By Don Stone, KennesawStateSports.com, FootballAtlanta.com
Kennesaw State celebrated Homecoming in style on Saturday, defeating Middle Tennessee State 24-16 at Fifth Third Stadium to extend its home win streak and continue a pattern that mirrored last week’s victory over Arkansas State. Both games saw the Owls jump out to dominant early leads before holding off late rallies to secure crucial wins.
Lightning Fast Starts – The Owls electrified the Homecoming crowd, sprinting out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter after two touchdowns in the opening six minutes, including a rare double-pass from Christian Moss to tight end Gerard Bullock Jr. for 13 yards. Quarterback Amari Odom found Chase Belcher on a 53-yard scoring strike, then hit Gabriel Benyard for a dazzling 29-yard touchdown catch to cap the quarter. Odom finished 11-of-17 through the air for 162 yards and two scores, setting the tone much as he did against Arkansas State the previous week.
Parallel Performances – Just seven days earlier, KSU had built a 21-0 first-quarter cushion against Arkansas State behind Odom’s arm and a swarming defense. In both games, the Owls looked dominant early, then relied on their defense and timely plays to fend off determined comebacks. Against Arkansas State, the Owls survived a late push to win 28-21; against Middle Tennessee, they yielded only a field goal and two rushing touchdowns from Blue Raider back Jekail Middlebrook, while holding the visitors to just one third-down conversion all night.
Key Moments and Defensive Standouts – Middle Tennessee tightened the game with a 10-yard second-quarter run and a nine-yard score early in the fourth, pulling to within 21-16. With the contest in the balance, KSU’s defense delivered with a forced fumble, an interception, and several key stops—much like the previous week, when late-game takeaways clinched the win over the Red Wolves. Parker Hughes led the Owls in tackles, aiding another clutch defensive stand to preserve victory.
Saturday’s sellout Homecoming game marked Kennesaw State’s third straight win and kept the Owls perfect at home this season. The triumph was a carbon copy of the Arkansas State win—a quick strike, an aggressive defense, and poise in the face of rally attempts—demonstrating the team’s emerging identity under head coach Jerry Mack.
Postgame, head coach Mack emphasized the resilience and focus his team showed—qualities he sees growing each week.
“Homecoming is always special, and our guys were determined not to disappoint,” Mack said. “Just like last week, we started fast, but finishing the job is what matters. Defense made big-time plays when we needed them, and that’s what gives us a chance to be great. You can feel the confidence building every week.”
“We’re finding ways to win together,” Mack added. “We talk about protecting our house, and the fans gave us an incredible Homecoming atmosphere to fuel us. We just want to keep getting better.”
Kennesaw State will take advantage of its bye week before concluding its four game home stand on a Thursday night game October 9 with another Conference USA matchup as Louisiana Tech comes to town. Kickoff is 7:00 p.m. with the game on ESPNU.