By Don Stone, KennesawStateSports.com, FootballAtlanta.com
Kennesaw State’s steady rise in Conference USA will be tested under the Miami lights Tuesday night when the Owls visit Florida International for a nationally televised matchup on ESPN2.
Head coach Jerry Mack said his team has embraced the midweek matchup and the challenge of a road trip to face an FIU team looking to rebound. “We’ve talked all week about focusing on us,” Mack said during his Friday press conference. “FIU is a talented football team. They’ve got great speed on both sides of the ball, but our biggest challenge is making sure we keep improving in the little details — getting lined up right, tackling in space, and finishing drives.”
The matchup also carries weight in the Conference USA standings, where Kennesaw State sits in first place. FIU (3-3, 1-1 CUSA) is coming off an impressive 25-6 road win at Western Kentucky, giving the Hilltoppers only their second loss of the season.
Three Panthers shined in that big win with RB Kejon Owens named Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week. Just three weeks after he set a career high with 173 yards in a Shula Bowl victory, Owens once again notched a career best performance with 195 yards in FIU’s upset of previous league unbeaten WKU. Safety Jessiah McGrew is the CUSA Defensive Player of the Week for his pair of interceptions tying a school record.
Finally, the CUSA Offensive Lineman of the Week is C Julius Pierce. Pierce anchored the FIU offensive line, which helped the Panthers to a season-high 249 yards on the ground.
The Owls (4-2, 2-0 CUSA) enter the game riding momentum of their own after an improving stretch on both lines of scrimmage. Mack credited his players’ development as a key to sustained success. “Our offensive line is playing more cohesive football each week,” he said. “We’ve challenged them to be physical and to set the tone early, and they’ve responded the right way. That group has really become the identity of our team.”
Kennesaw State’s defense will look to limit an FIU offense averaging quick strikes through the air. “They’ve got playmakers who can stretch the field,” Mack said. “Our defense has to stay disciplined in coverage and continue flying to the football. Tackling in space will be a big emphasis Tuesday night.”
Mack said his team is treating the trip as another step in building a lasting program identity. “This is a business trip,” he said. “It’s another opportunity to show what Kennesaw State football is all about—discipline, toughness, and competing for four quarters.”
Kickoff between the Owls and Panthers is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday at Pitbull Stadium, televised on ESPN2.