By: David Beall
KENNESAW, Ga. – The No. 7 Kennesaw State football team is set to play its final home game of the regular season Saturday, welcoming Robert Morris to town for a 1 p.m. kickoff at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
The Rundown
Opponent: Robert Morris University
Date: Saturday, April 3
Site: Fifth Third Bank Stadium
Kickoff: 1 p.m.
TV: ESPN+
Radio: TuneIn App
Live Stats: Click Here
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Parking: Click Here
Game Notes: KSU |
RMU
Fall 2021 Schedule: Click Here
Inside The Nest Podcast: Click Here
Top Storylines
• Following the postponement of the Gardner-Webb game, the Owls play their fourth straight home game to open the year, welcoming Robert Morris to town for the Colonials inaugural Big South contest.
• A win Saturday against the Colonials would give KSU its best start in program history at 4-0.
• The Owls are going for their 17th Big South Conference win in their last 18 tries this Saturday against RMU.
• The Colonials have never played a team from the state of Georgia and have never played a contest in the Peach State.
• The Owls have scored in 13 of 15 trips to the red zone in 2021, with nine touchdowns and four field goals. All six touchdowns have been rushing scores and one of the two non-scoring trips was a kneel down to end the contest against Dixie State.
• KSU's offensive performance against Dixie State was one-of-kind, marking the first time in program history the Owls did not punt or commit a turnover in a game. The only other game without a punt came against Shorter in 2015, but the offense had a fumble and interception.
• With three catches for 77 yards against Dixie State,
Will Haigler became the eighth player in program history to record three catches in a game and just the third individual since 2018 (Terry, Sumpter).
Second Chances
• In 12 second-quarter drives this year, the KSU defense has allowed just 140 yards, forcing six punts, two fumbles, two missed field goals, one turnover on downs and given up just one touchdown.
• Opposing offenses are averaging just 11.6 yards per drive in the second quarter.
• The Owls are outscoring opponents 41-7 in the second frame with the offense scoring multiple times in the quarter in all three games.
Where We Rank
• The Owls currently rank No. 2 in the country in rushing yards per game at 282.0. KSU has rushed for 200-plus yards in 19 consecutive games dating back to the 2017 season and 60 of 66 games all time.
• Among teams that have played more than one game, Kennesaw ranks No. 9 in the country in total defense through three games, surrendering 251.7 yards per game.
• After holding the ball for a school record 40 minutes and 20 seconds against Charleston Southern, KSU ranks No. 8 in the country in time of possession at 34:26.
• The Owls rank No. 1 in the country in passing yards per completion at 26.0 after leading the nation in the category last season at 21.42.
What's at Stake
• The Owls are looking for their third Big South Conference championship in the last four seasons and their fourth consecutive FCS Playoffs appearance in 2021.
• KSU is looking to join Coastal Carolina as the only programs in league history to make the playoffs in four consecutive seasons.
• The Owls have dominated the Big South during the last three-plus years, winning 16 of their last 17 conference games and doing so by a 31.1 average margin of victory.
• The Owls are looking to start 2-0 in league play for the fourth consecutive season.
For more information on Kennesaw State athletics, follow @KennesawStFB on Twitter or like Kennesaw State Football on Facebook and Instagram.
