Top Storylines:
• Kennesaw State begins its new era in earnest on Friday night when it plays its first Conference USA game against a familiar foe in Jacksonville State to wrap up a quick two-game homestand.
• Friday night’s matchup will be fifth all-time meeting between Kennesaw State and Jacksonville State and the first since KSU fell in an overtime thriller, 35-28, in 2022 - the Owls’ lone loss in the series.
• The two teams have battled in some instant classics, having all but one game decided by 10 points or fewer.
• Friday night’s game will also mark the third nationally televised matchup in Kennesaw State’s history and the first of four-straight nationally broadcast contests. The Owls will play three-straight games on CBS Sports Network before a Wednesday night affair on ESPN2.
• Last Saturday was the final Saturday gameday for Kennesaw State for 49 days as the Owls will play on a Friday, Tuesday and two Wednesdays.
• A bright spot for the Owls has been the play of its defense that currently ranks fourth in Conference USA in total yards allowed (392.8).
• Helping lead that effort has been r-Jr. DB/OLB Sidney Porter (25), r-Fr. DB Isaac Paul (22) and Jr. DB Milon Jones (20)., who top the team totals in tackles
• Porter turned in 2.5 tackles for loss last Saturday against UT Martin, while Jones recorded a career-high 10 tackles on the night.
• r-Jr. WR Tykeem Wallace continues to do it all, averaging 87.0 all-purpose yards per game with 98 receiving yards and 241 kickoff return yards on the season.
• Kennesaw State opens the highly anticipated season with a host of new faces, welcoming in 49 newcomers to the Black and Gold - good for the second-most in Conference USA and Top 30 in the country.
• One of the most relied upon newcomers has been Fr. OL Jacob Norcross, who has played the most snaps by any freshman center in the country at 244. Among all frosh offensive linemen, Norcross ranks sixth nationally.
