Kennesaw State Owls Pull Off Historic Upset Against Liberty
The Kennesaw State Owls have experienced a rollercoaster of a season, with theirtransition to the FBS level proving challenging thus far. However, a recent upset victory promises a new direction for the Owls as they strive to make their mark on the football landscape.
The Path to Success for Kennesaw State
The Owls’ History at FCS Level
In 2015, Kennesaw State began its FCS journey, with a first win under their belt and a 6-5 season record. From 2017 to 2019, they compiled a 34-7 record, winning two Big South Conference championships in a row. By their first five seasons, the Owls secured a 48-15 record, an impressive feat for an FCS startup team.
Entering the FBS League
Transitioning to the FBS league in 2024 was a challenging milestone for the Owls. They entered with 18.5 wins in a row, having won significant games, and yet struggled to win consistently in the highly competitive FBS environment.
Overcoming Adversity: The Surprising Upset
The Upset Against Liberty
Kennesaw State’s worst performance so far happened when they dropped their first six games consecutively before notching victories.
A key moment came on September 30 when they upset Liberty, ending the Flames’ 18-game win streak. Why was this victory significant? It is the first time in the 23-year history of the AP poll (established in 1936) that a team with an 0-5 or worse record defeated a team with a 5-0 perfect record. Additionally, the Owls were 27.5-point underdogs, further solidifying the magnitude of their upset. This victory significantly paved the way for future wins and redeeming moments.
The Quarterback Conundrum
Initially, the Owls struggled immensely due to inconsistent play. After a series of poor performances, coach Brian Bohannon had to make a bold call and benched quarterback Davis Bryson. This decision arrived after a 63-24 loss against Jacksonville State where Bryson completed only 24 passes.
The Comeback
In time, Bryson came back to prove his mettle. Against Liberty, Bryson had an outstanding game, completing 8 of his 8 passes, resulting in 153 yards, one touchdown, and zero turnovers. He earned a round of applause for his steadfast perseverance and improved performance.
The Road Ahead for the Kennesaw State Owls
Building Confidence
With the Liberty win under their belt, Kennesaw State chef’s table presented an opportunity for the team to build confidence and mend their early-season struggles. This victory demonstrated that the Owls could compete with higher-tier teams.
Future Plans
The upcoming game against Western Kentucky on Wednesday (7:30 ET) can be pivotal for the Owls. With their newfound momentum, they stand to cement their progress and move toward more consistent results.
Call to Action
As fans of college football, it’s essential to keep an eye on Kennesaw State Owls as they continue to make history. This season presents exciting prospects for the team, and every game could be a significant chapter in their journey to the top of FBS competition.
Continue to follow the latest updates and results of the Kennesaw State Owls, including their upcoming game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, and support their path to future wins!