Opponent Insight: Kennesaw State

Kennesaw State Owls (Record: 11-1, 5-0 in Big South)
Matchup Notables (From Kennesaw State) -

The Kennesaw State football team returns to the quarterfinals of the FCS Playoffs for the second straight season, looking to advance to the semifinals for the first time in program history.
The Owls are facing a team from the Missouri Valley Football Conference for the first time after defeating the regular season champion from the Southern Conference and Ohio Valley Conference in back-to-back games.
SDSU marks the second top-five team KSU has ever played after knocking off No. 3 Jacksonville State last season on the road. The Jackrabbits are the first top-five team to ever visit Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
South Dakota State (45.9) and Kennesaw State (45.7) have the No. 2 and No. 3 scoring offensive in the nation, respectively. The Owls have scored 50-plus points six times this season.
During Kennesaw State's current 11-game winning streak, it has outscored opponents 528-149, allowing just 13.5 points per game during the stretch.
KSU has the third-longest active home winning streak in FCS at 15 games and is one of five programs with a winning streak of 10 or more games.
Kennesaw State is joined by Alabama and UCF as the only Division I football teams with 10-game winning streaks in each of the last two years.
Dating back to Week 2 of the 2017 season, KSU has won 23 of its last 25 games, including going 5-1 against ranked teams and 1-0 against top-five programs.
KSU and top-ranked North Dakota State are the only two playoff teams to rank in the top 10 in scoring offense and defense.
With a perfect 5-0 mark in league play, KSU is the third team in Big South history and the first program in the last 10 years to win consecutive conference titles with an undefeated record in league play.
KSU is one of five teams in the nation (FBS & FCS) with three kickoff returns for TD's this year and Isaac Foster is the only player in the nation with two 100-yard kickoff returns for touchdowns.
The Owls have given up just 17 points all season in the third quarter, outscoring opponents 159-17.
The Owls have 10 one-play touchdown drives this year and 14 TD drives of less than one minute. Kennesaw State has won 15 consecutive home games, the third-longest active streak in the nation 15 among FCS teams.

Owl's Players to Watch
OFFENSE
QB Chandler Burks (#3, GR, 5-10, 190): Holds the all-time FCS record for rushing touchdowns in a season by a quarterback with 29 ... Has more rushing touchdowns than 211 of the 253 FCS and FBS teams ... Only player in FCS or FBS that has rushed for four or more TDs twice this season ... Leads the country with 14.5 points per game ... Leads all FCS and FBS players with 29 rushing scores ... Is responsible for 19 rushing TD's in the last seven games ... Is the only FCS player with four rushing scores in a game each of the last two seasons ... First player in FCS to rush for four or more TDs twice in the same year since 2016.

RB Darnell Holland (#33, SR, 5-10, 195): Second-leading rusher behind Burks in terms of yards (857) and TDs (9) ... averages 11.9 yards per carry on 72 attempts with an average on 71.4 per game ... third on the team in catches (9) and receiving yards (215) with two TD receptions ... averages 20.2 per catch ... made history at Monmouth in Week 11, recording 195 rushing yards on just nine carries to set the program record for rushing yards in a game.

RB Shaquil Terry (#9, SO, 5-9, 172): Third on team in terms of yards (550) and TDs (5) ... has 7.7 yards per carry on 71 attempts and 45.8 per game ... second on the team in receptions (13) and receiving yards (215) ... averages 16.5 per catch ... eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for his career against Samford, becoming the sixth player in program history to reach the milestone.

WR Justin Sumpter (#17, SO, 5-11, 190): Leads team with catches (20), yards (292) and TDs (4) ... averages 32.4 yards per game and 14.6 per catch in nine games played ... With a 21-yard TD reception at Charleston Southern, Justin Sumpter became the 11th player in league history with 20 touchdown receptions ... He is currently 35 receiving yards shy of becoming the 15th player in Big South history with 2,000 ... For his career, Sumpter leads all KSU receivers with three 100-yard games.

DEFENSE
LB Charlie Patrick (#44, SO, 6-0, 2015): Third on the team in tackles (55) with 40 solo stops ... second on the team in TFLs (10.5) while have a forced fumble, a sack, and two pass breakups on the year ... Charlie Patrick had a career-high 14 tackles at Monmouth, the second-most in program history for a single game.

LB Anthony Gore Jr. (#41, SR, 6-0, 201): Leads the team in tackles (73) with 55 solo stops ... has notched 15 TFLs and six sacks - most on the team ... Big South Defensive Player of the Year ranks eighth in the Big South in tackles among linebackers.

LB Bryson Armstrong (#42, SO, 5-11, 212): Second on the team in tackles (70) with 53 stops ... has 8.5 TFLs (third on team) and 1.5 sacks with an INT and three QB Hurries ... First-Team All-Conference selection ranks ninth in the Big South in tackles among linebackers ... his first interception of the year came against Jacksonville State and sealed the victory in the fifth overtime at SunTrust Park.

DB Cincere Mason (#20, FR, 6-0, 212): Tied for the most INTs on the year (3) and has three pass breakups ... has 21 tackles (13 solo) and two TFLs ... While Wofford was driving to try and take the lead in the second round of the playoffs late in the 3rd quarter, he showed off his ball skills and poached a ball on a fade route for his third interception of the season.

DB Dorian Walker (#1, JR, 6-0, 181): Tied for the most INTs on the year (3) and has four pass breakups ... has 34 tackles (30 solo) and three TFLs ... added a 34-yard interception return against Gardner-Webb to land among the longest INT returns in program history.

Game-by-Game Recap (From Duquesne, 9-3, NEC: 5-1):
Dec. 1 - PLAYOFF GAME 1 vs. Wofford (W, 13-10): In a matchup featuring two of the top rushing offenses in the country, it was defense that highlighted a 13-10 Kennesaw State victory over visiting Wofford in the second round of the NCAA Division I FCS Playoffs Saturday at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.

With the score tied 10-10 and 2:10 remaining, Kennesaw State's DL Anthony Gore, Jr. sacked the Terrier QB, who fumbled the ball. The Owls' DL Andrew Butcher recovered the ball at the Wofford 21-yard line, and four plays later PK Justin Thompson kicked a 30-yard field goal with 1:52 remaining to give Kennesaw State a 13-10 lead.

The Terriers had one more legitimate chance to drive for a potential game-tying or go-ahead touchdown starting at their 25-yard line. However, the Owls' defense forced four straight incomplete passes and KSU took over on downs.

Both teams entered the game averaging over 400 yards a game and were held to under 300 yards. Kennesaw State totaled 242 yards of offense, while Wofford finished with 236 total yards.

After a scoreless first quarter, both teams produced touchdowns on their first possession of the second quarter. RB Darnell Holland accounted for the first points of the game as he broke loose for a 53-yard touchdown run on the opening play of the second quarter.

Wofford answered on its next possession on a 57-yard pass play that capped a two-play, 62-yard drive. The Terriers took their only lead of the game at the 7:45 mark when Luke Carter made a 45-yard field goal to put Wofford ahead 10-7.

Thompson ended the first half with a 40-yard field to knot the game at 10-10. Wofford went into halftime with 119 total yards while Kennesaw State totaled 142 yards of offense.

The Terriers drove the ball to the Owls' 35-yard late in the third quarter and were entering field goal range. However, the KSU defense forced a five-yard loss on second down and opened the fourth quarter with an interception in the end zone by DB Cincere Mason on third down to thwart the drive.

After a Kennesaw State fumble on its next possession gave Wofford the ball at the KSU 41-yard line, the Owls' defense once again came up big, stopping the Terriers on a 4th-and-2 play to take over on downs.

Wofford was never again able to advance the ball into Kennesaw State territory.

NOTES
Kennesaw State produced its third playoff win and second at home.... KSU advances to the FCS quarterfinals for the second straight season... KSU has won 24 of its last 26 games, and 15 straight at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, the third longest active winning streak in FCS... The defense held Wofford to just 74 rushing yards, 257 rushing yards fewer than its season average... The Owls' 163 rushing yards were their fewest since totaling 157 at Duquesne on Sept. 24, 2016... KSU's 13 tackles for loss set a program record as well as a Big South playoff single game mark... The scoreless third quarter marked the first in KSU history... The Owls were held to just one rushing touchdown for the first time since the season opener at Georgia State on Aug. 20... Individual Notes... Nicolas Jones recorded his third punt of 50 yards or more in the first quarter with a 50-yard kick... Jones' first quarter punt was his sixth this season that landed inside the 20-yard line... Jones' seven punt attempts for 296 yards were both season-highs... Jones has five career 50-plus yard punts in the playoffs, the most in Big South playoff history... Justin Thompson made his 143rd consecutive PAT... Darnell Holland's 53-yard rushing touchdown was the longest touchdown run in Big South playoff history... Holland's touchdown was his fourth rush of 50 or more yards this season... Holland now has a rushing touchdown in three straight playoff games... Anthony Gore had a career-high six tackles for loss, setting a Big South Conference record... Cincere Mason's fourth-quarter interception was his third of the season...Chandler Burks did not score a touchdown for just the second time in 16 games... Bryson Armstrong has a Big South Conference-record 23 career playoff tackles.

Nov. 24 - PLAYOFF BYE WEEK

Nov. 17 vs. Jacksonville State (W, 60-52): A match-up of two FCS top 10 teams playing the first game at SunTrust Park was historic in its own right.

However, No. 2 Kennesaw State and No. 6 Jacksonville State treated the 16,949 fans in attendance to a record-breaking performance during a 60-52 five-overtime thriller that ended with LB Bryson Armstrong intercepting a pass in the end zone and setting off a wild celebration by the Owls and their fans.

In a game in which the two teams combined for 944 total yards and 15 touchdowns, RB Darnell Holland capped the scoring with a 13-yard run. Burks and WR Justin Sumpter connected for the 2-point conversion that gave KSU the lead.

The Owls kept alive their winning drive by converting a fourth-and six from the JSU 21-yard on an 11-yard run by Burks. Two plays later, Holland capped the drive with his second rushing score of the game.

However, the Gamecocks had one more possession to try and extend the game, but Armstrong's interception on a third-and-11 play ended the titanic contest that lasted four hours and 12 minutes.

Kennesaw State came through with a late score in the fourth quarter to send the game to overtime when Burks scored from a yard out and Justin Thompson's extra point tied the score, 24-24, with 4:52 remaining.

The drive was kept alive by a circus catch on the sideline by Sumpter in which he was initially ruled out of bounds before replay overruled the call and gave the Owls a first down at the Jacksonville State 20-yard line. The completion came on a fourth-and-10 play from the JSU 43-yard line.

Burks led the Owls with three rushing scores and two touchdown passes, while Holland and TJ Reed each scored twice. Both teams came through under pressure as Jacksonville State converted four of five fourth-down conversions and Kennesaw State was three of four.

The Gamecocks finished with 519 total yards (417 passing, 102 rushing), while the Owls totaled 425 yards (351 rushing, 74 passing). Kennesaw State scored eight touchdowns, while Jacksonville had seven. The two teams combined for nine rushing scores and six passing touchdowns, and 10 different players scored.

NOTES
The contest marked the first neutral site game for the Owls.... The matchup was the first football game ever played inside SunTrust Park...The Owls improve to 2-0 all-time against Jacksonville State.... First overtime game since Sept. 3, 2016 (20-17 2OT Loss vs. ETSU).... First five overtime game in program history…First time that the Owls have clinched a win on a defensive play...The victory extends the Owls' regular-season winning streak against FCS opponents to 15 games...Kennesaw State trailed (14- 10) at halftime for the first time this season...KSU won for only the second time in program history when trailing at halftime...Kennesaw State has won seven-straight games in the month of November.. Jacksonville State became the first opponent this season to outgain Kennesaw State...Head coach Brian Bohannon improved to 11-7 all-time in games decided by 10 points or less. The Owls also won their first game of the season decided by 10 or fewer points...KSU lost the time of possession (JSU: 31:02, KSU: 28:58) statistic for just the second time this season...The Owls rushed for at least 350 yards for the sixth time this season...The Owls have set a single-season program record with six 50-plus scoring games. Kennesaw State recorded its first win over a ranked opponent this season and is 5-5 all-time...The 52 points by Jacksonville State is the most allowed by Kennesaw State in program history...The Owls' defense gave up a touchdown on the first two Jacksonville State drives, marking the first time this.. season KSU has given up touchdowns on the opponents first two drives ... Jacksonville State's 10 points in the third quarter were first allowed by the Owls in the period since the Jacksonville State on Sept. 15...With three rushing touchdowns, Chandler Burks increased his season rushing touchdown record to 29 to break the previous mark of 27... Burks has rushed for multiple touchdowns in 10 straight games. Burks has rushed three or more touchdowns 12 times in his career... Darnell Holland rushed for 107 yards, marking his sixth career 100-yard game and third of the season...Demetrius Pettway had his first kickoff return of the season and returned it 10 yards... T.J. Reed has rushed for one touchdown in back-to-back games for the first time in his career... With eight points in the game, K Justin Thompson moved into third place on the Big South Conference's all-time scoring list...Thompson extended his streak of consecutive extra points to 142... Darnell Holland's 41-yard kickoff return was his third return of over 40 yards this season... Xavier Harper's touchdown was his first of the season.. Le'Vonte Larry recorded a career-high two tackles for loss... Anthony Gore recorded a career-high two sacks... The Owls trailed heading into the fourth quarter for the first time this season... Nicholas Jones had a career-long 55-yard punt... Cincere Mason's interception was the first KSU's first forced turnover since Charleston Southern on Oct. 27... Mason's INT was his second of the season (Last vs. Tennessee TechSept.6.)... Dorian Walker tied his career-high with six tackles

Nov. 10 at Monmouth (W, 51-14): RB Darnell Holland rushed for a program-record 195 yards and scored three touchdowns to lead No. 2 Kennesaw State to a 51-14 victory over Monmouth and a second consecutive Big South Conference championship Saturday afternoon.

QB Chandler Burks rushed for three scores and RB TJ Reed added a rushing touchdown as the Owls accumulated 412 yards on the ground and finished with 502 total yards, seven shy of tying a season high.

Holland scored on runs of 9, 46 and 59 yards to lead the Owls to their ninth consecutive win and extend their Big South Conference winning streak to 10 games.

After falling behind 14-7 with 11:42 remaining in the second quarter, Kennesaw State scored 44 unanswered points to reach the 50-point mark for the fifth time this season.

The Owls took their first lead of the game on a 40-yard field goal by PK Justin Thompson on the final play of the first half to go ahead 17-14. KSU scored on all five of its second-half possessions to secure the win and a second straight conference title.

Kennesaw State opened the second half with a 10-play, 66-yard drive that consumed 5:10 of clock time and was capped by a 1-yard run by Burks that increased the Owls' lead to 24-14.

Meanwhile, the KSU defense turned in a dominant second-half performance as it pitched a shutout. The Owls' defense limited the Hawks to 192 total yards (84 passing, 108 rushing). LB Charlie Patrick led the charge with 14 tackles (11 solo), including two tackles for loss.

NOTES
In just its fourth year of existence, Kennesaw State has captured back-to-back Big South Conference championships ... The Owls are the third Big South team in conference history and the first program in the last 10 years to win back-to-back league titles with an undefeated record in league play ... KSU snapped Monmouth's 10-game home winning streak, the sixth longest streak in the country ... Kennesaw State's 412 rushing yards mark the fifth time this season the Owls have totaled 400 or more yards ... Heading into the game, Monmouth was holding teams to an average of 106.6 rushing yards per game to lead the Big South ... With Darnell Holland's 59-yard rushing score, KSU now has 14 touchdown drives in under a minute this season ... The Owls have recorded 500 or more yards of total offense in four of the last five games ... Over the past five games, KSU has outscored its opponents 250-41 ... Chandler Burks recorded three rushing touchdowns, giving him a nation-leading 26 on the year, 53 in his career ... Burks has logged multiple rushing scores in nine consecutive games, and has three or more rushing TDs in six contests this year. ... With 26 rushing scores, Burks is one touchdown away from tying the all-time FCS record for rushing scores in a season by a quarterback ... Darnell Holland set the program's all-time record for rushing yards in a game, recording 195 yards and scoring three touchdowns ... Holland eclipsed 2,000 career rushing yards to join Chandler Burks as the only two KSU players to accomplish the feat ... Charlie Patrick paced the Owl defense with a career-high 14 tackles, tying the KSU single-game record with 11 solo tackles.

Nov. 3 vs. Campbell (W, 49-0): QB Chandler Burks scored four rushing touchdowns and threw for another to lead No. 2 Kennesaw State to a 49-0 victory over Campbell on Senior Day Saturday at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.

The Owls capped an undefeated regular season at Fifth Third Bank Stadium and extend their home winning streak to a Big South Conference record 14 games.

Burks led a group of 22 seniors, including 17 "OG's" who were part of the first recruiting class, to their ninth straight Big South Conference victory and one win away from a second straight conference title.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Owls scored on three straight possessions, as Burks produced a pair of one-yard runs and a 50-yard scamper to help Kennesaw State build a 21-0 halftime lead.

The fireworks continued in the third quarter as RB Darnell Holland returned the second half kickoff 84 yards for a touchdown and 28-0 lead.

Kennesaw State, which scored on seven straight possessions, built a 42-0 lead heading into the fourth quarter as Burks connected with senior wide receiver Justin Sumpter on a 24-yard pass play and capped his day with a 4-yard run with 1:16 remaining in the third quarter.

QB Daniel David threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to junior running back TJ Reed with 8:36 remaining for the Owls' final score.

Kennesaw State totaled 467 total yards of offense, including 395 on the ground. RB Shaquil Terry rushed for a game-high 112 yards on eight carries.

The Kennesaw State defense limited Campbell to 138 total yards and was led by LB Charlie Patrick, who had five solo tackles, including two for loss.

NOTES
Kennesaw State won its 14th straight home games to establish a Big South Conference record ... The win marks KSU's ninth consecutive conference victory and 20th win in its last 22 games, while improving to 1-0 all-time against Campbell ... Kennesaw State recorded its second shutout of the season and fifth in program history ... KSU had two one-play scoring drives against the Fighting Camels, bringing its season total to eight. The Owls also have 13 scoring drives of under one minute ... Kennesaw State rushed for 300 yards for the fourth straight game ... The Owls held Campbell to only 11 yards of offense in the second quarter ... With 21 points in the third quarter, KSU has now outscored opponents 138-7 in the third quarter ... KSU held Campbell to 92 rushing yards, marking the third time this season the Owls have held an opponent to less than 100 yards on the ground ... Coming into the game, Campbell quarterback Daniel Smith was averaging 270.2 yards of total offense (199.5 yards passing, 70.7 yards rushing). The Owls held Smith to 75 total yards (46 yards passing, 29 yards rushing) ... KSU had four captains today, Trey Chivers, Chiaza Nwadike, Devin Pughsley and Brandon Sutton, all OG's who served as captains for the first time in their career ... Chandler Burks became just the fourth player in Big South history to record at least 20 rushing touchdowns in a single-season ... With four rushing touchdowns, Burks increased his career total to 50 and set a Big South Conference record. He has also rushed for two or more scores in eight straight games ... Burks has recorded at least three rushing touchdowns in five games this season, tying the Big South season record ... With 23 rushing touchdowns this season, Burks now ranks second in the Big South single-season list ... Burks had four rushing touchdowns for the second time this season and has three in his career to set the Big South record for four or more rushing scores ... Darnell Holland's 84-yard kickoff return TD was the third of the season for the Owls and marked the fourth-longest in program history ... Shaquil Terry led the team with 112 rushing yards, marking the first time this season and fourth time in his career he has surpassed the century mark.

Oct. 27 at Charleston Southern (W, 38-10): QB Chandler Burks scored two touchdowns and threw for a pair of scores to lead No. 2 Kennesaw State to a 38-10 victory over Charleston Southern in Big South Conference action Saturday evening. The victory extended the Owls' winning streak to seven games and was KSU's eighth consecutive conference win dating back to last season.

Burks continued to etch his name in the Big South Conference record book as he became the first player in league history with 30 rushing and 30 passing touchdowns. For his career, the Owls' graduate quarterback has 30 passing scores and 46 rushing touchdowns.

For the fifth time this season, Kennesaw State amassed over 500 yards of offense, totaling 508, including 316 on the ground. Burks led the attack, rushing for 102 yards on 23 carries, while completing 11-of-18 passes for 192 yards.

Kennesaw State fell behind 3-0 and was forced to punt on its first two possessions before scoring 24 unanswered points and led 24-10 at halftime. Burks capped a 7-play, 67-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown run to get the Owls on the board with 1:52 remaining in the first quarter. All 67 yards were gained on the ground.

Kennesaw State went to the air for its next two touchdowns, as Burks connected with WR Justin Sumpter on a 21-yard pass midway through the second quarter and then on the opening play of the Owls' next possession hooked up with RB Darnell Holland on a 65-yard scoring play to put KSU up 24-3 with 5:54 remaining in the first half.

Burks led Kennesaw State on an 11-play, 42-yard drive that culminated with a 3-yard run by the QB to open the third quarter.

The Owls' final score came on a 1-yard run by RB Shaquil Terry with 4:50 remaining in the game to give Kennesaw State a 38-10 lead. Sophomore Bryson Armstrong totaled nine tackles, including eight solo, and had a sack to lead a defense that limited Charleston Southern to 186 total yards, including just 63 passing yards.

NOTES
Kennesaw State has won a Big South Conference record 15 consecutive FCS regular-season games ... The Owls have won four straight conference road games, and eight straight Big South contests overall ... The Owls have led after the first quarter in all eight games this season ... With the fumble recovery in the second quarter, KSU has forced at least one turnover in 22 consecutive games ... With another third quarter shutout, the Owls have outscored opponents 117-7 in the third frame this season ... Chandler Burks became the first player in league history with 30 rushing and 30 passing touchdowns. For his career, Burks now has 30 passing scores and 46 rushing TD's ... Burks is now tied for second in Big South Conference history with 46 rushing touchdowns ... Burks has multiple rushing TD's in seven consecutive games to set a Big South record ... Burks' 11 completions and 192 passing yards are the most since the season opener at Georgia State (12-19-1, 201 yds.) ... With 102 rushing yards versus Charleston Southern, Burks reached the 100-yard mark for the second time this season and the ninth time in his career ... With his 21-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter, Justin Sumpter became the 11th player in Big South Conference history with 20 touchdown catches ... With five successful PAT's, Justin Thompson has made 124 consecutive point after attempts ... Thompson's 44-yard field goal in the second quarter was the longest in program history.

Oct. 13 at Gardner-Webb (W, 56-17): The No. 2 Kennesaw State football team racked up 490 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground to defeat Gardner-Webb 56-17 Saturday afternoon.

QB Chandler Burks recorded three of the Owls' rushing scores, his sixth straight game with multiple rushing touchdowns as Kennesaw State improved to 6-1 overall and 2-0 in league play. After being held to a three-and-out on its first possession of the game, KSU's defense held strong in the red zone to force a 35-yard field goal from Gardner-Webb.

RB Isaac Foster provided a spark for KSU, returning the following kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. It was the second time this season Foster returned a kickoff for a touchdown, making him the first Owl in history to accomplish the feat.

Burks extended KSU's lead with back-to-back touchdowns from four and 15 yards out. DB Dorian Walker set up the second touchdown with his third interception of the season, extending KSU's takeaway streak to 21 games.

RB Darnell Holland added a 48-yard rushing touchdown to give the Owls a 28-3 lead at halftime.

Kennesaw State chewed up the clock in their opening drive of the third quarter with a methodical 68-yard 14-play drive resulting in a five-yard rushing touchdown for Burks. QB Daniel David added another rushing touchdown in the third quarter, using a second-effort to fall in the endzone from one yard out.

In the fourth, RB Jake McKenzie and RB Adeolu Adeleke recorded a pair of career-long rushing touchdowns with 54 and 60-yard scampers, respectively.

GWU's Dexter Brown snapped KSU's 49 straight points with a 75-yard rushing touchdown.

Following a crucial penalty that negated an interception for KSU, QB Jaylen Myers recorded the final points of the game, breaking free for a 63-yard score to snap the Owls' five-game streak of holding opponents to 13 points or less.

Charlie Patrick led the defense, tying his career-high with seven tackles followed by DL Bryson Armstrong with six.

NOTES
Kennesaw State has won 14 straight regular season games against FCS opponents, improving to 4-0 all-time against Gardner-Webb ... The Owls recorded two scoring drives under one minute, bringing their season total to 10 ... KSU has recorded at least six rushing touchdowns in five of the last six games ... This is the fourth time this season the Owls have rushed for more than 400 yards, third straight. Five Owls logged at least 70 yards rushing ... KSU has now recorded over 500 yards of total offense in back-to-back games, and four times this season ... The Owls have recorded a takeaway in 21 straight games ... Gardner-Webb's 17 points snaps a five-game streak of holding opponents to 13 points or less. KSU has not allowed a sack in six straight games ... Caleb O'Neal, Desmond Johnson, Jr. and Justin Thompson were today's captains ... Isaac Foster's 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown ties the longest return in KSU history. Foster previously set the record this year against Alabama State ... Foster is the only player in KSU history to return two kickoffs for a touchdown. He is the seventh player in Big South history to return at least two kickoffs for a touchdown in a season ... Chandler Burks has recorded at least two rushing touchdown in six straight games, three or more in four of those contests. Burks needs just one more touchdown to tie the KSU single-season record ... Adeolu Adeleke's 60-yard score marked the first touchdown of his career ... Dorian Walker has recorded an interception in three of the last four games ... Justin Thompson tied his career-high with eight PATs, extending his streak to 119 straight extra points.

Oct. 6 vs. Presbyterian (W, 56-0): QB Chandler Burks rushed for a career-high tying four scores and threw for another to lead No. 3 Kennesaw State to a 56-0 victory over visiting Presbyterian in both teams' Big South Conference opener Saturday at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.

The win was the fifth straight for the Owls, who extended their home winning streak to 13 games, which ties the Big South record. The 56-point margin of victory was Kennesaw State's largest over an FCS opponent and marked its second straight shutout of the Blue Hose.

Burks led a dominating offensive performance, rushing 16 times for 135 yards as the Owls amassed 637 total yards, including 485 on the ground. Meanwhile, the KSU defense had a big afternoon, establishing program single-game records for fewest total yards (141) and rushing yards (18) allowed.

DB Dorian Walker set up Kennesaw State for its first score, intercepting a pass and returning it 28 yards to the Presbyterian 26-yard line. The Owls converted the turnover into points when Burks hooked up with RB Darnell Holland for a 25-yard touchdown with 12:24 remaining in the first quarter.

Burks then scored on runs of 1, 10 and 3 yards to help KSU build a 28-0 halftime lead. The KSU senior capped his day with a 38-yard touchdown scamper on the Owls' opening drive of the third quarter.

RB Isaac Foster scored on a 12-yard run and reserve QB Daniel David accounted for Kennesaw State's sixth rushing touchdown of the afternoon, scoring from a yard out with under two minutes remaining in the third quarter for a 49-0 lead.

QB Tommy Bryant and RB Kevin Ficklin connected for the game's final score as the two hooked up on a 55-yard pass play with 5:36 remaining.

NOTES
Kennesaw State has won 13 straight home games, tying the Big South record ... Saturday's shutout was the fourth all-time by KSU and marked its second straight over Presbyterian ... Kennesaw State's 56 points was a record against a Big South Conference opponent, and the 56-point margin of victory was its largest over an FCS opponent ... The Owls have scored 98 unanswered points against PC, dating back to the fourth quarter of their meeting in 2016 ... During its four-game homestand, KSU has outscored its opponents 212-46 ... The Owls have recorded six or more rushing touchdowns in four of their last five games ... KSU's 485 rushing yards marked the third time this season it has reached the 400-yard mark ... The Owls' first touchdown against PC marked their eighth scoring drive of less than a minute ... KSU extended its turnover streak to 20 games, recording an interception and fumble recovery. The Owls have recovered a fumble in five of their last six games. KSU has not allowed a sack in its last five games ... The Owls' defense established program records by limiting Presbyterian to 141 total yards and 18 on the ground ... KSU recorded a season single-game high with nine tackles for loss ... Chandler Burks, Darnell Holland and Bryson Armstrong were today's captains ... Burks tied his career-high with four rushing touchdowns, logging his eighth career game with three or more rushing touchdowns. He has recorded at least three touchdowns on the ground in three of the Owls' last five games, and two or more rushing touchdowns in five straight ... Burks' rushed for 100 yards for the first time this season and eighth time in his career. His 135 yards rank ninth on KSU's all-time single-game rushing list ... Burks is two touchdown passes shy of becoming the first Big South Conference quarterback with 30 rushing and 30 passing touchdowns ... Darnell Holland recorded his second career touchdown reception, and first since 2015 ... Desmond Johnson, Jr.'s sack marked the first that the Presbyterian offense has allowed all season. Heading into the game, PC was the only FCS to not allow a sack ... With his seven PATs, Justin Thompson has converted 111 consecutive extra points. Thompson moved into fifth place on the Big South Conference's all-time kick scoring list with 267 career points. He also moved into 10th place the Big South Conference's all-time career scoring chart ... Kevin Ficklin's 55-yard touchdown reception was his first career catch.

Sept. 29 vs. Samford (W, 24-10): An efficient offense and stout defense proved a winning formula as No. 4 Kennesaw State defeated Samford 24-10 Saturday at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.

In a rematch of last season's first-round FCS playoff game, the Owls converted 8-of-14 third down attempts and scored 24 unanswered points en route to recording their fourth straight victory and 12th consecutive home win.

Facing the FCS's second-ranked passing offense, Kennesaw State limited Samford to a season-low 150 yards through the air. The Bulldogs, who were averaging 374.3 passing yards a game, were also held to a season-low 272 total yards.

After Samfor went on a 16-play, 72-yard drive that consumed nearly seven minutes and culminated with a 20-yard field goal, Kennesaw State answered with a time-consuming drive of its own. QB Chandler Burks led the Owls on a 15-play, 65-yard march that ended with a 1-yard Burks run, capping a seven-minute drive that gave KSU a 7-3 lead.

Burks connected with RB TJ Reed on a 9-yard touchdown pass with 4:40 remaining in the second quarter to increase Kennesaw State's lead to 14-3.

RB Darnell Holland opened the third quarter with a 72-yard kickoff return to Samford's 28-yard line. Burks capped the seven-play drive with a 3-yard touchdown run, increasing the Owls' lead to 24-3. Burks finished as KSU's leading rusher, carrying the ball 15 times for 56 yards. He also completed 5-of-12 passes for 66 yards and a touchdown.

The trio of LB Anthony Gore, Jr., DL Bryson Armstrong and DB Cole Loden each recorded nine tackles to lead the Owls' defense. DL Peyton Moore had two tackles for loss and a fumble recovery while DL Andrew Butcher recorded a fumble, extending KSU's streak of at least one takeaway to 19 games.

NOTES
Kennesaw State has won 12 consecutive home games, a span of 721 days ... The Owls improved to 3-1 all-time against Samford ... KSU extended its takeaway streak to 19 straight games. The Owls have recovered a fumble in all four games this season ... Samford's 10 points scored marks its lowest point total since Sept. 26, 2015 against Louisville (three points), a span of 31 games ... Defensively, the Owls held Samford to a season-low 150 yards passing. Heading into the game, the Bulldogs averaged 374.3 yards passing per game ... This was the third straight game, fourth of the last five, in which KSU held its opponent to less than 150 yards rushing ... The offensive line did not allow a sack for the fourth consecutive game ... Captains for tonight's game were Shaquil Terry, Caleb O'Neil and Andrew Butcher ... Shaquil Terry became the sixth player in KSU history to reach 1,000 career rushing yards, recording 47 yards to bring his career total to 1,044 ... Chandler Burks has rushed for a touchdown in seven of the last eight games, and two or more in four straight games ... With his passing touchdown, Burks is now three touchdowns away from being the first QB in Big South history to record 30 rushing and 30 passing touchdowns ... Burks has recorded at least one passing and one rushing touchdown in 14 times. Justin Sumpter recorded his 100th career reception, making him the first Owl in KSU history to eclipse the century mark ... Darnell Holland's 72-yard kickoff return to open the second half marks the thirdlongest return in KSU history ... Cole Loden led the defense with a career-high nine tackles ... Justin Thompson has now made 104 consecutive PATs.

Sept. 22 vs. Clark-Atlanta (W, 70-13): Kennesaw State returned two interceptions for touchdowns and scored on a blocked punt to highlight a 70-13 victory over an outmanned Clark Atlanta team Saturday at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.

For the second week in a row, the Owls broke the program single-game scoring record and established the school mark for largest margin of victory (57 points). Kennesaw State registered a 62-13 victory over Alabama State a week ago to set the previous record.

RB Shaquil Terry led the scoring barrage with three touchdowns, scoring on runs of 21 and 50, and added a five-yard reception from QB Chandler Burks. The Owls' QB also scored on runs of eight and one yard. Seven Owls found the end zone.

After Clark Atlanta scored 13 points off two Kennesaw State turnovers to take a 13-7 lead less than 10 minutes into the game, the Owls scored 63 unanswered points.

DB Jace White (32 yards) and LB Demetrius Pettway (56 yards) returned interceptions for touchdowns and LB Courtney Mills returned a blocked punt by DB Cole Loden for a score to highlight the play of the defense and special teams. The defense totaled a program record-tying four interceptions.

RB Kyle Glover and RB Antavius Grier scored their first career touchdowns, finding the end zone on runs of one and 14 yards, respectively. The Kennesaw State offense amassed 351 total yards, including 339 on the ground. Terry led the Owls with 71 yards on three carries.

Led by LB Anthony Gore, Jr. and DL Desmond Johnson, Jr., who had four tackles apiece, KSU's defense limited Clark Atlanta to 192 yards.

NOTES
Kennesaw State improved to 3-1 on the year and 2-0 at home. KSU is now 2-0 all-time against Clark Atlanta ... The Owls have won 11 consecutive home games, a streak of 714 days ... The 70 points scored by KSU breaks the program's single-game scoring record, previously last week during a 62-13 victory over Alabama State ... The Owls set a record with 63 unanswered points ... The Owls 10 touchdowns are a program record ... With its four interceptions, KSU extended its takeaway streak to 18 straight games and has intercepted a pass in 17 of its last 18 games ... Cole Loden's blocked punt was the first by Kennesaw State since Oct. 14, 2017 when accomplished the feat at Liberty. It also marked the Owls' first blocked punt returned for a touchdown ... The four interceptions versus Clark Atlanta equals the previous single-game high set at Duquesne on Sept. 24, 2016. It also marks the fifth time KSU has three or more interceptions in a game ... The 56-yard interception return by Demetrius Pettway ranks as the second-longest interception return in program history. DB Adesola Abisoye's 41-yard return in the fifth longest, while DB Jace White's 32-yard interception ties for the seventh longest ... The Owls have scored six or more rushing touchdowns in three straight games. Prior to the 2018 season, KSU recorded six or more rushing touchdowns in six times ... Over the past three games, the Owls are averaging 60.3 points while allowing 12. ... The offensive line extended its streak without allowing a sack to 12 quarters ... Captains for tonight's game were Isaac Foster, Desmond Johnson, Jr., and Nick Eldridge ... Chandler Burks has recorded at least one rushing touchdown in seven of the last eight games. He has scored eight rushing touchdowns over the last three games ... With his two TDs, Burks eclipsed 200 points scored (210). He is second all-time behind Justin Sumpter (243) ... Adesola Abisoye's 41- yard interception return was the first of his career and marks the fifth-longest in KSU history ... Jace White's interception return for a touchdown ties for the seventh longest in program history ... Shaquil Terry's two rushing touchdown marks a single-game career high. career single-game high for the sophomore. Terry's 5-yard touchdown reception was the first of his career and his three scores were also a career best ... Terry's 70 rushing yards gave him 997 for his career and three shy of 1,000 ... Demetrius Pettway's 56-yard interception return is the second-longest in school history ... With eight extra points made, Justin Thompson extended his streak of successful PATs to 101. Thompson increased his program-record points total to 251.

Sept. 15 vs. Alabama State (W, 62-13): A nearly two-hour lightning delay turned out to be a spark for Kennesaw State as it amassed 563 yards of offense and broke the program scoring record in a 62-13 victory over Alabama State in its home opener Saturday at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.

After both teams waited out a one-hour and 42-minute delay, lightning struck for the Owls as they forced a quick turnover and scored on their second offensive play as RB Shaquil Terry capped a 27-yard drive with a 17-yard run, igniting Kennesaw State to its most lopsided victory over an FCS opponent in program history. The score came 1:10 into the game.

The Owls gained 417 yards on the ground, received three rushing touchdowns from QB Chandler Burks and 136 yards on the three first-half carries by RB Darnell Holland.

Kennesaw State scored on two of its first four possessions, then reached the end zone on its next four drives, capping the second quarter with a 70-yard run by Holland that sent the Owls into the locker room with a 42-6 halftime lead.

The fireworks continued in the third quarter as RB Isaac Foster returned the second half kickoff a Kennesaw State-record 100 yards for a 49-6 lead. Two PK Nathan Robertson field goals and a 6-yard touchdown run by QB Daniel David concluded a stretch in which the Owls scored on eight straight possessions to lead 62-13 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Kennesaw State defense limited Alabama State to 314 total yards, forced three turnovers and was led by LB Courtney Mills, LB Bryson Armstrong and DB Le'Vonte Larry, who had six tackles apiece. Mills had 1.5 tackles for loss, including half a sack, while DL Travis Bell had a forced fumble and recovery, DL Desmond Johnson, Jr. forced a fumble, DL Andrew Butcher recovered a fumble and LB Demetrius Pettway returned his first career interception 34 yards.

NOTES
The game began late after experiencing officially a one-hour and 42-minute weather delay ... Kennesaw State improves to 2-1 on the season and 1-0 at home. It also improves to 2-0 all-time against Alabama State ... The win extends KSU's home-winning streak to 10 games. The Owls have not lost at Fifth Third Bank Stadium since Oct. 15, 2016 (700 days) ... The Owls have now won 14 of their last 16 games dating back to 2017 ... The Owls improve to 4-1 all-time against opponents hailing from the state of Alabama. Kennesaw State's 62 points are the most points scored in a game for KSU. The previous record was 58 scored against Edwards on Sept. 12, 2015 ... KSU extended its takeaway streak to 17 games with two fumble recoveries and an interception ... Kennesaw State has recorded a fumble recovery in all three games this season ... KSU had three one-play scoring drives against ASU, the fifth one-play drive of the season and 13th in the last two years ... The Owls had four scoring drives of less than a minute, increasing its season total to seven ... KSU's 42 points in the first half marks the most points scored in the opening half since Oct. 10, 2016 against Furman (49) ... KSU recorded 563 yards of total offense, the second straight game with 500 or more yards. ... Chandler Burks recorded three rushing touchdowns for the second straight game, his seventh career game with three or more rushing touchdowns ... Burks moves into fifth place in Big South Conference history with 33 career rushing touchdowns ... With his three touchdowns today, Burks recorded his seventh career game to move into a tie for first place in Big South history ... WR Justin Sumpter scored his second touchdown of the season, moving him into a tie for fourth place on Kennesaw State's all-time scoring list with 114 career points ... Sumpter has the Owls' only two receiving touchdowns this season ... RB Darnell Holland led the team with a career-high 136 rushing yards on three first-half carries ... Holland's 70-yard rushing TD is the sixth-longest rushing attempt in KSU history ... QB Daniel David's 65-yard rush in the third quarter established a career-long ... RB Isaac Foster's 100-yard kickoff return was the first of his career and established a KSU record ... PK Justin Thompson extended his consecutive PATs made streak to 93.

Sept. 6 at Tennessee Tech (W, 49-10): An hour rain delay couldn't cool the jets of Kennesaw State football's offense as it amassed 552 yards in the 49-10 victory over Tennessee Tech on Thursday night.

The Owls used a program-record seven rushing touchdowns and record 507 rushing yards to defeat the Golden Eagles, winning their 13th game in their last 15.

The offensive charge was led by QB Chandler Burks, who finished with three rushing touchdowns and 91 rushing yards on the night. His three TDs made him the first Big South quarterback to rush 30 touchdowns in a career, while his yardage made him the second quarterback in conference history to reach the 2,000-yard milestone.

Tennessee Tech would actually get on the board first with a 41-yard field goal to start the game, before Kennesaw State was able to retake the lead with a 1-yard touchdown by Burks. The Owls would score twice in the second quarter – off a 27-yard rush by RB Trey Chivers and a 5-yard rush by Burks – to extend the lead to 21-3.

The Owls then broke out of the gate to open the second half, recording back-to-back one-play scoring drives on a 75-yard run by RB Darnell Holland and a 50-yard breakout by Burks on the first two possessions of the third quarter.

Backup QB Daniel David then entered the game, capitalizing fully to score at 10:38 in the third quarter on a 5-yard run to push the lead to 42-3.

The Golden Eagles then scored a fourth-quarter touchdown through the air to get to 10 points before QB Tommy Bryant used a 2-yard rush with 1:38 left in the game to set the final score at 49-10.

Holland finished as the game's leading rusher by 1 yard, finishing with 92 total yards off four carries while Burks finished with 11 carries for 91 yards. RB Kevin Ficklin and RB Trey Chivers also ran for more than 50 yards with 58 and 50, respectively.

With the ground attack firing on all cylinders, WR Justin Sumpter only targeted once on the night, but it was a deep one, going for 41 yards.

Defensively, DB Le'Vonte Larry continues to impress in his first year as a transfer, racking up a team-high nine tackles (eight solo), while LB Charlie Patrick finished with seven tackles and one for loss and LBAnthony Gore, Jr. with six and 0.5 for loss.

The Owls' defense extended its turnover forced streak to 16-straight games as DB Cincere Mason jumped a route to nab his first career interception and DB Dorian Walker recovered a muffed punt. KSU has now forced an interception in 15 of its last 16 games.

NOTES
Burks' 30 rushing touchdowns also rank him sixth all-time in Big South history among all positions … Burks' three touchdown effort was his sixth-career game with three or more rushing touchdowns and the seventh multi-rushing touchdown game for his career overall … he's ran for a touchdown in 11 of his last 13 games … RB Isaac Foster recorded his first career carry for a key 11-yard rush in the first quarter … Chivers' rushing touchdown was the seventh of his career and first since Oct. 7, 2017 (Texas Southern) … Sumpter's 41-yard completion ranks as the ninth-longest of his career … Holland's 75-yard rushing TD is the second-longest of his career and fifth-longest in program history … Walker's muffed punt recovery marks his first fumble recovery of his career … already co-leading the country in fourth-down conversions entering this week (four), the Owls finished 2-for-3 on the night … with two to start the second half, KSU now has 10 one-play scoring drives since 2016 … the team's 552 total offensive yards ranks fifth all-time in school history and is the fifth time KSU has amassed 550 yards … the 39-point victory marks the largest positive point margin since Oct. 7, 2017 (+45 over Texas Southern) … the Owls have not lost a regular-season game to an FCS opponent since Aug. 31, 2017 at Samford (372 days).

Aug. 30 at Georgia State (L, 24-20): Despite a career receiving effort from RB Shaquil Terry, Kennesaw State was unable to hold on to a late three-point lead, falling 24-20 to Georgia State on Thursday night.

With 2:25 left in the fourth quarter, the Owls were caught in no-man's land between a punt and a long fourth-down attempt at the GSU's 35-yard line. An 8-yard pass completion to WR Justin Sumpter wouldn't be enough and KSU turned it over on downs, giving the ball back to GSU with 2:01left on the clock.

Two key penalties on the final drive kept hope alive for the Panthers, before they were able to score the go-ahead touchdown with 41 seconds remaining – not enough time for the Owls to respond.

Kennesaw State was led by QB Chandler Burks, who recorded his third-career 200-yard passing game, going a career-high 12-for-19 with 201 yards, one touchdown and one interception. His main receiver on the night was Sumpter, who finished 5 yards shy of his fourth-career 100-yard receiving game with seven receptions for 95 total yards and a 23-yard touchdown.

On the ground attack, Terry led the charge with seven rushes for 61 yards and a 5-yard touchdown. He also hauled in a career-best 63 yards in receiving yards, thanks mainly to a career-long 60-yard catch in the third quarter.

Defensively, the young Owls showed promise. The team held Georgia State to just 128 rushing yards, the least amount since Nov. 18, 2017 (Monmouth). LB Anthony Gore, Jr. led all defenders with nine tackles (all solo), one sack and 2.0 tackles-for-loss, while LB Bryson Armstrong also finished with nine tackles (five solo) and 0.5 sacks.

Both DB Le'Vonte Larry and DL Peyton Moore combined for defensive career-firsts in the first quarter when Larry forced his first fumble in GSU's lone redzone appearance, giving Moore the opportunity to snag his first fumble recovery at their own 15-yard line.

NOTES
With Moore's fumble recovery in the first quarter, Kennesaw State extended its turnover-forced streak is extended to 15 straight games … KSU held an opponent scoreless for the first quarter for the first time since Nov. 11, 2018 (Charleston Southern) ... the loss snaps a three-game winning streak for Kennesaw State versus opponents from the state of Georgia (3-1 all-time) … Burks has now thrown for 200-yards three times in his career … in his last two season-openers, he's gone 32-41-2 for 426 yards … with 0.5 sacks tonight, Armstrong has recorded at least half a sack in five of the last seven games … PK Justin Thompson's 32- and 24-yard field goals in the third quarter makes him 10 for his last 11 … Kennesaw State had its streak of 14-consecutive games with an interception snapped … the streak dated back to Aug. 31, 2017.

-GoJacks.com-

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