By: Michael Goss
KENNESAW, Ga. – The No. 10 Kennesaw State football team looks to extend its win streak inside Fifth Third Bank Stadium to nine with a victory over the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs this Saturday, Oct. 30. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.
The Rundown
Opponent: Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs (3-4, 1-2 Big South Conference)
Date: Saturday, Oct. 30th
Site: Fifth Third Bank Stadium
Kickoff: 1 p.m.
TV: ESPN+
Radio: KSU Owls App
Live Stats: Click Here
Tickets: Click Here
Parking: Click Here
Game Notes: KSU |
GWU
Fall 2021 Schedule: Click Here
Top Storylines
• The game is the sixth all-time meeting between the two schools. A KSU victory would be the first time the team has recorded six wins versus any opponent in school history. In the previous matchups, the Owls have outscored the Runnin' Bulldogs, 174-80.
• Head coach
Brian Bohannon moved into second place all-time in Big South career victories after a win in week five. Bohannon currently has 58 wins and trails only Coastal Carolina's David Bennett at 63.
• Senior kicker
Nathan Robertson has 183 career points kicking and is 17 away from becoming the 12th placekicker in Big South history to reach the 200 point mark.
• 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 66 consecutive games.
• Kennesaw State's defense is coming off another dominate performance in week eight. The Owls held Campbell to 189 total yards (Campbell's lowest total yards all season). The defense ranks first in the Big South in total defense (265.1 Avg/G) and scoring defense (15.4 PPG).
Numbers to Know
- 54 - KSU has been ranked in the top 25 for 54 straight weeks, dating back to week nine of the 2017 season.
- 64 - The Owls have at least one rushing TD in 64 consecutive games, a streak that spans four full seasons.
- 12 - QB Xavier Shepherd currently ranks third in the FCS with twelve rushing touchdowns on the year.
KSU in the FCS Rankings
After six weeks of play, the Owls rank in the top five in multiple FCS categories. These include:
- 2nd – Rushing yards per game (274.6 YPG)
- 2nd – Time of possession (34:54)
- 2nd – Fourth down conversion pct. (88.2%)
- 2nd – Red zone defense (52.6%)
- 4th – Passing yards per completion (15.5 yds.)
Quick Facts: Xavier Shepherd
- The sophomore ranks third in the FCS in rushing touchdowns (12).
- Shepherd is scoring an average of 10.3 points per game which ranks fourth in the FCS.
- The Owls' quarterback ranks first in the Big South in total points scored (72).
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 44 of its last 52 games for an .847 winning percentage.
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 54 consecutive weeks.
Clear Bag Policy
In an effort to provide a safer environment, enhance fan experience and significantly expedite entry into Fifth Third Bank Stadium, Kennesaw State adheres by a clear bag policy. Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12" or one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar) are permitted in the stadium. Individuals may also carry a small clutch purse, no larger than 4.5" x 6.5", with or without a handle or strap. All clear bags and clutch purses will be screened prior to entry into the venue. All bags and purses not meeting the above requirements will not be permitted. Although permitted, childcare items, including diapers, must also be carried in an approved clear bag. Bags needed for medical reasons will be allowed and will need to enter through the Georgia Natural Gas gate to be checked.
Hoot Out Hunger
KSU Athletics, in partnership with CARE Services and the Division of Global Affairs, is participating in the Hoot Out Hunger donation drive. There are three ways that fans can donate: online, at sporting events and at CARE bins located on the Kennesaw State and Marietta Campus.
Items that can be donated include non-refrigerated meals, canned foods, rice, and spices. Consider donating gluten-free, vegan, low-sodium and dairy-free products that will provide a full, healthy meal to whoever eats it.
Kennesaw State thanks you for your help in raising awareness and food donations leading up to Homelessness Awareness Week, Nov. 1
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th. For more information, click
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For more information on Kennesaw State athletics, follow @KennesawStFB on Twitter or like Kennesaw State Football on Facebook and Instagram.
