Kennesaw State hosted UT Martin for Homecoming on Saturday, hoping to get on the winning track after opening their first season in the FBS with three losses.

   Looking at the Owls’ schedule, this looked like a winnable game as the only FCS team they would play.  But, it was clearly the Skyhawks’ game with KSU’s offense only able to manage a pair of field goals with their other points coming on a pick six.

   UT Martin came in having lost three of their first four games after a 31-24 defeat at home to Missouri State.

  The game kicked off under the lights with both teams looking good on defense. The first quarter ended scoreless, with KSU struggling to gain momentum, running just three plays. UT Martin’s defense dominated early, limiting the Owls to a mere two total yards in the opening frame.

As the second quarter began, a steady drizzle began that lasted for most of the rest of the night.

   It didn’t affect UT Martin’s senior running back Patrick Smith, who broke the deadlock with a 7-yard touchdown run, capping off a lengthy 16-play drive that consumed over seven minutes of clock.

  Kennesaw State quickly responded when Jayven Williams stepped in front of a Kindead Dent pass intended for Trevonte Rucker and took it the distance for a 48 yard pick six to tie the game at seven.

  Both teams exchanged field goals before halftime.  KSU’s Austin Welch nailed a 49-yard field goal as time expired, tying the game at 10-10 and giving the Owls a glimmer of hope heading into the locker room.

  The third quarter proved pivotal for UT Martin. Just minutes into the half, Oshae Baker returned the favor and intercepted a Bryson Davis pass returning it 63 yards for a touchdown, shifting momentum firmly in favor of the Skyhawks at 17-10.

  UT Martin continued to build on its advantage with another impressive drive that culminated in Smith’s second TD of the night—a 21-yard run that extended their lead to 24-10 and, for all intents and purposes, ended the game. Kennesaw State’s offense struggled to respond, managing only another field goal in the fourth quarter.

  One bright spot in the game came in the third quarter when punter Jacob Ulrich came in and, instead of kicking, completed a long 32 yard pass to Blake Bohannon at the 36, who advanced it to the 15.
   But, the snap on third and 9 was fumbled by Bryson.
  After a delay of game, Welch connected from 38 to settle for just 3.

   An indicator of how difficult it was for the KSU offense, head coach Brian Bohannon was forced to go for it on fourth down six different times. 

  The 24-13 victory was only the second by the Skyhawks against an FBS opponent since 2012. Smith finished with an impressive 123 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Baker’s interception return proved to be a game-changer.

   Kennesaw State fell to 0-4 on the season, struggling offensively despite some bright spots on defense.

   It doesn’t get any easier for the Owls’ as they host an old rival with the start of their Conference USA schedule against JSU. Both teams are recent arrivals in CUSAl with the Gamecocks joining last season. That game is an  unusual Friday night matchup with a 7:00 pm kickoff at Fifth Third Stadium…an odd scheduling decision by someone competing with area high school football games. The game will be televised on the CBS Sports Network.