The Kennesaw State University Owls hosted the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in their last non-conference game of the season. As anticipated, this was an exciting game to watch from these two FCS top 25 ranked teams. The Owls hit the ground running, when in the first drive of the game, Kyle Glover, graduate running back, exceeded 1,000 career rushing yards. The Owls would score on their this first possession of the game for the second time this season.
JSU strived to match KSU’s score as they made their way to the red zone. On third down, JSU quarterback, Zerrick Cooper’s pass in the end zone, that appeared to result in a score, was called back due to a penalty. The Gamecocks were forced into making a field goal attempt, which was blocked by the powerhouse defensive tackle, Desmond Scott. The ball was picked up by junior defensive back, Welton Spottsville, and returned to midfield.
Tension was high throughout the game, and the intensity made it feel like a playoff game. This intensity could have been caused by the fact that the two schools both heavily recruit their players from Cobb County, where Kennesaw State University is located. The viewers could definitely see dedication on both sides. The two teams fought until the very end of the game, but it came down to the Owls moving the ball efficiently and their defense putting a lot of pressure on the Gamecocks’ offense. The Owls defense limited the JSU offense’s time of possession, coming up with memorable stops time after time. At the beginning of the third quarter, Jacksonville State started to turn things around when they came out and scored. This was short-lived as they failed the two-point conversion attempt. Later, Cooper fumbled the ball, which was recovered by his offense. However, on the next play, Cooper threw his first interception of the season. This being his first interception of the season shows how Kennesaw’s defense really put pressure on Jacksonville State.
It is important to recognize that JSU never let up even when they were down in the fourth quarter by a score of 31-6. This effort was shown when the Gamecocks were faced with a 4th down with 9 yards to go, and they went for it! A promising throw to the end zone was ruled incomplete.
Kennesaw was predicted to lose this game, but they proved those predictions wrong with a final score of 31-6 in their favor. This is no small victory. That margin of victory is large for the Owls who were lower-ranked coming into the game, but should see that ranking rise next week. The Owls are now 3-0 against the Gamecocks. Both teams are set for some difficult games next week as the Gamecocks will be facing the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, and the Owls will be going head-to-head against the Hampton Pirates. KSU is set to travel to Armstrong Stadium, and kickoff will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, October 9th.
