By: Michael Goss
KENNESAW, Ga. – No. 5 Kennesaw State and No. 24 Monmouth square-off this Saturday, Nov. 20 for the Big South Championship inside Fifth Third Bank Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. and is the Big South Game of the Week. The Owls and Hawks have decided the conference champion in each of the last four seasons.
The Rundown
Opponent: Monmouth Hawks (7-3, 6-0 Big South Conference)
Date: Saturday, Nov. 20th
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 |
MU
Fall 2021 Schedule: Click Here
Top Storylines
- The game is the first time in Big South Conference history that two teams with a 6-0 conference record will meet in a winner-take-all championship game on the last week of the season.
- This is the second meeting in the series where both teams are ranked in either the AFCA Coaches or STATS Perform FCS polls. The only other meeting was in 2017 when KSU beat Monmouth 52-21.
- Kennesaw State and Monmouth have met in the last week of the regular season in four of the last five seasons.
- In each of the last five meetings, the winning team scored at least 42 points and won by at least 24 points.
- The 52 points the Owls scored vs. Monmouth in 2017 is the most that Kennesaw State has ever scored against a ranked conference opponent.
Numbers to Know
- 57 - KSU has been ranked in the top 25 for 57 straight weeks, dating back to week nine of the 2017 season.
- 69 - The Owls have rushed for 150+ yards in 69 straight games dating back to week 11 of the 2015 season.
- 14 - QB Xavier Shepherd now holds the KSU single-season passing touchdown record with 14.
KSU in the FCS Rankings
After 11 weeks of play, the Owls rank in the top five in multiple FCS categories. These include:
- 1st - fourth down conversion success rate (85.0%)
- 2nd - passing yards per completion (17.5 yds)
- 3rd - red zone defense (63.0%)
- 4th - rushing yards per game (255.9 YPG).
Quick Facts: Xavier Shepherd
- The sophomore ranks second in the FCS in rushing touchdowns (15).
- Shepherd is scoring an average of 9.0 points per game which ranks 10th in the FCS.
- The Owls' quarterback ranks first in the Big South in total points scored (90).
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 47 of its last 55 games for an .855 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 57 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.
Owl Town
Owl Town is back for Saturday's contest. The free tailgate opens two hours before kickoff, immediately following the Owl Walk. It will be located at George Busbee Parkway near the Georgia Natural Gas gate.
The first 250 Owl fans can enjoy J.D.'s BBQ on a first-come, first serve basis. Alcohol will be available for purchase for fans ages 21 and over with a valid ID and must be consumed within a designated area. Owl Town will also feature music from DJ Auje Amar.
Military Appreciation Game
The Kennesaw State football team will recognize this weekend's event against Monmouth as a Military Appreciation game. All veterans, active-duty personnel and their families will receive free admission to the game with a current military ID.
The end zones, along with the Kennesaw State mid-field logo at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, will be painted red, white, and blue to honor our military service members. Kennesaw State will also recognize all service men and women in between the third and fourth quarter of the game.
The "Item of the Game" will be a patriotic themed hat benefitting
Operation Hat Trick and is available for 30% off inside the campus bookstore.
Senior Day
Kennesaw State football will be recognizing 20 of its seniors prior to kickoff on Saturday. The class holds an .833 winning percentage with a record of 35-7 over the past four years. The seniors have also been a part of two FCS Playoff appearances in 2018 (quarterfinals) and 2019 (second round).
For more information on Kennesaw State athletics, follow @KennesawStFB on Twitter or like Kennesaw State Football on Facebook and Instagram.
