KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State football center
Josiah Chenault and defensive lineman
Elijah Hill were lauded for their performances in the Owls' 24-21 triumph over NM State – KSU's seventh-straight victory – getting named Conference USA Offensive Lineman of the Week and Conference USA Freshmen of the Week, the league announced Monday.
This marks the offensive line's fourth overall – most by any team in CUSA this season.
The weekly awards are voted on by a panel of the league's media.
Josiah Chenault – Conference USA Offensive Lineman of the Week
Chenault once again led an impressive performance from the Kennesaw State offensive line, playing every single snap in the Owls' seventh-straight victory, a 24-21 triumph on the road over NM State. Chenault and Co. turned in a clean sheet for the Owls, not surrendering a single sack all game, while also helping KSU roll up 208 rushing yards and 427 yards of offense for the game.
The Sanford, Fla. native recorded the 7th-best pass blocking grade (83.0) among FBS centers for Week 11 (min. 70 blocking snaps) and the 8th-best overall offensive grade (70.5) among FBS centers for Week 11 (min. 70 blocking snaps), according to
Pro Football Focus.
While commanding the offensive line, Chenault surrendered zero sacks, QB hits, hurries or pressures in 78 snaps of work.
Elijah Hill – Conference USA Freshman of the Week
Hill was a nightmare in the backfield for Kennesaw State in the Owls' seventh-straight victory, a 24-21 triumph on the road over NM State, recording 1.5 sacks and 3.0 tackles for loss.
He turned in the sixth-best overall defensive grade (77.8) among FBS freshmen for Week 11 (min. 30 snaps) and the third-best pass rush grade (79.7) among FBS freshmen for Week 11 (min. 30 snaps), according to
Pro Football Focus. His pass rush PFF grade also ranked second among Group of Six conference freshmen and 16th among all Group of Six conference defenders.
Hill now leads all FBS freshmen nationally with 6.5 sacks on the season (ahead of Sidney Stewart, Maryland; Zahir Mathis, Maryland; Mandrell Desir, Florida State; and Chris Jones, Southern Miss). His 6.5 sacks also lead all Conference USA defenders.
The Week 12 matchup is shaping up to be one of the biggest games of the season in the Conference USA slate and Group of Six conference's at large. Kennesaw State and Jax State are currently tied for the lead in CUSA standings, both sitting at 5-0 in conference action.
The game was moved to a primetime slot on ESPNU by ESPN due to excitement surrounding the showdown.
The Owls currently sit at 7-2 overall, having only suffered setbacks against ACC foe Wake Forest (6-3) and top-5 Big Ten opponent Indiana (10-0). The Gamecocks are 6-3 this season.
Fans also have just
one more opportunity to the see the Owls at Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium in the regular season, hosting CUSA newcomer Missouri State on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 3 p.m. Owl Nation can purchase tickets by heading to KSUOwls.com/tickets or 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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