By Don Stone, KennesawStateSports.com, FootballAtlanta.com
Tell me where you’ve heard this one before. Kennesaw State jumps out to an early two or three score lead in the first quarter. Then, the Owls take the foot off the gas and the opponent starts creeping back into the game actually making it close only to see KSU hang on and pull out another win.
Well, that same familiar scenario happened again Saturday afternoon in Las Cruces. And it’s getting a bit too close for comfort. It’s almost the reverse of the pattern the Georgia Bulldogs have had (Mississippi State notwithstanding) where they get off to a slow start and fall behind in the second half only to move into a different gear and pull the game out with a late fourth quarter surge.
Kennesaw State wasted no time seizing control once again Saturday, then had to dig deep to finish the job. The Owls jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first half and held on late for a 24-21 victory over New Mexico State on Saturday at Aggie Memorial Stadium, extending their win streak to seven games.
Quarterback Amari Odom led an efficient opening surge, accounting for two early touchdowns as Kennesaw State (7-2) controlled the pace behind a balanced attack. The Owls’ defense complemented the fast start with relentless pressure, forcing a pair of first-quarter turnovers that set up short fields.
New Mexico State (3-6, 1-5 CUSA) regrouped after the break, finding rhythm through the air and capitalizing on a KSU fumble to trim the deficit to 24-21 midway through the fourth quarter. The Owls got the ball back with three minutes left in the game with a chance to run out the clock. Instead, they ran three straight predictable plays up the middle for no gain forcing them to kick the ball back to the Aggies. NM State’s offense had a chance with two minutes left and got it to within field goal range to potentially tie the game. But, the attempt sailed wide right giving Kennesaw State the win.
“We started fast, but we made it harder than it needed to be,” head coach Jerry Mack said. “You have to give New Mexico State credit—they fought back. But our guys responded when the game was on the line, and that’s what winners do.”
Odom finished with 219 passing yards and three total touchdowns, while running back Coleman Bennett, added 86 yards. Chase Belcher ran for 81 as well. Gabriel Benyard had a pair of touchdowns with Clayton Coppock adding another. The Owls outgained the Aggies 427-316 and held them to just 75 rushing yards.
KSU’s remains unbeaten at 5-0 in Conference USA play.
The win keeps Kennesaw State tied atop the Conference USA standings heading into a pivotal matchup at Jax State on Nov. 15.The Gamecocks also are coming off a close three point win after barely defeating UTEP in El Paso 30-27. Jacksonville State and Kennesaw State both carry momentum into what will likely define who will be Conference USA champion.
“This group believes in finishing,” Mack said. “We know next week in Jacksonville will test everything we’ve built this season.”
The game has been appropriately moved into an 8:00 p.m. primetime start and will now be televised on ESPNU.