By Don Stone, KennesawStateSports.com, FootballAtlanta.com
It felt good to get a win again…it’s been awhile!
Kennesaw State secured its first win under new head coach Jerry Mack on Saturday night, defeating the Merrimack Warriors 27–13 before a sellout crowd at Fifth Third Stadium on Saturday. A dominating 17-point third quarter propelled the Owls to victory and helped stave off a surprising late Merrimack rally.
The opening quarter saw both defenses shutting down drives, forcing punts on each of the first five possessions. Merrimack’s defense held firm early, stopping KSU on a fourth-and-one late in the period. Kennesaw State finally broke through halfway into the second quarter with a measured 13-play, 85-yard drive, capped by a four-yard touchdown run from quarterback Dexter Williams II to put the Owls up 7–0 at halftime.
Coming out of the break, KSU’s offense found its rhythm with Mack alternating quarterbacks. Amari Odom orchestrated a 9-play, 72-yard drive, finishing with a seven-yard touchdown strike to Gabriel Benyard. The Owls quickly forced a Merrimack punt and struck again, as Odom added a 12-yard TD run for his first rushing score as an Owl, stretching the lead to 21–0. Placekicker Britton Williams added a 38-yard field goal near the end of the quarter, pushing the margin to 24–0.
Warriors quarterback Ayden Pereira led a determined response early in the fourth, directing a 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive and scoring from one yard out. RJ Chapman’s 85-yard interception pick six further narrowed the gap to 24–13 with under nine minutes to play.
But, the Owls’ defense stood firm, stifling any hopes for a full Merrimack comeback. Williams iced the game for KSU with a 44-yard field goal in the closing minutes, making it 27–13.
Odom completed 12 of 14 passes for 108 yards, threw one touchdown, and rushed for 22 yards with another score.
KSU’s defense notched 14 tackles for loss and four sacks, tying a program record.
Christian Moss set career highs with five receptions for 68 yards.
For Merrimack, Jalen McDonald caught five passes for 116 yards, and Pereira finished with 148 yards passing and 59 yards rushing.
The night marked the debut home win for coach Jerry Mack and was witnessed by a sellout crowd of 11,040 strong.
Kennesaw State’s balanced offensive attack and record-setting defensive performance proved the difference as the program ushered in a new era, while Merrimack looks to regroup ahead of its next contest.
The Owls return for the second of four straight home games against Arkansas State. Game time is 6:00 p.m. with the game available on ESPN+.