#15 Javon Rogers catches the ball over the arms of a defender. Photo by Jackson Louneoubonh
Kennesaw State football continued its winning streak and fight for bowl eligibility on Saturday afternoon, beating Sam Houston State 26-7 at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium.
In the absence of Rickie Collins following an injury in last week’s 42-40 win over Delaware, Landon Varnes took the reins for his first career start at the Division I level.
On the first drive of the day for the Owls, Varnes marched his offense down inside the 30-yard line set up by a couple of first-down passes to Davis Bryson.
KSU was stopped on third down, and Daniel Kinney kicked a 47-yard field goal to go up 3-0, his longest kick of the season.
After a quick forced three-and-out, the Owls marched down the field on an 11-play drive and got in the end zone on a 19-yard pass to running back Boogie Woods III to go up 10-0 late in the first quarter.
The Bearkats scored their only touchdown of the afternoon on the following possession, using 13 plays and taking nearly seven minutes off the clock. Landyn Locke finished the drive with a 10-yard pass to Chris Reed and drew closer at 10-7.
KSU answered quickly for the final score of the half, this time a run by Brayden Munroe from six yards out. The Owls had a chance to increase their lead as time expired in the half but Kinney’s 45-yard kick went wide left.
Fortunately for KSU, the 17 first-half points was all it needed as the defense continued to shut down SHSU.
The Bearkats had the opportunity for a field goal in their first possession of the third quarter, but missed from 45 yards away. On their next possession, DJ Bailey was intercepted by Cam Miller, who returned it 88 yards for a touchdown and the Owls’ last scoring play of the game.
Varnes was efficient in his first start, and finished with 181 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.
Bryson led the way in receiving with 56 yards on six receptions. Woods III was close behind with 38 yards on four receptions in addition to his 101 yards on the ground.
With the win, KSU improves to 4-6 overall and 3-3 in Conference USA play.
The Owls will play their final home game of the season on Nov. 21 against Florida International.
