KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State football defensive lineman
Tylon Dunlap and offensive lineman
JT Pennington were named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week and CUSA Offensive Lineman of the Week, respectively, for their performance in the Owls' 35-7 triumph over LA Tech, the league announced Monday.
The weekly awards are voted on by a panel of the league's media.
Tylon Dunlap – Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week
Dunlap wreaked havoc in the backfield, helping lead Kennesaw State's defense to a stifling performance against previously first-place LA Tech and finishing with eight tackles and a career-high 2.0 sacks.
The Charlotte, N.C. native totaled the top overall defensive grade (90.4) in the nation among defensive tackles, according to
Pro Football Focus, while also tallying the top PFF pass rush grade (90.3) in Conference USA for Week 7. His 90.4 defensive grade also ranked him ninth-best among all FBS defensive lineman and 17
th among all FBS defenders, regardless of position.
Dunlap and Kennesaw State forced three three-and-outs and forced six Bulldogs punts. After the first drive of the game that resulted in a LA Tech touchdown, the Owls surrendered zero points the rest of the way and relented just 235 yards (3.8 yards per play) and just 96 yards of rushing (3.1 yards per carry).
JT Pennington – Conference USA Offensive Lineman of the Week
Pennington helped pave the way as Kennesaw State rolled up 400 yards of offense against then-first-place LA Tech in the 35-7 victory. The Owls averaged 4.1 yards per rush on the night to total 110 yards overall.
Pennington recorded Conference USA's top PFF pass blocking rating (88.0) for Week 7, playing 65 snaps on the night, including 40 in pass blocking. For the game, the Wilsonville, Ala. native relented zero sacks, zero QB hits, hurries or pressures from his right guard position, and did not incur a penalty all game.
After an air offensive through the first three quarters, Pennington and Co. were also able to control the line of scrimmage in the fourth quarter, draining nearly nine minutes off the clock to seal the win.
Kennesaw State's offensive line as a unit recorded
Pro Football Focus' top OL blocking efficiency rating (94.7) in CUSA, allowing only four total QB hurries and four total pressures all game – which ranked tied for 14
th nationally and 7
th among Group of Six teams.
Kennesaw State football again looks at a short rest before playing on the road for the first time in 45 days when the Owls travel to FIU on Tuesday, Oct. 21. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and the KSU Owls app.
Fans have two more opportunities to see the Owls at Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium with the next being on Tuesday, Oct. 28 in a nationally televised battle with UTEP at 8 p.m. Owl Nation can purchase tickets by heading to KSUOwls.com/tickets or by clicking
HERE! Also for UTEP, there is a special "2 for $10" Owls special that you can access by clicking
HERE!
The Owls Fund
The Owls Fund is the primary fundraising arm of Kennesaw State Athletics with the goal of supporting our student-athletes, coaches and each of our 18 NCAA Division I programs. Through initiatives such as Legacy Lockers, the Dot Martin Scholarship Golf Classic, sport-specific giving opportunities, general donations and season tickets, The Owls Fund connects fans with KSU's programs and student-athletes. Members receive exclusive benefits such as hospitality seating areas and events at Kennesaw State home games, and more. Join The Owls Fund here and discover more opportunities on how you can support Kennesaw State Athletics.
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