By: Kenneth Harrison

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

It’s hard to believe Kennesaw State started playing football in 2015.

During that time, they have made four playoff appearances. The Owls have a record of 68 – 24 (.739).

KSU won the Big South Conference and went 11 – 2 in 2021. They were ranked No. 8 in the 2022 preseason poll. The season did not go as planned and they were 5 – 6, which was their first losing season in program history.

Kennesaw State is making the transition from FCS to FBS. This is the final season in FCS before they join Conference USA in 2024.

“This is a great day for all of Owl Nation as our ascent into Conference USA will help the Owls soar to new landmarks. I am most excited for our student-athletes, coaches, and staffs that have worked so hard to represent KSU. Our student-athletes will have an opportunity to showcase their talent on a larger stage. President Schwaig’s leadership played a pivotal role in this opportunity, and I am grateful for her and all those that made this possible. I look forward to new opportunities and achievements for KSU within a conference that has a history of growing the brands of its members,” KSU Director of Athletics Milton Overton said.

FBS-transitioning Kennesaw State’s 2023 schedule features five FCS opponents, three non-D1 teams, and one FBS opponent at Sam Houston.

The leading returning rusher is graduate student quarterback Jonathan Murphy. He rushed for 468 yards and 9 touchdowns last season. He became the seventh player in KSU history to surpass 1,000 career rushing yards.

Wide receiver Isaac Foster is also a returning starter and grad student. In 2022 he rushed for 450 yards and 4 scores. He was also the leading receiver with 27 catches, 314 yards and 2 TD’s.

Junior running back Preston Daniels rushed for 423 yards, 4 touchdowns and he averaged 5 yards per carry.

Grad student defensive back Markeith Montgomery led the team in solo tackles last season. In 2022 he had 37 tackles, 5 interceptions, 7 pass breakups and 2 forced fumbles. He is a leader on defense and he should have another great season in 2023.

The season kicks off on Thursday, August 31 against Tusculum. The Pioneers are a Division II team so this will be an easy win.

Week 2 is at Tennessee-Chattanooga. The Mocs were 7 – 4 last season so they are a good team. I think UTC will win this game.

The next game is home against Furman. The Paladins were 10 – 3 last year. Furman should win this game.

Week 4 is at Tennessee Tech. KSU is a better team than the Golden Eagles.

The second consecutive road game is at Charleston Southern. They played last season and Kennesaw State won, 30 – 20. I expect a similar result this year.

Week 6 they return home to face Tennessee State. The Tigers are coached by former Tennessee Titan great, Eddie George. This will be an easy win for the Owls.

Surprisingly, KSU has a two-week layoff before the play Division II Lincoln. This is another W.

KSU travels to Sam Houston State next and this is a loss.

The season finale is home against Division II Virginia-Lynchburg. Pencil this in as a victory.

Kennesaw State should win six of their nine games this season.