After setting a scoring record in their previous game against Tennessee Tech, the Owls outdid themselves again by squashing Clark Atlanta 70-13 on Saturday, Sept. 22, at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
The win was the third straight for the Owls, who have now scored 201 points in just four games this season. So far, veterans and young players alike have contributed to the excellent form the team is currently in.
“I’m proud of all the hard work that these kids have put in since we started this thing,” head coach Brian Bohannon said. “The commitment they’ve had to buy into something that wasn’t there in the beginning is impressive. For them to see the rewards of that, I don’t think for a coach you can ask for anything better.”
Although the score would indicate that there were no hurdles en route to victory, the Owls were down 13-7 during the first quarter. Carelessness with the ball plagued them as early turnovers prompted a sluggish start.
“At first I think we did [underestimate them],” defensive back Demetrius Pettway said. “And then, as a team, we just came together to play our style of football.”
Another trend in the young season is the defense putting the Owls in favorable positions on offense. Coming into the game the Owls had forced a turnover in 17 straight games.
Following a KSU touchdown to regain the lead at 14-13, Adesola Abisoye returned a red zone interception for 41 yards, halting a nine-play 43-yard drive by the Panthers, that kept the lead intact. The interception simultaneously solidified the turnover and served as a momentum-changer in the game.
“I think people started having fun,” defensive back Jace White said, who had an interception returned for a touchdown. “We came out flat, so that was a big part of turning it around and getting things going.”
The Owls defense wound up with four interceptions and two returned for touchdowns.
From the point of their deficit on, the Owls never looked back, scoring 63 unanswered points. In addition to Pettway and White’s interception returns for touchdowns, Courtney Mills returned a blocked punt by Cole Loden for a touchdown.
“I think earlier on we made some mistakes that, as I’ve said before, we’ve got to clean up,” Bohannon said. “I give Clark Atlanta a lot of credit. They came out and played extremely hard.”
Seven different players scored for KSU, showing the talent of the team. The Owls put up 339 rushing yards as Kyle Glover and Antavius Grier scored their first career touchdowns.
Shaquil Terry led the offense, finishing the game with 108 total yards and three touchdowns. The running back put his stiff arm on display, repeatedly knocking his opponent over on his way for a 50-yard touchdown.
Although the Owls won in blowout fashion, the team is humbly seeking ways to improve.
“Never underestimate anybody,” Pettway said. “Just play our ball every time we step on the field — that’s what championship teams do.”
