By: By Jake Dorow
Head Coach
Brian Bohannon (AUDIO) |
Jake McKenzie &
Taylor Henkle (AUDIO)
KENNESAW – Returning from a two-week road stint, No. 23 Kennesaw State remains unbeaten over its last eight games and enters Saturday with a program-best 8-1 start. The Owls (3-0) return to Big South action where they play host to Charleston Southern (5-4, 2-1) at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. The game can be seen on ESPN3 or heard on ESPN Radio 1230 and 106.3. Military Appreciation Day in The Nest is scheduled to kickoff at 3:30 p.m.
Head Coach
Brian Bohannon, along with junior RB
Jake McKenzie and junior DB
Taylor Henkle, met with the media Wednesday afternoon to preview KSU's matchup with the Buccaneers.
Below is a transcript of selected questions and answers:
Head Coach Brian Bohannon
Opening Statement
We are playing an awfully tough opponent on Saturday. Charleston Southern is a team that has beaten us twice over the past two years. They have controlled the game upfront both years we have played them and have done a good job. We have been fortunate to win a few games but we have to go get ready to play a really, really good football team that is still playing for a share of the conference. There is a lot on the line this Saturday. It's another great opportunity and we will have to prepare to go out and play a physical football team. Their front four is as good as anyone in FCS football. They are very good on defense and have a lot of guys we have played before. They lost some good offensive players and might be trying to find a rhythm. They moved the ball well last week. A key component of the game will be turnovers and special teams because it will be a physical football game. Playing at home is a huge advantage for us. Having the students and fans come out to support our guys that have worked hard this season. To have the students come out and make an impact will make a huge difference. Looking forward to a great crowd and atmosphere to build on what we have done this season.
Q: How is the team feeling emotionally headed into the game?
A: We have yet to beat them. When you win a game, the next one gets bigger. It's where we are right now. I think our kids will be ready to play Saturday. We have to go prepare the right way and take care of us first, and hopefully the rest will take care of itself.
Q: What did you learn about your team on that final 10 minute drive at Montana State?
A: Our kids don't flinch. Third down, fourth down, they just line up and go out and play. It's been the nature since we've started here. Just go out and play. I give our kids a lot of credit and they just go out and play. We've had games this year were we had to make a game-winning drive, or a defensive stop to clinch a win. It goes back to our kids in their belief of what they are doing, and belie in teammates. May not be pretty, but we are going to find a way.
Q: What do you see in your team as far as a maturity level goes?
A: I think we have made progress and have grown up. I think we are still learning how to handle and manage a college football season. All the things that go with that, how to manage yourself each week. In the course of a season, you won't be at the highest at every game. You have to try and be consistent and that's where you see the difference that our kids understand.
Junior DB Taylor Henkle
Q: What are your thoughts about taking on Charleston Southern this time around? A: The first year, they were playing for a lot more than us at that point and celebrated a championship on our field. We remember that and it is something to keep in our minds. Last year, it came down to that came and we did not execute. We remember the last time we played them at The Bank and it will be a good challenge for us.
Q: How important is it for Fifth Third Bank Stadium to be loud?
A: It's very important. This is a chance for our students to come in and make an impact that they haven't made before in a game. We are going to need them more than they know. These next two games mean a lot to us and they give us that extra energy and motivation.
Junior RB Jake McKenzie
Q: What is the offense thinking this year against that defense?
A: We want to execute and build on what we have done over the past several weeks. We really want to execute to our potential. We are a confident group and hopefully it will take care of itself.
Q: What has changed since the Samford game with the running game up the middle?
A: We talked about it a few weeks ago when Coach Bohannon challenged us and we put our minds to it. We have matured and have done it a few years now. We have to keep it going and have accepted the challenge.
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.
Keep up with Kennesaw State Athletics by following KSU on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and or by liking Kennesaw State Owls on Facebook. You also can follow Kennesaw State football at @KennesawSTFB and The Owls fund on Twitter at @TheOwlsFund.
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