By: Michael Goss
KENNESAW, Ga. – No. 11 Kennesaw State heads to Buies Creek, N.C. this Saturday, Oct. 23 as it looks to move into the top 10 with a win over Campbell. Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m.
The Rundown
Opponent: Campbell University Fighting Camels
Date: Saturday, Oct. 23rd
Site: Barker-Lane Stadium
Kickoff: 4 p.m.
TV: ESPN+
Radio: KSU Owls App
Live Stats: Click Here
Game Notes: KSU |
CU
Fall 2021 Schedule: Click Here
Top Storylines
- The game is the third all-time meeting between the two schools. The last contest was decided by only three points, as the Owls halted a fourth quarter comeback by the Camels.
- A KSU win would mark the fourth straight season the Owls have started 6-1. (The Owls finished the 2021 spring season at 5-1).
- The Owls' offense looks to remain dominant on the ground. Since week 11 of the 2015 season, Kennesaw State has compiled 150+ rushing yards in 65 consecutive games.
- Kennesaw State's defense is coming off another strong performance in week seven. The Owls held NC A&T to 31 rushing yards (third fewest in program history) and shutout the Aggies offense for the first time since Oct. 4, 2014. The defense ranks first in the Big South in total defense (277 Avg/G) and scoring defense (16.8 PPG).
Numbers to Know
- 53 - KSU has been ranked in the top 25 for 53 straight weeks, dating back to week nine of the 2017 season.
- 63 - The Owls have at least one rushing TD in 63 consecutive games, a streak that spans four full seasons.
- 11 - QB Xavier Shepherd currently ranks first in the FCS with 11 rushing touchdowns on the year.
KSU in the FCS Rankings
After six weeks of play, the Owls rank top five in multiple FCS categories. These include:
- 2nd – Rushing yards per game (277.3 YPG)
- 2nd – Time of possession (35:08)
- 2nd – Passing yards per completion (15.8 YDS)
- 3rd – Fourth down conversion success rate (93%)
- 4th – Fourth down conversion defense (14.3%)
Quick Facts: Xavier Shepherd
- The sophomore ranks first in the FCS in rushing touchdowns (11).
- Shepherd is scoring an average of 11.0 points per game which ranks third in the FCS.
- The Owls' quarterback ranks first in the Big South in total points scored (66).
Best Ever
No other start-up program in college football history has more wins in its first five seasons than Kennesaw State with 48 victories.
Dynasty Mode
Dating back to week two of the 2017 season, Kennesaw State has won 43 of its last 51 games for an .843 winning percentage.
Double-Up
The Owls are 41-5 when they score inside the last three minutes of the first half (30 TD's and 16 FG's). The team is 28-2 when it scores a touchdown inside three minutes and 13-3 when it kicks a field goal inside three minutes of the first half.
When KSU scores inside three minutes of the first half AND on its first possession of the second half, the team is 30-0.
Ranking Streak Record
Following the preseason polls by Stats FCS and the AFCA, KSU broke a record with 46 consecutive weeks in a top-25 poll. The streak broke a previous Big South Conference record of 45 weeks held by Coastal Carolina. The Owls have been ranked in one of the two polls for 53 consecutive weeks.
For more information on Kennesaw State athletics, follow @KennesawStFB on Twitter or like Kennesaw State Football on Facebook and Instagram.
