The Owls won their third game in a row on Saturday, Nov. 5, beating the Clark Atlanta University Panthers 56-0 and posting the team’s first shutout in school history.
KSU seemed comfortable throughout the game, dictating the tempo of the game both offensively and defensively.
Once again, the rushing attack from KSU proved to be the key to success. A dozen different players combined for 463 total yards.
The defense did its part early on, but sophomore running back Darnell Holland established a lead early for KSU in the first quarter with a 20-yard touchdown run.
In the second quarter, the Owls’ drive ended with frustration after red-shirt sophomore running back Jake McKenzie fumbled the ball inside the Panthers’ five-yard line. Fortunately, the defense forced a three-and-out, and McKenzie was able to redeem himself with a touchdown to bring the score to 21-0.
Clark Atlanta had its best scoring chance on its next drive, taking it to the KSU three-yard line, but red-shirt sophomore linebacker Anthony Gore forced a fumble that was recovered by junior defensive lineman Tonarius Portress.
Bennett and red-shirt sophomore quarterback Chandler Burks led the way on the next drive, both running the ball well and then connecting on a touchdown pass right before halftime.
In the third quarter, the Owls took just over a minute to score a touchdown with Bennett being the main contributor once again. In the blink of an eye, KSU extended its lead to 35-0.
A blocked punt by the Owls’ defense led to good field position for the offense. Red-shirt freshman Daniel David checked in at quarterback. He and freshman running back Sam Outlaw combined for most of the workload, running the ball down the field until Outlaw punched it in for a touchdown from three yards out.
Senior quarterback Jantzen Jeffery checked into the game and scored his first collegiate touchdown as an Owl, sealing the victory 56-0.
The Owls improved to an overall record of 7-2 and are now tied for second place in the Big South Conference.
Head coach Brian Bohannon wants to keep the team focused as it rounds out its season later this month against BSC rivals Presbyterian College (2-7, 1-3 BSC) and Charleston Southern University (5-3, 2-1 BSC).
“I had to keep their minds off Presbyterian [College] and Charleston [Southern University] … that’s where their minds were at to be honest,” Bohannon said.
While KSU won its seventh game and set a new school record for wins in a season, the players have a bigger picture in mind according to Bohannon.
“Those kids have much bigger aspirations than just seven wins,” Bohannon said. “We talked about it a little but we try to take it one game at a time.”
The Owls have their final home game of the season against Presbyterian College at noon on Saturday, Nov. 12. KSU will recognize its second class of seniors and will also honor the veterans for Military Appreciation Day.
