By Don Stone, KennesawStateSports.com, FootballAtlanta.com
I know what they say about moral victories. But, this felt like one. If not for a missed extra point or a missed field goal, the Owls would have won the game.
But, that didn’t happen. It was razor thin close, though. Kennesaw State opened its 2025 football season with a hard-fought 10-9 road loss at Wake Forest, showcasing resilience and promising potential in its second year at the FBS level. The Owls scored first on a powerful 19-yard touchdown run by Coleman Bennett in the first quarter, but missed the extra point, trailing 7-6 after Wake Forest’s opening touchdown by Robby Ashford on a 5-yard keeper. Despite outgaining Wake Forest 200-180 yards in the first half and holding them to seven points, Kennesaw State narrowly trailed throughout the game.
The Owls actually took a 9-7 lead early in the third quarter when freshman Daniel Kinney nailed a 29-yard field goal, but Wake Forest responded with a 22-yard field goal to reclaim the lead at 10-9. Kennesaw State quarterback Dexter Williams II, in his first start, threw for 149 yards—the most by a KSU QB in his debut—and added 44 rushing yards for a total of 193 yards. The defense was stout, recording four sacks and stifling multiple Wake Forest drives, including a critical late stop that sealed Wake’s win.
Wake Forest battled adversity, losing top rusher Demond Claiborne early to a rib injury, but managed to hang on behind strong defensive play and clutch kicking. Kennesaw State’s new head coach Jerry Mack praised the defense’s effort but acknowledged the offense needs to improve execution moving forward.
Let’s be realistic. The Demon Deacons are one of the ACC’s perennial bottom feeders. But, the showing was encouraging, nonetheless.
The Owls will look to rebound in another tough road matchup at No. 20 Indiana next week, while Wake Forest starts 1-0 under new coach Jake Dickert, who celebrated a tense but crucial opening victory.