By Don Stone, KennesawStateSports.com, FootballAtlanta.com
The Kennesaw State Owls will return to Fifth Third Stadium on Thursday, October 9, 2025, to host Louisiana Tech in a highly anticipated Conference USA matchup. The Owls enter with a 3-2 record and are riding a three-game winning streak at home.
But, that home success will face a real test with the Bulldogs riding a 4-1 record undefeated in a pair of CUSA games. They are coming off a convincing 30-11 conference road win at UTEP.
It will be a battle for first place with four teams tied for the top spot in Conference USA…Western Kentucky (3-0), LA Tech (2-0), KSU (1-0) and Jacksonville State (1-0).
Last season, the Bulldogs shutout the Owls 33-0 in the season finale at at Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, Louisiana. LA Tech went on to lose to #19 Army 27-6 in the December 28 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in Shreveport, LA.
Head coach Jerry Mack expressed excitement about continuing the home stretch. “We’re really fired up to get back on our home field,” Mack said. “Playing in front of our fans, our students, and the community gives us energy. We want to make Fifth Third Stadium a place where visiting teams find it tough to play.”
Mack also praised his team’s progress, especially in the trenches. “Our offensive and defensive lines have been coming together nicely. We’ve seen improvement every week with their communication and physicality. This is what will help us succeed against Louisiana Tech.”
The Bulldogs arrive with a a defense that has been disruptive all season. They got two interception returns for touchdowns last week at UTEP. LA Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie acknowledged the challenge posed by the Owls’ home-field momentum. “Kennesaw State has been tough at home, and we expect a physical, hard-fought game,” Cumbie said.
Both teams are closely matched statistically, making turnovers and red-zone efficiency key factors for the game’s outcome. With the season reaching its midpoint, this game carries significant weight in Conference USA standings.
Turnovers might be something to keep an eye out for. The Bulldogs turned the ball over four times last week, but overcame that by picking off UTEP (1-4, 0-1 CUSA) quarterbacks five times. A key factor could be Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week, r-Sr. DB Caleb Offord, who had five tackles (1.0 for loss) and three pass breakups vs MTSU breaking up two passes on the game’s final drive to lock the win.
It’s another one of those mid-week games that CUSA likes to schedule that make it tough on coaches. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 9 at Fifth Third Stadium, where fans anticipate an intense contest between two rising programs aiming to strengthen their position in the league.
The game can be seen on ESPNU.