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KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State football defeated Lincoln (Ca.) University on Saturday afternoon by a score of 28-12 inside Fifth Third Stadium. The win marked head coach Brian Bohannon's 70th career victory during his nine seasons at the helm of the program.

The KSU offense collected a season-high 246 rushing yards in the contest. The team finished with zero passing yards, marking the second time in program history the Owls have won a game with zero yards through the air (2019 vs. North Alabama).

Michael Benefield had a career performance in the KSU backfield. The Atlanta native finished with a career high in rushing yards (105) and rushing touchdowns (2). He also had one rush go for a career long of 23 yards.

This marked the second-straight game Benefield surpassed the 100-yard mark on the ground. He is also the only player to rush for over 100 yards in a game this season for the Owl offense.

The Kennesaw State defense swiped two interceptions in the contest to bring its season total to eight. This marked the first time the Owls recorded multiple picks in a game since week one against Tusculum (Aug. 31).

The defense was led by Donelius Johnson who recorded eight tackles (one solo) with 0.5 sacks. Johnson also tallied two tackles for loss.

Kennesaw State showcased the run game on its opening drive to take an early 7-0 lead. The Owls used eight plays, all rushes, to move the ball 55 yards. The drive was capped by a five-yard rushing score from Benefield which marked his first touchdown of the season.

The Owl defense forced a three-and-out on Lincoln's first possession which led to a blocked punt from Tykeem Wallace. The ball was recovered by Qua Ashley at the LU seven-yard line, but KSU was unable to capitalize on the field position after its first fumble of the season gave Lincoln the ball back.

Kennesaw State led 7-0 after the first quarter and held its opponent to -13 total yards. The defense did not allow the Oaklanders one first down during the first 15 minutes of play.

LU started its first drive of the second quarter on its own three-yard line after punter Jacob Ulrich booted a beautiful punt that pinned the Oaklanders deep. This was the first punt of the freshman's career and went for 43 yards.

Lincoln drove the ball 83 yards on its next possession before a fourth-down stop on the KSU 14-yard line gave the Owls the ball back. Markeith Montgomery had back-to-back pass break ups on third and fourth down to halt the LU drive.

Benefield found paydirt again on a 20-yard rushing score with 1:34 remaining in the half. The junior accounted for 49 of KSU's 64 yards on the drive which gave KSU a 14-0 advantage.

With 34 seconds left in the second quarter, Sidney Porter leaped in front of a pass to record his second interception of the season. This took Kennesaw State into the half with a two-score lead.

Three plays into the third quarter, Tarez Hamilton swiped his first career interception which gave Kennesaw State the ball. The freshman returned the pick 34 yards and was tackled at the Lincoln four-yard line. Hamilton, who made his first start today, became the second freshman in program history with an interception in their first start (JeRico Washington Jr. on Aug. 31 vs. Tusculum).

Kennesaw State punched the ball in two plays later with a two-yard rush from Preston Daniels. This gave the Owls a 21-0 lead and marked Daniels second touchdown of the year.

Lincoln scored two times in the third quarter but failed each two-point conversion. This moved the score to 21-12 in favor of KSU heading into the final frame.

Kennesaw State padded its lead on a rushing touchdown with 9:26 left in the game. Alexander Diggs ran the ball in from seven yards out for the first score of his career. This pushed the score to 28-12.

KSU football is back in action next Saturday as the team travels to Sam Houston for a matchup against its future Conference USA opponent. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. (ET) and will be broadcasted live on ESPN+. This is the second matchup in series history after the two programs met during the 2017 FCS quarterfinals.

For more information on ticketing, group sales and premium suite options, call 470-578-OWLS or email Shawn Betz at sbetz1@kennesaw.edu.
 
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