By: Michael Goss
KENNESAW, Ga – For the fifth time on the season, Kennesaw State football has received Big South Conference award recognition. Quarterback
Xavier Shepherd was named the Offensive Player of the Week and running-back
Gabriel Benyard was named Big South Freshman of the Week. The No. 10 Owls scored a touchdown with 11 seconds remaining to top Gardner-Webb 34-30 for a thriller inside Fifth Third Bank Stadium. The Owls have now won six straight games and 26 of their last 34 Big South contests.
Shepherd had a record-breaking day for the Owls' offense, completing 12-of-14 passes with a career high 209 yards and four touchdowns. He became the first quarterback in school history to throw for four touchdowns in a single game and the first Owl to throw for 200+ yards since 2019. Shepherd led the latest, game-winning, touchdown drive in Kennesaw State history to keep the Owls unbeaten in conference play this season. The quarterback moved the offense 60 yards down field on three plays to take the lead with 11 seconds remaining in the game. Shepherd also received national recognition for his performance and was named an honorable mention for FCS National Performer of the Week.
Benyard made an impact in multiple categories during the Owls' last-second victory and became the first true freshman to start at slot-back for the Owls since the program's inaugural season in 2015. Offensively, he added five carries on the ground for 32 rushing yards and caught three passes for 61 yards and one touchdown. Benyard also made an impact for the Owls' special teams and recorded two kick returns for 95 yards. His return of 73 yards marked the longest kickoff return for KSU in the 2021 season. The freshman finished with a career-high 188 all-purpose yards.
The Owls (7-1, 4-0 Big South Conference) are back in action this Saturday, Nov. 6 as they travel to Moon Township, Pa. to take on the Robert Morris Colonials (3-4, 2-3). Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m. inside Joe Walton Stadium.
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