By: Michael Goss
KENNESAW, Ga. – No. 5 Kennesaw State heads to the University of North Alabama as it looks to stay unbeaten in conference play. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. in Florence, Ala.
The Rundown
Opponent: University of North Alabama Lions (2-7, 1-3)
Date: Saturday, Nov. 13th
Site: Braly Stadium
Kickoff: 3 p.m.
TV: ESPN+
Radio: KSU Owls App
Live Stats: Click Here
Game Notes: KSU |
UNA
Fall 2021 Schedule: Click Here
Top Storylines
- The game is the second all-time meeting between the two schools. The teams met in the 2019 season, where KSU topped the Lions 41-17. The Owls rushed for 490 yards and six touchdowns in the contest.
- Head coach Brian Bohannon moved into second place all-time in Big South career victories after a win against Jacksonville State. Bohannon currently has 60 wins and trails only Coastal Carolina's David Bennett at 63.
- Senior linebacker Evan Thompson broke a school record for total tackles in a game against Gardner-Webb with 17 (10 solo). He currently ranks third in the Big South with 74 tackles (41 solo). Thompson also became the first player in KSU history to record 10+ tackles in four consecutive games.
- Against RMU, senior kicker Nathan Robertson became the 12th placekicker in Big South history to reach the 200-point mark. Robertson tallied nine points in the win and nailed a 48-yard field to set a new school record. Robertson has 202 career points kicking.
- In week nine, Gabriel Benyard became the first true-freshman to start at slotback for the Owls since 2016. Benyard has compiled 100+ all-purpose yards in back-to-back games.
Numbers to Know
- 56 - KSU has been ranked in the top 25 for 56 straight weeks, dating back to week nine of the 2017 season.
- 68 - The Owls have rushed for 150+ yards in 68 straight games dating back to week 11 of the 2015 season.
- 13 - QB Xavier Shepherd is tied for the KSU single-season passing touchdown record with 13.
KSU in the FCS Rankings
After six weeks of play, the Owls rank top five in multiple FCS categories. These include:
- 1st – Fourth down conversion success rate (88.2%)
- 2nd – Rushing yards per game (258.6 YPG)
- 2nd – Red zone defense (60.0%)
- 2nd – Passing yards per completion (17.4 YDS)
- 2nd – Winning percentage (88.9%)
Quick Facts: Xavier Shepherd
- The sophomore ranks fifth in the FCS in rushing touchdowns (12).
- Shepherd is leading the Big South in touchdowns responsible for (25).
- 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 46 of its last 54 games for an .852 winning percentage.
Double-Up
The Owls are 43-5 when they score inside the last three minutes of the first half (32 TD's and 16 FG's). The team is 30-2 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 56 consecutive weeks.
For more information on Kennesaw State athletics, follow @KennesawStFB on Twitter or like Kennesaw State Football on Facebook and Instagram.
