By Don Stone, KennesawStateSports.com, FootballAtlanta.com
Kennesaw State (1-8, 1-4 CUSA) returns home on Saturday for another Conference USA matchup. It will be the Owls’ first ever game without former head coach Brian Bohannon at the helm. Bohannon was fired on Sunday following the double overtime loss at UTEP.
Kennesaw State alum and football letterwinner Chandler Burks, who has been serving this season as co-offensive coordinator, will be the interim head coach for the remaining three games.
The Bearkats (7-2, 4-1 CUSA) enter the game riding a wave of momentum with wins in six of their last seven outings. The are coming off a narrow 9-3 win against Louisiana Tech. Offensively, Sam Houston has averaged 24.9 points per game, with quarterback Hunter Watson leading the charge, throwing for over 1,100 yards this season. The Bearkats’ ground game is potent, averaging nearly 200 rushing yards per game, spearheaded by running back Jay Ducker, who has accumulated 469 yards and six touchdowns.
In contrast, the Owls have struggled throughout the season, managing only one improbable win over previously unbeaten Liberty against eight losses. Their latest performance was a hard-fought double overtime battle 43-35 against UTEP.
KSU’s offense has been less prolific, averaging just 17.1 points per game, with quarterback Davis Bryson completing nearly 55% of his passes for over 1,000 yards but also facing challenges with turnovers.
The Owls will need to improve their defensive performance, which has allowed an average of 32.4 points per game, if they hope to compete against a strong Sam Houston team.
As you might expect, the Bearkats are heavily favored, currently listed as 14.5-point favorites. The total points for the game are set at 42.5, indicating expectations for a relatively low-scoring affair given both teams’ recent performances.
The two teams met last year on November 4 with Sam Houston winning 24-21 on a last second field goal. It was the Bearkats’ first ever win at the FBS level.
The game is Family Weekend, Salute to Service Game, Hall of Fame Weekend and Varsity Day. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. broadcast on ESPN+.
