By Brian Hradsky
The No. 13 Valdosta State University Blazers will face Shorter University on Saturday, October 24, at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. Eastern on Homecoming. Valdosta State returns after two open weeks following its 56–0 victory over Erskine.
Blazers return after two open weeks
The Blazers are averaging 46.4 points and 266.4 rushing yards per game entering the matchup, according to the university’s preview. Shawn Paschall has 457 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Champ Harris has added 727 passing yards, six passing touchdowns and 200 rushing yards.
Shorter enters 2–5 overall and 1–3 in Conference Carolinas play. David Hill leads its ground game with 676 yards, while Jeb Walls has thrown for 1,086 yards with 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Valdosta State has won all 13 previous meetings, including a 59–6 result in 2024.
GSB Take
The Blazers’ most straightforward path is to establish their running game and make Shorter defend sustained drives. The extended break creates a separate question about how quickly Valdosta State finds its game rhythm. History and season averages favor the home team, but clean execution after the layoff will matter more than the series record.