COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Albany State University Golden Rams gained nearly 500 yards of total offense to knock off the 21^st-ranked Benedict Tigers 31-3 in a battle for the top spot in the SIAC on Saturday at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium.
 
The Golden Rams rushed for 199 yards and threw for 294 for 493 total yards, the most given up this season by the Tigers. Benedict, on the other hand, finished with a season-low 63 yards rushing to go along with 154 yards passing for 217 total yards.
 
Albany State, now 7-1 overall and 6-0 in the SIAC, remains the only unbeaten team in the SIAC. Benedict falls to 7-1 overall and 6-1 in the SIAC.
 
The Golden Rams took a 24-0 lead at halftime, scoring on passes of 30, 20 and 6 yards, as well as a 37-yard field goal. Albany State added another touchdown on a 10-yard run in the third quarter to build a 31-0 lead. Benedict put points on the board with a 22-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter.
 
Benedict is back at home next Saturday for their Homecoming contest, when they take on Virginia University – Lynchburg at 2 p.m. in a non-conference contest.