#6 Marcus Patterson signaling to his teammates. Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium, Oct. 22, 2026. Photo by Jackson Louneoubonh
Kennesaw State football grabbed its first conference win of 2026 on Wednesday night in Murfreesboro, beating Middle Tennessee State 44-28 at Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium.
Despite holding possession for less than 20 minutes, the Owls offense controlled the flow of the game and consistently made plays when they needed to the most.
KSU scored quickly on its first possession, marching 81 yards down the field on just seven plays and finishing with a 12-yard touchdown run by Boogie Woods III, his first of two on the night.
MTSU was able to answer as quarterback Roman Gagliano took it in himself from a yard out and tied the game at seven.
After the Owls punted on their next possession, the Blue Raiders took the lead for the first and only time of the night. They went on an incredibly long 14-play drive which took nearly 10 minutes off the clock and scored on a 7-yard run from Antonio Martin Jr.
KSU quickly answered as Rickie Collins found a wide open Davis Bryson in the end zone to draw closer at 14-13 after a fumbled snap on the extra point attempt.
After a great punt return by Brayden Munroe set the Owls up in MTSU territory, KSU scored on its first play of the drive on an impressive catch made by Dylan Gary.
Holding a slim 19-17 heading to the locker room, the Owls needed to make a statement to start the second half and make sure they got momentum on their side.
And did they ever.
As the Blue Raiders were beginning to move the ball in their first drive of the half, KSU linebacker Tywon Christopher intercepted Gagliano’s pass and returned it 59 yards to the end zone.
Woods III punched in the two-point attempt, and it was all Owls from there on.
Just a week after being benched for the fourth quarter against Liberty, Collins turned in arguably his best game as an Owl. He was 16-for-19 on pass attempts, finished with 206 yards and three touchdowns and was nearly perfect besides his one interception.
Gary finished his night with 59 yards and two touchdowns in as many receptions.
With the win, KSU improves to 2-6 overall and 1-3 among Conference USA competition.
With the midweek portion of the schedule concluded, the Owls will hope to continue their upward trend when Delaware comes to town on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 3 p.m.
