach emphasizes intensity and physicality for the full game.

“Fly around be physical and play fast all four quarters of the game,” a player said.

Albany State’s defense has earned recognition throughout the season.

“The dirty blue defense is nothing to be played with,” another player said.

The championship atmosphere has energized both players and fans, with chants of “Albany State A A A ASUUUU, A A A ASUUU” echoing in the stands.

One player reflected on the team’s journey from fall camp to the championship game.

“Ever since fall camp, they told us this was going to be the team that goes all the way, and we believed them. And we was glad they believed in us, so we just all came together, and we did what they said we had to do,” the player said.

The SIAC Championship game is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Coliseum at 1 p.m.

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