By: Austin Williams
The Kennesaw State Owls are back in Conference USA action against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, set for Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 8:00 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network. Scroll below for what to watch for during tonight's contest.
Owl Rushing Attack Back on Track
The Owl offense earned a new season high in total rush yards in their last contest against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks with 189 total rushing yards and averaging 4.2 yards per carry. The two leading running backs for the Owls, Michael Benefield and Qua Ashley, seem to be gaining momentum as the season continues. Benefield performed his best against the Gamecocks with 112 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.
This leads in the Owl's favor, as MTSU ranks 97 in the country in total run defense and ranks last in CUSA in total defense, as they average giving up 167.8 rushing yards and 488.5 total yards to opposing offenses per game. The Blue Raider defense has also allowed 14 rushing touchdowns in their six games this season, so we will see if the Owl rushing attack can take advantage of this opportunity.
Special Teams Make Special Plays
Special teams has also been a bright spot for the Owls this season. Austin Welch, the Owls' kicker, remains perfect in field goals for the year, going 8-for-8, with his longest completed field goal being 49 yards. Welch is also the only kicker in the conference with a perfect field goal percentage.
Qua Ashley also had an explosive special teams play for the Owls in their last game against the Gamecocks with a 93-yard kickoff return touchdown. Ashley and Tykeem Wallace have been a very effective return unit for the Owls' special teams, and KSU ranks second in CUSA in kickoff returns, averaging 25 yards per return.
Jacob Ulrich ranks third in CUSA with his punts averaging 44.1 yards per attempt. Ulrich has been consistent this season for flipping the field for the Owls and even completed a 32-yard fake punt pass against UT Martin. Ulrich is still in the running for the Ray Guy Award, which is awarded to the best punter in college football and is on the watchlist after his dominant week one performance against the UTSA Roadrunners.
Owl Secondary Up for the Challenge?
The Owl defense will face Blue Raider quarterback Nicholas Vattiato, who leads CUSA in passing yards with 1,561 yards, seven passing touchdowns, and five interceptions. MTSU has the second-ranked passing offense in CUSA and averages 267 pass yards a game, but are last in the conference in rushing offense by averaging 76.8 rushing yards a game.
Two of the highest-graded corners in the country per Pro Football Focus (PFF), Jayven Williams and JeRico Washington Jr., will need to be ready for this Blue Raider passing attack. According to PFF, Williams is the seventh-highest graded cornerback in FBS, and Washington Jr. has the sixth-best coverage grade among other defensive backs in FBS. Watch for this duo of Owl defensive backs to highlight these grades on the field Tuesday night.
Catch the Action
KSU and MTSU meet at 8:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at Floyd Stadium. Fans can catch the action on CBS Sports Network or listen via the KSU Owls App.
