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KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State football erased a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter, but No. 7 Furman kicked a field goal with 21 seconds remaining to defeat the Owls, 31-28. The loss pulls the all-time series to one game apiece between KSU (1-2) and the Paladins (2-1).

Jonathan Murphy had a career night leading the Kennesaw State offense. The signal-caller became the first quarterback in program history to pass for over 300 yards in a game as he set a single-game school record with 308 yards through the air. Murphy finished 17-of-31 which also set single-game records in passing attempts and completions.

Murphy continued to be a threat in the run game as the Los Angeles native added 63 yards on 15 carries. The quarterback has compiled 893 yards of total offense in KSU's first three games of the season.

Gabriel Benyard set a career high with 136 receiving yards in the contest. The running back finished with six catches and two touchdown receptions. Benyard also finished the game as the Owls' leading rusher with 65 yards on six carries with one touchdown.

Deontre Morris had a career night for the Kennesaw State defense and added 16 tackles (seven solo) for a new personal best. The junior was only one tackle shy of the KSU single-game record of 17 set by Evan Thompson in 2021.

Each team showcased a strong defense in the first quarter. The Owl offense collected 71 total yards while the Paladins were held to only 51. The last time Kennesaw State was tied 0-0 after one frame was December of 2021 when KSU visited East Tennessee State in the second round of the FCS Playoffs.

Things changed on the first drive of the second quarter when Kennesaw State needed only four plays to get on the scoreboard. Murphy connected with Benyard for a 32-yard touchdown pass that moved the Owls ahead, 7-0. The touchdown catch was the sixth of Benyard's career.

The Paladins evened the score on their next possession with a 75-yard drive that took 15 plays. Furman took seven minutes and eleven seconds off the clock which ended with a 1-yard touchdown run from quarterback Tyler Huff.

Huff found paydirt again with 2:44 left in the half to put Furman ahead, 14-7. The quarterback scrambled for a 28-yard touchdown run that broke the tie heading into halftime.

A third rushing touchdown from Huff marked 21 unanswered points by the Paladins before KSU scored on its first drive of the fourth quarter. Murphy found Benyard again for a 61-yard gain before Preston Daniels punched the ball in from one yard out to cut Furman's lead to 21-14.

Huff's fourth rushing touchdown put the Paladins back up by 14, but Murphy and the Owls struck back with a seven-play, 81-yard touchdown drive. With the ball on the 13-yard line, the quarterback found Benyard for his second receiving touchdown of the night to move the score to 28-21.

The Owls' defense forced back-to-back three-and-outs to get the offense the ball back with 4:51 on the clock. Three plays later, Benyard exploded up the middle for a 49-yard touchdown run that tied the score at 28. The carry also tied the longest rush of his career (at Robert Morris, 2021).

With 21 seconds remaining in the game, Furman kicked a 19-yard field goal to earn a 31-28 victory.

Kennesaw State football is back in action next Saturday, Sept. 23, as the team travels to Tennessee Tech. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET and will be the fourth matchup between the Owls and the Golden Eagles. KSU leads the all-time series, 3-0.

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.
 
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