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HUNTSVILLE, Texas – A last-second field goal pulled Sam Houston ahead of Kennesaw State football by a score of 24-21 on Saturday afternoon inside Elliott T. Bowers Stadium. With the win, the Bearkats improve to 2-0 all-time against the Owls.

The Kennesaw State offense was led by Jonathan Murphy and Michael Benefield who each recorded 100+ yards on the ground. This marked the ninth time in program history the team had two rushers reach the 100-yard mark in a single game and the first since the 2021 Big South Championship game against Monmouth (Xavier Shepherd and Iaan Cousin).

Murphy ended the game with 100 rushing yards on 16 attempts. He had one rush go for a season-long of 57 yards. He was also 8-of-14 through the air with 44 yards.

Benefield tallied a season-high 108 yards on 11 attempts. The junior posted his third-straight 100-yard rushing game and also tallied his third-consecutive game with a rushing touchdown.

The Owl defense was led by Sidney Porter who finished with a season-high 11 tackles (10 solo). Other notables included Markeith Montgomery (10 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss) and JeRico Washington Jr. (seven tackles, one interception).

Sam Houston was driving on its first possession before Washington Jr. swiped his third interception of the season. The freshman leaped in front of a deep pass to halt the Bearkat drive and give the Owls the football on its 17-yard line.

The Kennesaw State offense needed only three plays to take the lead after Benefield exploded up the middle for a 75-yard touchdown run. This marked the longest rush of the junior's career and was his third-straight game with a rushing score.

KSU's opening drive was the third occasion this season the team scored a touchdown on its first possession of a game. The drive was also the sixth time the Owls found the endzone on three-or-less plays this year.

The Kennesaw State defense forced a three-and-out to get the ball back, but a missed field goal gave the Bearkats the ball back on their 31-yard line.

On the next play, Donelius Johnson put a big hit on the Sam Houston quarterback to force a fumble. The ball was scooped up by Josh Agbenou and returned 18 yards to the Bearkats' six-yard line.

KSU's offense needed all four downs to punch the ball into the endzone as a gutsy call from head coach Brian Bohannon extended the Owls' lead to 14-0. On fourth and three, Benefield dove into the endzone for his second rushing score of the afternoon.

Sam Houston was threatening on its first possession of the second quarter, but a fumbled snap halted the drive. Jerrod Woods fell on the ball giving Kennesaw State its second turnover of the game.

With 7:18 left in the first half, the Bearkats scored their first touchdown of the afternoon. A 24-yard touchdown pass pulled the score to 14-7 in favor of the Owls.

Kennesaw State answered back with a huge touchdown on its next drive. On third and six, Murphy flew down the field untouched for a 57-yard touchdown run. The rush was the longest of the season for the KSU quarterback and moved his team ahead, 21-7, with less than five minutes remaining in the first half.

The KSU defense remained strong and stopped Sam Houston on a fourth down attempt to get the ball back with 1:34 left in the second quarter. Montgomery put a big hit on the Bearkats' receiver behind the line of scrimmage to force a turnover on downs.

Neither team scored until 33 seconds remaining in the third quarter. On fourth and goal, Sam Houston threw a touchdown pass that cut the Owls' lead to 21-14.

The Bearkats tied things up with 3:49 remaining in the fourth quarter. A 16 play, 80-yard drive that took nine minutes and 24 seconds off the clock evened the score at 21 apiece.

With five seconds on the clock, Sam Houston connected for a 35-yard field goal to pull ahead 24-21.

KSU football is back in action next Saturday for its last game of the 2023 season. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. inside Fifth Third Stadium against Virginia-Lynchburg. Tickets are available for purchase by clicking here.

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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