KSU offense standing in formation before a play. Photo by Jackson Louneoubonh
Quarterback Rickie Collins’ 225-yard performance proved to not be enough for Kennesaw State, which fell to No. 15 Tennessee 42-9 on Saturday night at Neyland Stadium.
Collins finished the game completing 22 of 34 passes for 189 yards and rushing for 36 yards. Collins outgained Tennessee’s quarterback Faizon Brandon through the air, as Brandon threw for 178 yards.
This was a historic matchup for the Owls, marking their second game against an Associated Press Top 25 opponent and first time against an opponent from the Southeastern Conference.
KSU previously played then-No. 23 Indiana in 2025.
The Volunteers got things started as they opened the scoring with a 3-yard rushing touchdown from running back DeSean Bishop. In response, the Owls made a 35-yard field goal from Daniel Kinney. The Volunteers came back and scored another touchdown as wide receiver Braylon Staley caught a 13-yard pass. Tennessee converted a two-point conversion to take a 15-3 lead to close out the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Volunteers tacked on two more field goals from Cooper Ranvier as they entered halftime with a 21-3 lead.
It was far from over for the Tennessee, as running back Daune Morris opened the second half with a 42-yard rushing touchdown. Brandon added on points in the quarter with a five-yard rushing touchdown, closing out the third with a 35-3 lead.
KSU added two field goals in the fourth quarter, closing its scoring for the night. Tennessee added another touchdown to its name as running back Hunter Barnes scored a three-yard run to close out the scoring.
In addition to Collins’ performance, Zion Booker led the Owls in receiving with 10 catches for 78 yards. Kinney finished the night going 3-for-3 on field goal attempts.
KSU fell to 1-2 on the season, while Tennessee improved to 3-0.
The Owls will be visiting Arkansas State next Saturday to close out non-conference play.
