By: Michael Goss
KENNESAW, Ga. – No. 8 Kennesaw State heads to Moon Township, Pa. for its second-ever contest against the Robert Morris Colonials. KSU looks to end RMU's home win streak and remain atop the Big South Conference standings.
The Rundown
Opponent: Robert Morris Colonials (3-4, 2-3)
Date: Saturday, Nov. 6th
Site: Joe Walton Stadium
Kickoff: 12 p.m.
TV: ESPN+
Radio: KSU Owls App
Live Stats: Click Here
Game Notes: KSU
Fall 2021 Schedule: Click Here
Top Storylines
- The game is the second all-time meeting between the two schools. The teams met in the 2021 spring season, where KSU topped the Colonials 35-0. The Owls scored 21 of their 35 points in the first quarter.
- Head coach Brian Bohannon moved into second place all-time in Big South career victories after a win in week five. Bohannon currently has 59 wins and trails only Coastal Carolina's David Bennett at 63.
- Quarterback Xavier Shepherd is in the national spotlight in two FCS statistical categories. His 12 rushing touchdowns are tied for fourth in the nation, while his 9.0 points per game rank 10th. The quarterback also ranks first in the Big South in total points scored (72).
- Senior linebacker Evan Thompson tied a school record for total tackles in a game last week with 16 (10 solo). He currently ranks third in the Big South with 69 tackles (37 solo). Thompson also became the first player in KSU history to record 10+ tackles in three consecutive games.
- Senior kicker Nathan Robertson has 193 career points kicking and is seven away from becoming the 12th placekicker in Big South history to reach the 200-point mark.
- Freshman running-back Gabriel Benyard was named the Big South Freshman of the Week after tallying 188 all-purpose yards for the Owls. His kickoff return of 73 yards marked the longest return of the season for KSU. Benyard also recorded a 30-yard touchdown reception late in the third quarter.
Numbers to Know
- 55 - KSU has been ranked in the top 25 for 55 straight weeks, dating back to week nine of the 2017 season.
- 67 - The Owls have rushed for 150+ yards in 67 straight games dating back to week 11 of the 2015 season.
- 12 - QB Xavier Shepherd currently ranks fourth in the FCS with 12 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 (266.2 YPG)
- 2nd – Fourth down conversion success rate (88.2%)
- 2nd – Red zone defense (59.1%)
- 3rd – Passing yards per completion (15.8 YDS)
- 4th – Time of possession (33:56)
Quick Facts: Xavier Shepherd
- The sophomore ranks fourth in the FCS in rushing touchdowns (12).
- Shepherd is scoring an average of 9.0 points per game which ranks tenth 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 45 of its last 53 games for an .849 winning percentage.
Double-Up
The Owls are 42-5 when they score inside the last three minutes of the first half (30 TD's and 16 FG's). The team is 29-2 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 55 consecutive weeks.
For more information on Kennesaw State athletics, follow @KennesawStFB on Twitter or like Kennesaw State Football on Facebook and Instagram.
