By: Michael Goss
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State football returns to Fifth Third Stadium after consecutive bye weeks to host the Lincoln (Ca.) Oaklanders this Saturday, Oct 28. Kickoff time is set for 3:00 p.m. and will be the first matchup in series history.
Owl Nation is encouraged to wear black on Saturday as the event is advertised as a "Lights Out" game. Kennesaw State also announced that seven-time GRAMMY® Award winner, Big Boi, will be performing.
The Rundown
Game Sponsor: Pritchard Injury Firm
Promotions: Lights Out Game and Big Boi Concert
Opponent: Lincoln Oaklanders (0-9)
Date: Saturday, Oct. 28
Site: Fifth Third Stadium; Kennesaw, Ga.
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m.
TV: ESPN+
Radio: KSU Owls App
Live Stats: Click Here
Game Notes: KSU
Tickets: Purchase
Parking Map: View Lots
Gameday Central: Click Here
2023 Schedule: Click Here
FB Media Guide: Click Here
Top Storylines
- Head coach Brian Bohannon was busy this offseason, hiring both a new offensive and defensive coordinator. New OC Chris Klenakis joins KSU from Liberty and has coached both Heisman winner Lamar Jackson and former NFC Champion Colin Kaepernick in his career. KSU's new DC Nathan Burton previously spent time as Georgia Tech's co-defensive coordinator and as a secondaries coach for the USFL's New Orleans Breakers.
- The Owls and Oaklanders have never met on the gridiron. Saturday's matchup will also be Kennesaw State's first-ever matchup against a team from the state of California.
- Entering week nine of the 2023 college football season, Deontre Morris is at the top of the FCS active career leaderboard for interceptions per game. Morris is averaging 0.41 interceptions per game played.
- The Kennesaw State offense has scored a point in 98-straight games and has reached the double-digit mark in 75 of the last 76 contests.
- In its 98 games as a program, Kennesaw State football has been out-rushed nine times. Out of those nine, KSU has been out-rushed only three times inside Fifth Third Stadium in 51 games.
- Against No. 7 Furman on Sept. 16, Jonathan Murphy set KSU individual single-game records for completions (17) and passing yards (308). Murphy became the only quarterback in school history to surpass the 300-yard passing mark in a single game.
Numbers to Know
- 70 – A victory would give Kennesaw State football head coach Brian Bohannon his 70th career win in nine seasons with the Owls.
- 37 – A Kennesaw State win would be the 37th non-conference victory in school history.
- 2 – Kennesaw State is one of two teams in the FCS to have not lost a fumble this season (Harvard).
- 1 – 2023 is the final season for Kennesaw State football in the FCS classification. The Owls officially join the FBS and Conference USA effective July 1, 2024.
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 55 of its last 75 games for an .733 winning percentage.
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.
Collect Your Rally Towel
Fans are encouraged to arrive early to collect the first of five unique rally towels. For each of KSU's five home games, a rally towel specific to that game will be given out while supplies last. New this year, gates open 90 minutes prior to kickoff.
Premium Seat Entrance
The premium ticket entrance remains available for all loge, indoor and concourse suite holders throughout the 2023 season. The entrance will be available at the Georgia Natural Gas Gate and is located at the farthest left lane for easy access into the stadium.
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.
Faculty/Staff Winner
KSU Athletics is excited to welcome Stefanie Green, from Museums, Archives, and Rare Books, and Shae Smith, from Global Education, as well as their Owl colleagues, to Saturday's game. They are the winners of this week's KSU Faculty and Staff ticket raffle. Thank you, Stefanie and Shae, for your support of KSU Athletics and Melanie Uken from KSU Human Resources for organizing this contest!
For more information on Kennesaw State athletics, follow @KennesawStFB on Twitter or like Kennesaw State Football on Facebook and Instagram.
