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Valdosta State Football Overcomes Mavericks With Alfonso Franklin's 5 TDs

Valdosta State Football Overcomes Mavericks With Alfonso Franklin's 5 TDs

Valdosta State defeated Minnesota State in the D2 football playoffs semifinal round to earn their spot in the championship game. Read the game recap.

Dec 14, 2024 by Andy Schamma
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Valdosta State faced Minnesota State in a pivotal college football matchup on Saturday, December 14 as they aimed for the 2024 D2 football national championship. 

The kicked off at noon on Saturday, December 14, at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium in Valdosta, Georgia. 

Throughout the 2024 season, the Valdosta State Blazers have consistently been ranked among the top teams, maintaining a spot in the top 7. Since Week 10, they have held the No. 1 ranking as undefeated teams gradually fell by the wayside. 

Now, the Blazers stand as the last undefeated team and have now secured their seventh appearance in a national championship game, with the chance to claim their fifth title.

On their playoff journey, Valdosta State routed No. 25 Virginia Union 49-14, while Minnesota State narrowly edged Bemidji State 27-23. 

The Mavericks, who have reached the national championship three times, are still seeking their first title and will have to wait another year. After the semifinal reseeding, Minnesota State earned the No. 4 seed, while Ferris State and Slippery Rock claimed the No. 2 and No. 3 spots, respectively.

The second semifinal game begins at 3:30 p.m. You can follow live coverage of both games here on FloCollege.

Read the game recap, drive summaries, and score updates below.

Final Score: Valdosta State 35-21 Minnesota State

Well, there it is. The Valdosta State Blazers defeat the Minnesota State Mavericks to move on to the Division II Football National Championship.

Quick Team Stats


Minnesota State

Valdosta State

First Downs

18

21

Rushing Yards

177

213

Receiving Yards

148

172

Pass C-A-I

14-25-1

14-19-0

Plays-Yards

61-325

58-385

3rd Down Efficiency

7-14

7-11

Alfonso Franklin Makes It 5 TDs For Today, VSU 34 - 21 MSU

As the game entered its final minutes Valdosta State took their time moving down the field with a string of rushing plays by Alfonso Franklin. To seal the deal and end what was a 58 yard drive for 5 plays, Franklin scored yet again on an 8-yard rush.

Blazers Make Another Stop, MSU Punts

On 3rd and 9, Ekern targeted TreShawn Watson on the edge, but Josh Brown broke through to make the stop and deflect the pass. Fournier then punted for 37 yards, giving Valdosta State the ball at their own 42-yard line with just four minutes remaining.

Cody Brown Stops Franklin In Backfield

After a key tackle for loss by Cody Brown, the Mavericks defense stepped up again, forcing Valdosta State into a three-and-out.

On 4th and 3, the Blazers went back to Botsford to punt the ball away once more. Again, Botsford dropped it right on the 5 yard line giving the Mavericks possession deep in their own territory.

Blazers Defense Hold Mavericks To Three And Out

Going back the other direction, a quick three and out by the Mavericks led to a punt back to the Blazers, which gave them the ball on the MSU47 with 7 minutes remaining in the game. Connor Fournier was deep in his own endzone for the kick.

Minnesota State Defense Forces First Valdosta State Punt

After a great defensive stop by Minnesota State leading to the Blazer's first punt of the game, VSU's Noah Botsford sent the ball on a 62-yard trip to the MSU4.

Ekern Drops Dime To Emanuel In Endzone, VSU 28 - 21 MSU

Facing an uphill battle, Ekern and the Mavericks stayed focused. They quickly converted a crucial 4th and 2 at their own 45-yard line, then followed up with a 10-yard pass to Aiden Ferguson for another first down.

Just three minutes into the quarter, they had moved all the way to the Valdosta State 25-yard line.

On 4th and 7, Ekern took a long shot, delivering a perfect pass to Isaiah Emanuel in the end zone. The drive covered 11 plays and 63 yards, resulting in a touchdown.

With that completion 73rd touchdown completion, Hayden Ekern is now Minnesota State's all-time leader in touchdown passes.

Third Quarter Score: Valdosta State Football 28 - 14 Minnesota State

As the third quarter came to a close, it was clear that control of the game had shifted significantly in Valdosta State's favor.

In the final two plays of the quarter, the pressure on Hayden Ekern and the Mavericks reached a new level. With just one quarter left in this playoff semifinal, they faced the daunting task of mounting a two-touchdown comeback.

Valdosta State Picks Franklin Again, Extending Lead, VSU 28 - 14 MSU

The Blazers regained possession and wasted no time continuing their offensive surge, seeing their efforts on both sides of the ball begin to pay off.

Quarterback Sammy Edwards led Valdosta State into the red zone, completing four more passes and improving to 14-of-18 through three quarters.

Alfonso Franklin capped off the drive with a 10-yard rush for his fourth touchdown of the game with 90 seconds left in the third quarter.

Ekern Overthrows Guyette On 4th Down, Valdosta Gets Ball On VSU28

On 4th and 5, the Minnesota State offense lined up with four wide receivers but watched Ekern's pass attempt sail over Guyette’s head, incomplete. The Blazers' pressure on the pocket proved too much, delivering the first complete defensive stop of the game. Valdosta State got the ball back with six minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Franklin Earns Third TD, This Time On The Ground, VSU 21 - 14 MSU

Valdosta State opened the second half with a bang, as Alfonso Franklin hauled in a 30-yard pass to quickly flip the field. Just two plays later, quarterback Sammy Edwards found Franklin again, this time for 14 yards.

On 3rd and 1, with Minnesota State’s defense looking to make a stand, Franklin powered through the middle for the first down. The Blazers turned to him once more, and he capped off the drive with a 7-yard run to the outside, securing his third touchdown of the day.

Minnesota State's Sam Backer Opens Second Half With 69-Yard TD Rush, VSU 14 - 14 MSU

Hayden Ekern made his first completion to the versatile Tony Anger for 6 yards to kick off the second half.

Just one play later, Sam Backer split the defense and turned on the jets to make it a nearly 70-yard rush to bring the scores even just 45 seconds into the third quarter.

Halftime Score: Valdosta State 14 - 7 Minnesota State

Halftime Stats


Valdosta State

Minnesota State

First Downs

8

9

Rushing Attempts

15

18

Rushing Yards

82

34

Receiving Yards

78

86

Pass C-A-I

8-12-0

8-10-0

Plays-Yards

27-160

28-120

Penalties-Yards

4-45

0-0

3rd Down Efficiency

5-7

7-8


Valdosta State Stops MSU, Misses Field Goal Attempt

The Mavericks started their drive deep in their own territory with about seven minutes left in the quarter.

Quarterback Hayden Ekern found his rhythm early, completing four of six passes for 44 yards.

On 3rd and 8, Ekern delivered a 16-yard strike to TreShawn Watson over the middle, moving the chains and setting up a fresh set of downs as the game neared the two-minute mark.

However, a couple of mistakes crept in for Minnesota State. A dropped snap was followed by a sack from Allan Baugh, which resulted in a loss of one yard.

On 3rd and 17, a dropped pass set up the Mavericks' first field goal attempt of the day. Matthew Jaeger’s 40-yard try sailed wide with a little help from the wind.

Edwards To Alfonso Express Route Is Open, VSU 14-7 MSU

On third-and-9 at their own 36-yard line, Edwards connected with Wright for a tough catch despite tight coverage by Minnesota State, sparking the Blazers for their next offensive possession.

Franklin followed with a 32-yard run, setting Edwards up with a first down at the MSU 21-yard line.

A holding penalty on Valdosta State pushed them back 10 yards, but Edwards responded. The Blazers quickly regrouped, and Edwards delivered a perfectly placed 18-yard touchdown pass to Franklin in the end zone.

Minnesota State Answers With Their Own Touchdown, 7-7

After a lengthy drive by the Blazers to open the game, Minnesota State responded with a nine-minute drive of its own. In 15 plays over 77 yards, the Mavericks demonstrated they could move the ball against a tough Valdosta State defense.

Quarterback Hayden Ekern and wide receiver Grant Guyett stood out, while the Mavericks also mixed in their strong running game.

First Quarter Score: Valdosta State 7 - 0 Minnesota State 

The Mavericks took possession for the first time with five minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Minnesota State gained some early yardage following a pass interference penalty. Quarterback Hayden Ekern quickly went to work, completing a 19-yard pass to Grant Guyett on 3rd and 6, continuing to challenge the Valdosta State defense.

The Mavericks started the second quarter with the ball at the VSU 29-yard line, facing 2nd and 5.

First Drive Summary: Blazers Chew Up Ten Minutes And Earn TD, 7-0

After going for it on 4th and 2 at the MSU25, the Blazers were able to push over the line of scrimmage, earning enough to restart the downs. Minnesota State made a few convincing efforts at the line on a few 3rd and shorts and that 4th down attempt, but were unable to complete the stop.

Two penalties, a holding call and blindside block, were called on Valdosta State in a play that would've put them in the red zone. After the penalties, they were pushed back to the MSU48 and had to once again start chipping away with 1st down and 35.

A beautiful pass from Edwards to Malashevich started that progress quickly.

Moving further down the field, they converted on 4th and 6 to Armani Hayes who had to leap to bring the ball down at the MSU11. The Blazers continued their charge, scoring the first touchdown of the game with just 4:55 remaining in the first quarter.

Sammy Edwards completed the pass for four yards to Alfonso Franklin, completing their drive with a total time of possession of 9:54, 18 plays for 58 yards.

Bullard, Valdosta State Opens Game With Explosive Return

Receiving the kickoff, Rodney Bullard opens the game with a massive 36-yard return, giving quarterback Sammy Edwards the ball on the VSU42 to start their first drive of the game.

Valdosta State Football Schedule 2024

Here's how Valdosta State won their way to this point of the season.

  • Aug 31: Win vs Albany State, 42-10
  • Sept 7: Win at Newberry College, 27-14
  • Sept 14: Win vs Fayetteville State, 34-0
  • Sept 21: Win at Erskine College, 73-0
  • Sept 28: Canceled vs West Alabama
  • Oct 5: Win at Shorter, 59-6
  • Oct 12: Win at North Greenville, 32-24
  • Oct 19: Win vs Mississippi College, 35-10
  • Nov 2: Win vs Chowan, 52-0
  • Nov 9: Win at Delta State, 49-20
  • Nov 16: Win vs West Florida, 28-7
  • Nov 30 (Playoffs): Win vs Miles College, 33-17
  • Dec 7 (Playoffs): Win vs Virginia Union, 49-14

Minnesota State Football Schedule 2024

  • Aug 29: Win at Northwest Missouri State, 36-22
  • Sept 7: Win vs Bemidji State, 31-29
  • Sept 14: Win at Wayne State, 35-28
  • Sept 21: Win vs Minot State, 40-6
  • Sept 28: Win at Concordia-St. Paul, 33-20
  • Oct 5: Lose vs Sioux Falls, 36-40
  • Oct 12: Win at MSU Moorhead, 24-19
  • Oct 26: Lose vs Augustana, 16-34
  • Nov 2: Win at Northern State, 24-14
  • Nov 9: Win vs University of Mary, 49-21
  • Nov 16: Lose at Minnesota Duluth, 16-30
  • Nov 23 (Playoffs): Win at Augustana, 20-19
  • Dec 7 (Playoffs): Win at CSU Pueblo, 26-23
  • Dec 14 (Playoffs): Win vs Bemidji State, 27-23

15 Minutes Til Kickoff: Valdosta State vs Minnesota State By The Numbers

NCAA Division II Football Playoff Results So Far

First Round: Saturday, Nov. 23

  • Slippery Rock def. New Haven, 14-7
  • Ashland def. Charleston (W.Va.), 40-38
  • California (Pa.) def. East Stroudsburg, 30-27
  • Miles def. Carson-Newman, 14-13
  • Virginia Union def. Wingate, 34-31
  • Lenoir-Rhyne def. West Alabama, 37-34
  • Central Oklahoma def. Ouachita Baptist, 38-31
  • Grand Valley State def. UIndy, 24-7
  • Harding def. Pittsburg State, 48-3
  • Minnesota State def. Augustana (S.D.), 20-19
  • Western Colorado def. Central Washington, 28-21
  • Bemidji State def. Angelo State, 24-14

Second Round: Saturday, Nov. 30

  • Slippery Rock def. Kutztown, 25-24
  • California (Pa.) def. Ashland, 34-33
  • Valdosta State def. Miles, 33-17
  • Virginia Union def. Lenoir-Rhyne, 44-12
  • Ferris State def. Central Oklahoma, 78-17
  • Harding def. Grand Valley State, 44-26
  • Minnesota State def. CSU Pueblo, 26-23
  • Bemidji State def. Western Colorado, 20-19

Third Round: Saturday, Dec. 7

  • Slippery Rock def. California (Pa.), 31-13
  • Ferris State def. Harding, 41-7
  •  Valdosta State def. Virginia Union, 33-17
  • Minnesota State def. Bemidji State, 27-23

Semifinals: Saturday, Dec. 14

All Times Eastern

  • Minnesota State vs. Valdosta State - 12:00 p.m.
  • Slippery Rock vs. Ferris State - 3:30 p.m.

How To Watch Valdosta State Football vs. Minnesota State

Valdosta State Football vs. Minnesota State will be broadcast on ESPN+.

FloFootball and FloCollege will be providing live coverage and analysis of the game.

Watch Valdosta State Vs. Delta State Full Game For Free

FloFootball's YouTube channel has replays and highlights of games from this year's college football season.

When Are The NCAA Division II Football Playoffs?

  • First round: Saturday, Nov. 23
  • Second round: Saturday, Nov. 30 
  • Quarterfinals: Saturday, Dec. 7 
  • Semifinals: Saturday, Dec. 14
  • National championship: Saturday, Dec. 21

When Is The NCAA Division II Championship Game?

The NCAA Division II championship game is set for Saturday, Dec. 21 in McKinney, Texas.

AFCA Division II Football Rankings

As of Nov. 18, 2024

  1. Valdosta St. (Ga.) (27) 10-0
  2. Ferris St. (Mich.) (3) 10-1
  3. Kutztown (Pa.) 11-0
  4. Harding (Ark.) 10-1
  5. Grand Valley St. (Mich.) 10-1
  6. Charleston (W.Va.) 11-0
  7. Colorado St.-Pueblo 10-1
  8. Central Oklahoma 10-1
  9. Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) 10-1
  10. Western Colorado 10-1
  11. Slippery Rock (Pa.) 9-1
  12. West Alabama 9-1
  13. Pittsburg St. (Kan.) 8-2
  14. Indianapolis (Ind.) 10-1
  15. Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) 9-2
  16. Angelo St. (Tex.) 9-2
  17. Wingate (N.C.) 9-1
  18. Colorado School of Mines 8-3
  19. Central Washington 8-3
  20. California (Pa.) 8-2
  21. West Florida 7-3
  22. Augustana (S.D.) 8-3
  23. Southern Arkansas 9-2
  24. Carson-Newman (Tenn.) 9-2
  25. Central Missouri 8-3

Dropped Out: Minnesota St. (18), Findlay (Ohio) (22).

Others Receiving Votes: Fort Hays St. (Kan.), 65; East Stroudsburg (Pa.), 45; Virginia Union, 38; Miles (Ala.), 36; Minnesota St., 34; New Haven (Conn.), 21; Findlay (Ohio), 18; Bemidji St. (Minn.), 9; Sioux Falls (S.D.), 4; Davenport (Mich.), 3; Ashland (Ohio), 2; Glenville St. (W.Va.), 1.

To see the D2Football.com Top 25 Poll, click here.

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