KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State football linebacker
Baron Hopson and offensive lineman
JT Pennington were lauded for their performances in the Owls' thrilling 48-42 double-overtime victory at Liberty, getting named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week and Conference USA Offensive Lineman of the Week, the league announced Monday.
This marks the offensive line's fifth weekly honor overall – most by any team in CUSA this season – and Pennington's third this season.
The weekly awards are voted on by a panel of the league's media.
Baron Hopson – Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week
Hopson helped will the Owls a victory over Liberty, a share of the Conference USA Regular-Season Championship and a berth into the 2025 Air National Guard CUSA Championship Game on Friday, Dec. 5.
The Ocilla, Ga. Native recorded a career-high 16 tackles against the Flames, including a school-record 12 solo stops. He also made a critical tackle for loss on the first play of Liberty's final overtime attempt to set them behind the sticks.
Hopson recorded the third-highest pass rush grade (69.8) in CUSA for Week 14, according to
Pro Football Focus (min. 70 snaps), while also totaling the seventh-best overall defensive PFF grade (66.4) in CUSA Week 14 (min. 70 snaps).
With the 16 tackles on Saturday, Hopson catapulted into the Kennesaw State record books, setting the single-season tackles mark with 120 on the year. His 16 tackles also his eighth game this season with double-digit tackles, which is tied for third nationally (10 – Owen Long, Colorado State; Quinton Urwiler, Northern Illinois).
JT Pennington – Conference USA Offensive Lineman of the Week
In the final regular-season game of his collegiate career, Pennington was sensational in protection to help will the Owls to the double-overtime road win at Liberty.
He recorded one of his top pass-blocking grades of the season, turning in the fourth-highest grade (85.6) in Conference USA for Week 14, according to
Pro Football Focus. In 71 total snaps, he spent 33 in pass block, not allowing a single sack, QB hit, hurry or pressure all game.
He also did not incur a single penalty.
As an offensive line unit, the Owls did not allow a single sack between the tackles.
Hopson, Pennington and Co. will travel to Jacksonville, Ala. for a rematch against longtime foe Jax State. Kickoff of the 21
st annual championship game is set for 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network and the KSU Owls app.
Fans can secure their tickets now for $28 each by
CLICKING HERE. KSU students can purchase one (1) ticket now for $7 by
CLICKING HERE. The deadline to purchase through KSU is Wednesday, Dec. 3 at noon ET.
If fans have any questions or issues related to the ticket purchase process, please email
tickets@kennesaw.edu and one of KSU's ticket representatives will respond.
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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