Chandler Burks rushed for three touchdowns and the Owls racked up 507 yards on the ground as they defeated Tennessee Tech 49-10 on Thursday, Sept. 6.
Following their season-opening loss against Georgia State where they featured a more balanced offensive attack with 201 passing yards and 181 rushing yards, the Owls threw the ball only three times against the Golden Eagles.
“If we pass for more than we rush, it’s not going to be a good day,” Owls head coach Brian Bohannon said during Tuesday’s press conference. “At the end of the day, we have to establish the run. [That] doesn’t mean we don’t throw, but we have to establish the run and I don’t know that we ever did that effectively Thursday night.”
Honoring its adjustments, KSU’s day would end a historic one. The Owls set two program records, totaling 507 yards on 68 carries and scoring seven rushing touchdowns.
The first half was highlighted by three long drives for the Owls resulting in touchdowns, while the second half included very short drives for scores.
Darnell Holland escaped for a 75-yard rushing touchdown on the first play of the third quarter. On the subsequent drive, Burks scored his third and final touchdown of the game, breaking free for a 50-yard run.
“For right now I can say that’s the best we executed,” Burks said. “I’m sure there were some fundamental flaws across the board, but at the end of the day, we know that when we’re able to get the ball on the perimeter good things happen for us.”
A 61-minute delay due to inclement weather may have been a factor in KSU’s slow start, but after gaining their first lead, they never looked back. The defense denied the Golden Eagles a look in the red zone until early in the fourth quarter, opening the path for the Owls to pile on 42 unanswered points.
Defensively, true freshman Cincere Mason missed a potential touchdown opportunity early in the game but made up for it in the third quarter with an interception. He returned the pick 22 yards to set up a drive that would result in a touchdown.
Mason’s interception was the Owls’ 15th interception in the last 16 games.
“I’m very proud of our guys,” Burks said. “I mean, we scored 21 points in five minutes and scored 14 in two plays. That’s really good stuff. We’re going to be able to build off that, and we’re looking forward to taking it to the next game.”
The Owls, now 1-1, return to action Saturday, Sept. 15, for their home-opener against Alabama State at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
