The time has come for the Kennesaw State football team to kick off its long-awaited 2019 season as the 10th-ranked team in the Football Championship Subdivision, hosting Point University this Saturday, Aug. 31, at 6 p.m.
This season may be the most highly anticipated of the program’s brief history, as the Owls are coming off their second consecutive Big South Conference title and second quarterfinal appearance in the FCS Playoffs.
Led by fifth-year head coach Brian Bohannan, the team is poised to continue its ascent among the country’s elite FCS programs.
As always, a new season means the departure of some players as well as the arrival and emergence of others. In order to replicate the successes of the past two seasons, this program will need to replace some integral pieces of its team, particularly on offense.
Many returning starters are prepared to take their play up a level this season, as three were named to the Phil Steele Preseason All-America teams.
Offensive coordinator and line coach Grant Chesnut has a new challenge this season, as the KSU offense should look and play noticeably different than those of past seasons.
In particular, the offense will likely utilize its passing attack more than ever before, due largely in part to the departure of quarterback Chandler Burks, who led the FCS last season in total rushing touchdowns with 29.
Taking his place will be senior Daniel David, who appeared in 11 of the team’s 13 games in 2018.
Last season, David was given an opportunity to prove himself on a big stage, entering the FCS Playoff quarterfinal after Burks went down with an injury. He made the most of this chance by playing soundly as a passer and rusher, leading the Owls to an inspiring comeback before falling just short.
With David as the maestro of the KSU offense, fans should expect to see a scheme that is slightly more tailored to his skillset, as he has proven himself both as a pure drop-back passer and a rusher.
David will receive some help in the ground attack from running backs Shaquil Terry, TJ Reed and Isaac Foster.
As a freshman, Foster made a name for himself on special teams as a lethal kick return specialist. The speedster was named 2018 Big South Special Teams Player of the Year for his efforts and will take over part of the offensive workload as a running back this year. Foster was the only offensive player at KSU to be named a 2019 Preseason All-American.
While the Owls’ offense is adjusting to personnel changes, the defense is looking to improve upon its unit from last season. Eight of 11 starters from last year’s dominant group are returning this season, which makes this year’s one of the best in the country.
The KSU defense was a brick wall in 2018, as they allowed just 3.2 yards per carry and 15.4 points per game. The Owls finished the season ranked second in the FCS in total defense, and this year should feature more of the same.
Joining Isaac Foster on the Preseason All-America fourth team are senior defensive back Dorian Walker and junior linebacker Bryson Armstrong. Both players were major pieces of the defense last season, as Walker had three interceptions and Armstrong finished second on the team with 75 total tackles.
Both players will be on-field leaders of this year’s defense, which has a chance to be the best in the FCS. This group may need to carry a heavier load as the offense finds its stride with a new quarterback.
This season has a chance to be the most successful in program history, but the outcome will depend on its ability to adapt to changes on both the offense and defense.
In order to extend the 10-game conference winning streak and reach a third consecutive playoff berth, this team will need to quickly adjust to its major roster changes. If done correctly, the football team should control its own destiny this season and position itself as a national contender.
