By: By Jake Dorow
Head Coach
Brian Bohannon (AUDIO) |
Chandler Burks &
Desmond Johnson, Jr. (AUDIO)
KENNESAW – Winners of seven straight and off to a program-best 7-1 start, 25
th-ranked Kennesaw State heads west to take on Montana State in its final non-conference game of the regular season. The game can be seen on Peachtree TV or heard live on ESPN Radio 1230 and 106.3 at 2 p.m. ET
Head Coach
Brian Bohannon, along with junior QB
Chandler Burks and sophomore DL
Desmond Johnson, Jr., met with the media Wednesday afternoon to preview KSU's matchup with the Bobcats.
Below is a transcript of selected questions and answers:
Head Coach Brian Bohannon
Opening Statement
We are excited to play a football program with great tradition. When you are watching the tape, you see on the sideline the three years they won the national championship. I think that puts things in perspective that we have only played three years of football and their program has won three championships. Offensively, they like to run the ball and they are centered around their quarterback and offensive line. The do a nice job of running the ball and they are big up front. Defensively, they are tall and solid, big and very physical. Sound on defense and sound on offense. They are a really good football team. Very well coached. We will be in an unbelievable atmosphere and it's what college football is all about. They are passionate about their football in the state of Montana, and Montana State is passionate about their football. This well be a great experience and opportunity for our football team to go into that environment and compete against a good team. We will have to play very well to compete with them.
Q: How do you feel like going into an atmosphere like Montana State?
A: We know about the crowd and their passion about their team. I think our team will enjoy being in that environment. It beats being in an environment that doesn't have much of an atmosphere, I can tell you that. I think it will be a great opportunity for our kids and they will be excited about the opportunity.
Q: Does the two-hour time difference make a difference trying to keep things on schedule?
A: The game time is the game time. You aren't there long enough to make a difference, to be honest with you. We go in and get into our Friday night routine, and get up Saturday and go play. It won't effect anything in terms of time difference.
Q: What does this game mean in terms of a national scale?
A: I think this is big. Their history and the championships they've won and what they have accomplished. For us, as a young program, as we continue to grow and brand our program, to go into a different part of the country and do this can land onto a national scale. What a great opportunity to go out to a different environment and it's a chance to go mark another mark and show what Kennesaw State Football is all about. It's another step. I am excited about the opportunity.
Sophomore Desmond Johnson, Jr.
Q: What are your thoughts on the growth of the defense this season?
A: We just want to stay together as a group. We are starting to come together and coming off a shutout at Presbyterian was huge. We have a game plan, and we are starting to trust each other more and things are clicking.
Q: What is the chemistry line on the defensive line?
A: Every play we talk. Every play we signal together and we work together. We have to echo the play to each other and we are a strong group that has played a lot during our time here. Montana State has a good quarterback and he's an athlete. We have to talk and work together.
Junior QB Chandler Burks
Q: How are the leader-type players keeping everyone on the right page heading into a non-conference game?
A: I think all of our guys are being encouraged by those leaders and reminded of the mission and goals we set out to do. We have a goal and we have yet to achieve that goal and you want to keep your eyes on that sight to have a chance.
Q: What are your thoughts on Jake McKenzie as he's progressed over the last several weeks?
A: We are really good friends and have built a comradery amongst each other. You want to talk about an athlete he is exactly that. He made the transition from quarterback to running back, and is a huge athlete. He is big and dynamic, someone who can take the hits. He will always find the way to let me know he is open. He understands the offense and is a testament of how smart he is and how much he studies the game.
Fifth Third Bank is the Official Bank of Kennesaw State Athletics. Fifth Third Bank Stadium, the signature athletics landmark on the Kennesaw State University campus, is a world-class facility that has been recognized as one of the premier multi-use outdoor athletics venues in the country. In the fall of 2015, it become the official home of Owls football team and is home to Owls soccer and lacrosse as well.
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