VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Valdosta State Blazers return to action on Saturday, facing the Shorter University Hawks on Homecoming at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

The Blazers throttled the Erskine Flying Fleet in their last game, winning 56-0 in convincing fashion. Now coming out of a two-week bye, VSU looks to continue building their resume as they head into the latter part of the season.

So far this season, the Blazers have one of the best scoring offenses in the nation, ranking fourth in points per game with 46.4. They also hold one of the best rushing attacks in the country, averaging 266.4 yards a game on the ground.

The spearhead of the rushing attack is Shawn Paschall, with 457 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. His 9.1 yards a carry and 91.4 yards a game lead the GSC.

Quarterback Champ Harris has been the definition of a dual-threat quarterback, throwing for 727 yards and six touchdowns while running for 200 yards and three touchdowns, bringing in another layer to this Blazer offense.

Jahiem Arnold leads the team in receiving yards with 209 and receiving touchdowns with two. 

Defensively, VSU scoring defense is among the nation's best, holding opponents to only 14.60 points a game and have only conceded eight touchdowns this season, tied for first in the country. The Blazers are also one of the best teams on third down, keeping opponents to 23 percent on third down.

Jayden Bethea has been stellar for the Blazers on defense, this season he has 25 tackles, with four tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception. Julius Pascal is another playmaker on defense with 19 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and an interception. Two-time GSC Freshman of the Week Jabari McMillian has been a welcome addition to the secondary, he's tied for the team lead in interceptions with two, along with 15 tackles, a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss.

Scouting the Hawks
Shorter comes into Saturday's matchup at 2-5, 1-3 in the Conference of Carolinas.

The two teams share a pair of common opponents, in Erskine and UNC Pembroke. Against the Braves, they lost 31-24 and against Erskine they triumphed over the Flying Fleet 31-24.

Shorter's offense averages 21.86 points a game and averages 345.4 yards a game. The Hawks' rushing attack is led by David Hill, who has rushed for 676 yards and a touchdown, averaging 96 yards a game.

Graduate Student Jeb Walls has been the main man under center for Shorter, passing for 1,086 yards and 10 touchdowns to seven interceptions.

The Hawks' defense is led by senior safety DJ Walker who's 36 tackles lead the team, he also has a pair of interceptions as well. Christian Benson is the man in the trenches for Shorter, with 29 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and three sacks.

Valdosta State is a perfect 13-0 against Shorter, winning their last meeting in 2024 59-6. 

Kickoff will be at 3 p.m. ET

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