By: Michael Goss
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State football returns home to Fifth Third Bank Stadium as it welcomes North Alabama for an ASUN Conference matchup. The Owls are 2-0 all-time in the series, including last year's come-from-behind win with 56 seconds remaining. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. and will be broadcasted live on ESPN+.
The Rundown
Opponent: North Alabama Lions (1-3, 0-0 ASUN Conference)
Date: Saturday, Oct. 8
Site: Fifth Third Bank Stadium; Kennesaw, Ga.
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m.
TV: ESPN+
Radio: KSU Owls App
Live Stats: Click Here
Game Notes: KSU |
UNA
2022 Schedule: Click Here
FB Media Guide: Click Here
Top Storylines
- Kennesaw State football is 6-1 in conference home openers heading into Saturday's contest with North Alabama. KSU has outscored its opponents 189-88 in these matchups.
- The Owls enter this weekend with a perfect 2-0 record over the Lions including a 41-17 victory in 2019 and a 28-24 win in last year's thriller. With less than a minute left, Xavier Shepherd found the end zone on a two-yard rush to put KSU ahead. Three plays later, Erwin Byrd iced the game with an interception to give Kennesaw State its eighth-straight victory.
- In its first two meetings with the Lions, the KSU offense has averaged 34.5 points and 361 rushing yards per game. The Owl defense has also been tough on their opponent, holding UNA to an average of 69.0 rushing yards in these contests.
- Through its first four games of 2022, the KSU defense has forced nine turnovers. Last week at Jacksonville State, the team tied a program single-game record with five against the Gamecocks. Deontre Morris has intercepted a pass in back-to-back games for the defense while Markeith Montgomery has one interception and two forced fumbles in his last two contests.
- The Kennesaw State offense has scored a point in 85-straight games and has reached the double-digit mark in each of its last 63 contests. The last time the Owls scored less than 10 points was in November of 2016.
Numbers to Know
- 72 - The Owls have rushed for 150+ yards in 72-straight games versus FCS opponents dating back to week 11 of the 2015 season.
- 32 - KSU has won each of the last 41 games when it scores 32 points and is 44-1 all-time when reaching that mark.
- 12 - The Owls have won each of their last 12 games inside Fifth Third Bank Stadium, four shy of the program record of 16.
- 4 - In its 86 games, KSU has only been out-rushed four times.
- 1 - 2022 marks year one for Kennesaw State in the ASUN Conference for football after seven years in the Big South.
Best Ever
No other start-up program in college football history had 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 50 of its last 62 games for an .806 winning percentage.
Minute Men
In their first eight seasons, the Owls have 64 scoring drives of one minute or less, including a program-best 17 in 2019. KSU tallied eight scoring drives under one minute during the 2021 season and has produced one scoring drive under one minute this season.
Owl Walk
The team will be dropped off on Busbee Drive at the entrance to the green lot
two hours before kickoff. Led by the band and spirit squads, head coach
Brian Bohannon will escort the Owls off the buses and into the stadium.
Owl Town
A free pregame tailgate is back for Owl fans of all ages beginning
2.5 hours before kickoff. Live bands, free food from J.D.'s BBQ, sponsor tents, and more will stretch George Busbee Parkway to add to the gameday atmosphere.
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.
Season Tickets
Season tickets are still on sale for the 2022 season and feature the most affordable purchasing options in KSU football history. New benefits include the first football concessions discount and the option to purchase a season-long parking pass. Click
here to purchase today!
For more information on Kennesaw State athletics, follow @KennesawStFB on Twitter or like Kennesaw State Football on Facebook and Instagram.
