The Blazers’ defense forced seven turnovers, including three interceptions.

“I’m proud of our defense again today. They came up with two big plays,” Valdosta State head coach David Dean said. “That was the difference in the ball game.”

The Blazers’ defense was strong throughout the game, holding the Muleriders’ wishbone offense to 171 rushing yards. Southern Arkansas was just 1-of-3 passing in the red zone, and converted less than 50 percent of the time on third down.

While the Muleriders picked up 363 yards of total offense, 91 yards came on two big touchdown plays. The first one came with 8:56 left in the first quarter, as Steven Ashley took the Muleriders’ first play from scrimmage 59 yards for the score.

The touchdown tied the score at 7-7. VSU had struck first on a 4-yard touchdown pass from Willie Copeland to Cedric Jones.

The first quarter was the best one offensively for the Blazers, who managed 283 yards passing and just 28 rushing yards in the game.

“I knew it was going to be a struggle for us offensively because their defense causes us a lot of problems,” Dean said.

Following the Muleriders’ touchdowns, the Blazers’ next two scores came on field goals of 38 yards and 34 yards from Zac Williams.

After coming out of the locker room at halftime with a 13-7 lead, the Blazers had their best offensive drive in the third quarter.

VSU marched 80 yards in four plays, culminating in a 5-yard reception by Cedric Evans from Copeland. The touchdown was set up by a 65-yard reception from Zach Parker on a screen pass from Copeland. The 65-yard catch and run was the longest of the senior tight end’s career.

Evans’ touchdown catch was the last offensive score for the Blazers of the game.

With 5:55 left in the third quarter, Shawn Harris returned a SanFilippo interception 86 yards, helping to highlight the defense.

The Muleriders scored two straight touchdowns in the fourth quarter, starting with a 1-yard run by Chris Metcalf.

Five minutes later, SAU pulled to within six points on a 32-yard pass from SanFilippo to Mario Coleman.

The Blazers will look to improve their offense in the five days leading up to their next game, at home Thursday against Delta State.