By: Michael Goss
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State football wraps up the 2023 season with a matchup against Virginia-Lynchburg on Saturday, Nov. 11 inside Fifth Third Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. and will be broadcasted live on ESPN+.
The event has been announced as the program's annual Military Appreciation Game and Football Senior Day. Prior to kickoff, fans can enjoy a flyover by Black Hawk helicopters followed by an on-field recognition of the KSU football senior class.
All veterans and active-duty personnel will receive free admission to the game with a current military ID.
The Rundown
Game Sponsor: Superior Plumbing and Wellstar
Promotions: Military Appreciation and Senior Day
Opponent: Virginia-Lynchburg Dragons (2-8)
Date: Saturday, Nov. 11
Site: Fifth Third Stadium; Kennesaw, Ga.
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m.
TV: ESPN+
Radio: KSU Owls App
Live Stats: Click Here
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.
- This weekend, Kennesaw State running back Michael Benefield aims to be the first player in KSU history to rush for 100+ yards in four-straight games. He has led the charge on the ground for the Owls posting 100-yard rushing games against Tennessee State (101), Lincoln (105) and Sam Houston (108).
- Last Saturday at Sam Houston, Michael Benefield and Jonathan Murphy each rushed for over 100 yards. This marked the ninth time in KSU history the team has had two 100-yard rushers in the same game and first since the 2021 Big South Championship (Xavier Shepherd, 118) and Iaan Cousin, 114).
- The Kennesaw State offense has scored a point in 100-straight games and has reached the double-digit mark in 77 of the last 78 contests.
- In its 100 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 in 52 contests at Fifth Third Stadium.
- 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
- 38 – A Kennesaw State win would be the 38th non-conference victory in school history.
- 3 – Last weekend, Michael Benefield became the second player in program history to rush for 100+ yards in three-straight games.
- 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 76 games for an .724 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.
Live Owl
Stop by concourse suite T-U starting at 2 p.m. for Saturday's game to take a picture with a live owl!
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 Hayden Elias-Rodriguez and Rachel Johnson, 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, Hayden and Rachel, 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.
