By: Michael Goss
Post-Game Press Conference
KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State defense (Black) scored 67 points to beat the offense (Gold) by a score of 67-39 at the 2022 Spring Game on Friday night inside Fifth Third Bank Stadium. The deficit was nine points at halftime, but the defense put together a dominant third quarter to run away with the victory.
The game was scored using a modified point system that awarded points to both the offense (for touchdowns, field goals, extra points, third and fourth down conversions, and explosive plays) and the defense (for turnovers, touchdowns, Red Zone stops and third and fourth-down stops).
The defense jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter. The squad was led by
Garland Benyard who posted two tackles in the frame. Sulaiman Bah also added one tackle and a fumble recovery.
The offense gained momentum halfway through the second quarter. Quarterback
Jonathan Murphy threw a 39-yard strike to
Iaan Cousin for the team's first touchdown. On the ensuing drive, Quarterback
Xavier Shepherd cut the deficit to nine with a six-yard pass to
Xavier Hill with 38 seconds left in the half.
The Black team pulled away and outscored its opponent 24-5 in the third quarter. This was spearheaded by a fumble recovery from
Montrel Jenkins, as well as three total three-and-outs for the defense.
Shepherd found the back of the endzone once more at the end of the fourth quarter, connecting with
Blake Bohannon on a 26-yard touchdown strike.
The defense responded and earned the final points of the game on a 29-yard interception by
William Jenkins. Each team registered 13 points in the final quarter.
Running back
Yesiah Clemons was the offensive standout for the Gold team. The sophomore ran for 80 yards on 14 attempts, with an average of 5.7 yards per run.
Defensively, Benyard recorded two sacks and seven tackles. The reigning Big South Defensive Freshman of the Year led the Owls in both categories.
With the win, the defense will enjoy steak and ribs for dinner while the offense will have to settle for hot dogs, baked beans, and water as the consolation prize.
Scoring Breakdown (Defense): 67 points
Forced Turnover (5 pts) x 3 = 15 points
Touchdown (2 pts) x 0 = 0 points
3 & Out (3 pts) x 8 = 24 points
Force Red Zone Field Goal (2 pts) x 0 = 0 points
3rd Down Stop (1 pt) x 19 = 19 points
4th Down Stop (1 pt) x 9 = 9 points
Scoring Breakdown (Offense): 39 points
Touchdowns (5 pts) x 3 = 15 points
Extra Points (1 pt) x 3 = 3 points
Field Goals (3 pts) x 1 = 3 points
Explosive Plays (1 pt) x 7 = 7 points
3rd Down Conversion (1 pt) x 6 = 6 points
4th Down Conversion (1 pt) x 5 = 5 points
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