KENNESAW, Ga. – The No. 7 Kennesaw State football team goes its third Big South Conference championship in the last four years Saturday, traveling to No. 20 Monmouth for a 1 p.m. kickoff at Kessler Stadium.

The Rundown
Opponent: #20 Monmouth
Date: Saturday, April 10
Location: West Long Branch, N.J.
Site: Kessler Stadium
Kickoff: 1 p.m.
TV: ESPN+
Radio: TuneIn App
Live Stats: Click Here
Game Notes: KSU | MU
Fall 2021 Schedule: Click Here
Inside The Nest Podcast: Click Here

Top Storylines
The KSU vs. Monmouth matchup has determined the Big South champion each of the last three seasons, with the Owls winning in 2017 and 2018, while the Hawks claimed the title in 2019.

The Owls are 4-1 all-time against Monmouth, including a 2-0 mark at Kessler Stadium, outscoring the Hawks 100-31 on their home field.

• KSU is off to its best start in school history at 4-0 and could extend that mark to 5-0 with a win Saturday at Monmouth.

• The Owls have scored in 16 of 18 trips to the red zone in 2021, with 12 touchdowns and four field goals. All 12 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 leads the country in red zone rushing TD's and ranks ninth in red zone scores.

• Kennesaw State has punted just one time in its last 17 offensive drives that spans three games. In their two trips to Kessler Stadium, the Owls have punted three times in 22 offensive drives at Monmouth.

• The KSU defense is coming off its seventh shutout in program history, surrendering just 162 yards of total offense, including 51 yards passing.

Championship Chase
• A win Saturday would give the Owls their third Big South Conference championship in the last four seasons and their fourth consecutive FCS Playoffs appearance.

• 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 17 of their last 18 conference games and doing so with five shutouts and a 30.2 average margin of victory. The only loss came to Monmouth in 2019.

Top-25 Showdown
• Kennesaw State is 6-7 all-time against ranked opponents, but the Owls are 6-3 in their last nine games against ranked foes.

• The Owls have won their last two regular season games against ranked teams, including a 52-21 victory at No. 22 Monmouth back in 2017.

• Saturday will mark KSU's 10th matchup of ranked teams with the Owls posting a 6-3 mark in the previous nine top-25 showdowns.

Turnover Machine
• Bryson Armstrong's 75-yard interception return for a touchdown against Robert Morris was the longest in school history and just the seventh pick six overall. His six career interceptions are tied for the third-most in program history.

• To go along with his six interceptions, Armstrong has forced five fumbles and recovered five fumbles in  his career.

Second Chances
• In 14 second-quarter drives this year, the KSU defense has allowed just 175 yards, forcing seven punts, two fumbles, two missed field goals, one turnover on downs and given up just one touchdown. 

• Opposing offenses are averaging just 12.5 yards per drive in the second quarter and the Owls are outscoring opponents 48-7 in the second frame.

For more information on Kennesaw State athletics, follow @KennesawStFB on Twitter or like Kennesaw State Football on Facebook and Instagram.

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