By: Michael Goss
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State football and No. 7 Furman collide inside Fifth Third Bank Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 16 for the second matchup in series history. Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. and will be broadcasted live on ESPN+.
Owl Nation is encouraged to wear gold on Saturday as the event was announced as a "Gold Rush". The newly inducted 2023 Kennesaw State Hall of Fame Class is also scheduled to be recognized on the field at halftime, and a postgame fireworks show is set for immediately following the game's conclusion.
The Rundown
Game Sponsor: Coca Cola
Promotions: Gold Rush, Free Gold Shirts and Towels While Supplies Last, Hall of Fame, Postgame Fireworks
Opponent: Furman Paladins (1-1)
Date: Saturday, Sept. 16
Site: Fifth Third Bank Stadium; Kennesaw, Ga.
Kickoff: 5:00 p.m.
TV: ESPN+
Radio: KSU Owls App
Live Stats: Click Here
Game Notes: KSU | FU
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.
- Saturday's matchup will be the second in series history between the Owls and Paladins. The two teams met for a high-scoring thriller in 2016, which saw Kennesaw State earn a 52-42 victory in Greenville, S.C.
- Kennesaw State football aims to improve to 9-5 all-time against teams from the Southern Conference with a victory over Furman. The most recent matchup against a SoCon opponent was last Saturday when the Owls' second-half comeback fell just short on the road to Chattanooga.
- The Kennesaw State offense has scored a point in 94-straight games and has reached the double-digit mark in each of its last 72 contests. The last time the Owls scored less than 10 points was in November 2016.
- In its 94 games as a program, Kennesaw State football has only been out-rushed seven times. KSU has been out-rushed only twice during the 49 games inside Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
Numbers to Know
- 71 - In their first nine seasons, the Owls have 71 scoring drives of one minute or less, including a program-best 17 in 2019. Kennesaw State had one such drive in the season opener against Tusculum.
- 70 – A victory would give Kennesaw State football head coach Brian Bohannon his 70th career win in nine seasons with the Owls.
- 13 – A Kennesaw State win would be the 13th-consecutive non-conference win inside Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
- 8 – KSU football has never lost a game during week three of the regular season. The team holds a perfect 8-0 record.
- 2 – The Owls currently lead the nation in two major statistical categories. KSU sits at the top in both interceptions (5) and turnover margin (+6).
- 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 71 games for an .775 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 both Femi Jayeola and Crystal Poarch, 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, Femi and Crystal, for your support of KSU Athletics and Melanie Uken from KSU Human Resources for organizing this contest!
Season Tickets
Season tickets are still available for the 2023 season and feature discounted concessions, season long parking pass discounts and first right of refusal for seats heading into Conference USA in 2024. Click here for more information.
