The Kennesaw State football team lost 27-17 to South Dakota State on Saturday, Dec. 8, falling in the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs for the second consecutive season.
Trailing 20-3 in the fourth quarter, the Owls rallied to make the score 20-17 before giving up a final touchdown late in the game.
The loss marks the end of an era for the program, as 18 players from the original signing class played their final game.
Starting quarterback and Walter Payton Award finalist Chandler Burks faced an injury in the second quarter, but Daniel David entered the game and helped the Owls score.
“It’s a tough day,” said head coach Brian Bohannon. “I’m proud of the seniors. They did things that people normally wouldn’t do to lay a foundation for something that hopefully we can continue to build on.”
In only their fourth season, the football team won their second straight conference championship and earned two home playoff games this season.
The Owls finish the season averaging over 350 rushing yards per game and 43 points per game.
The loss marks the first home defeat for the Owls since Oct. 15, 2016.
