By: Michael Goss
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State and ETSU are set for a second-round matchup in the FCS Playoffs this Saturday, Dec. 4. The teams have met twice, with the first being the Owls' inaugural football game in 2015. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. inside William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium in Johnson City, Tenn.
The Rundown
Opponent: ETSU Buccaneers (10-1, 7-1 Southern Conference)
Date: Saturday, Dec. 4th
Site: William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium
Kickoff: 2 p.m.
TV: ESPN+
Radio: KSU Owls App
Live Stats: Click Here
Game Notes: KSU
Fall 2021 Schedule: Click Here
Top Storylines
- The game marks the third meeting in the series. East Tennessee State was the first opponent that Kennesaw State football ever faced in its inaugural season. The Owls won the contest, 56-16, in Johnson City, Tenn.
- With the Owls' first-round win over Davidson, head coach Brian Bohannon tied Coastal Carolina's David Bennett for the most career wins in Big South Conference history at 63.
- The Owls have claimed three Big South championships in the last five seasons. KSU went back-to-back in 2017/2018 and won again in 2021. The program has accumulated a conference record of 29-8 over its seven seasons.
- Quarterback Xavier Shepherd broke five single-game Big South Conference postseason records last week versus Davidson including: most points scored by a non-kicker (24), most touchdowns responsible for (5), most touchdowns scored (4), most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (4), and most rushing touchdowns (4).
- Senior linebacker Evan Thompson broke a school record for total tackles in a game against Gardner-Webb with 17 (10 solo). He finished the regular season ranked third in the Big South with 92 tackles (49 solo). Thompson also became the first player in KSU history to record 10+ tackles in four consecutive games.
- Gabriel Benyard recorded the first punt return for a touchdown in KSU football history last week in the first round of the 2021 FCS Playoffs. The score also marked the first punt return touchdown in Big South Conference postseason history, as well as the longest punt return at 63 yards.
All-Conference Awards
- Kennesaw State football received 15 all-conference honors after it posted a 10-1 record and an undefeated season in Big South Conference play.
- The Owls placed six players on the Big South's first team and four players on the second team. Kennesaw State also won four of the league's seven end-of-season awards. Click here to view the full list.
Numbers to Know
- 63 – Head coach Brian Bohannon is tied for the Big South Conference record with 63 all-time wins.
- 71 - The Owls have rushed for 150+ yards in 71 straight games dating back to week 11 of the 2015 season.
- 15 - QB Xavier Shepherd now holds the KSU single-season passing touchdown record with 15.
KSU in the FCS Rankings
After 11 weeks of play, the Owls rank in the top three in multiple FCS categories. These include:
- 1st - fourth down conversion success rate (81.5%)
- 1st - passing yards per completion (18.2 yds)
- 1st - red zone defense (54.8%)
- 2nd - rushing yards per game (277.9 YPG)
Quick Facts: Xavier Shepherd
- The sophomore ranks first in the FCS in rushing touchdowns (23).
- Shepherd is scoring an average of 11.5 points per game which ranks second in the FCS.
- The Owls' quarterback ranks first in the Big South in total points scored (138).
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 49 of its last 57 games for an .860 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 58 consecutive weeks.
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