The Kennesaw State football team defeated Presbyterian 28-0 on Saturday, extending their winning streak to seven games before heading to Montana next weekend.
Chandler Burks accounted for all four Owl touchdowns, rushing for three and passing one to Jake McKenzie. The four touchdowns by Burks ties an Owls’ single-game, individual record set by Trey White last season.
Bronson Rechsteiner had a career day as well, rushing for a career-high 90 yards out of the 304 total rushing yards gained by KSU’s running backs.
For the first time this season — and the second time in school history — the Owls’ defense pitched a shutout, stifling the Blue Hose in every aspect of the game.
The Blue Hose were held to 118 passing yards, 138 rushing yards and were 4-13 on 3rd down conversions.
The defensive moment of the game was an interception by Dorian Walker in the end zone, after which Presbyterian never again threatened to score.
“Our kids are playing really well right now and have a lot of confidence,” head coach Brian Bohannon said. “Our staff is doing a great job… We have a lot of work still to do and finish what we started.”
The Owls travel to Bozeman, Montana, next weekend to face the Montana State Bobcats in what will be a test of KSU’s resolve in the cold.
Historically, the Bobcats have been successful in the FCS, having reached the playoffs multiple times over the last two decades.
Although the Bobcats are having an unusually off year with a 4-4 overall record, the Owls will be up against an experienced team that has played #25 ranked Washington State in addition to other competitive, Big Sky Conference programs.
One of the main advantages the Owls will have in a game that could reach below freezing temperature is their dynamic rushing attack. By not having to rely on a constant passing game, which is one of the current offensive trends in college football, the Owls can distribute the ball to many different running backs.
The spread option not only allows Burks to play to his own strengths, but it also prevents him from forcing passes under difficult weather conditions. It keeps the running backs fresh, which will be especially important in colder conditions.
Defensively, the Owls have become increasingly consistent, giving up a total of six points in three of the last four games, only yielding major points to Liberty. The defense has had at least one interception in each game this season, and the positive communication among the defense has allowed for this.
The linebacker duo of Izzy Sam and Anthony Gore, Jr. will be looking out for Bobcats running back Chris Murray, who has rushed for 631 yards this season, averaging over 100 yards per game.
Next week’s matchup will be at 2 p.m. EST (12 p.m. MST) and will be available to watch on Peachtree TV and at 106.3 FM and 1230 AM The Fan.
