VALDOSTA, Ga. - Fresh off of a bye week, the No. 9 ranked Blazers finally get the opportunity to host a contest, as the Cumberland Bulldogs come to town for a non-conference matchup and the Blazers first non-regional game of the 2015 season.
It's been an unusually long wait for the 2015 home opener after two road games and a week off, but the Blazers are thankful to return home, where the program has won 140 of 189 games since its inception in 1982.
VSU has gone undefeated at home seven times (5-0 in 2006, 6-0 in 2004, 9-0 in 2002, 5-0 in 1995, 8-0 in 1994, 3-0-1 in 1992 and 5-0 in 1986) in its 34-year history. In addition, VSU holds a 34-13 mark under Head Coach David Dean within the friendly confines of Death Valley.
The Blazers will enter today's game looking to extend their momentum further into the season, especially considering the fact that this week's matchup against Cumberland represents the final game of Valdosta State's non-conference schedule.
Following a loss last week, the Bulldogs come to Titletown aiming to snap a two-game skid. CU's last loss came at the hands of Univ. of Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky., despite an output of 41 points in the contest. Cumberland racked up 495 total offensive yards against the Patriots with 207 rushing yards and 288 passing yards.
On the season, Cumberland's primary offensive weapon has been quarterback Justin Snyder. Although not a threat on the ground, Snyder has thrown for an average of 230.0 yards per game with 687 total passing yards. In addition, running back Brandon Byrd found his rhythm last week with 143 rushing yards to help boost his average up to 77.3 yards per game on the ground.
For the Blazers, E.J. Hilliard will aim to further his progression this weekend after a marked improvement from week one to week two. Following his last game two weeks ago, which included two touchdown passes and his first career rushing touchdown, the senior has now completed 41 of 69 passing attempts on the season with three touchdowns and an average of 209.5 passing yards per contest.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. with live audio provided at www.talk921.com and at the links below.
TICKET LOCATIONS: Tickets can be purchased on game day at three Bazemore-Hyder Stadium locations. Tickets are available at the southeast corner, the southwest corner of the stadium, and the northwest corner of the stadium. Tickets will go on sale at 2:30 p.m.
WILL CALL TICKET LOCATION: The Will Call Ticket location is at the southeast corner of the stadium. Will Call will open at 2:30 p.m.
TICKET PRICES:
$18 - Reserved Seat
$10 - General Admission
$5 - youth (5-17)
PARKING: All VSU parking lots are open for football game parking. The Bazemore-Hyder Stadium lots directly behind and to the south of the stadium are reserved lots and are not available for general public parking
HANDICAP PARKING: There are a limited number of first-come-first-serve handicap parking spaces located in the Superintendent Reserved lot directly behind the stadium. Enter this lot off Williams Street and show attendant your handicap pass.
CONCESSIONS: Concession stands at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium are located in the South Concourse and at the northeast corner of the stadium.
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES: The home opener will be Georgia Lottery and Wild Adventures Day. VSU's "Blazer Walk" will take place on Williams Street and will begin at 2:30 p.m.
