Kennesaw State’s men’s basketball team is putting together a challenging non-conference schedule.

Coach Lewis Preston has games lined up against Georgia Tech, which the Owls famously defeated 80-63 three years ago, Indiana, Kent State, Cincinnati, Mississippi State and Florida International. Not all of the contracts are finalized so some of the dates aren’t set and the games could change. The game against the Yellow Jackets will be at Tech.

However, the Owls will play at Mississippi State on Nov. 14 and will receive $80,000, according to a copy of the contract obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution through an Open Records Request

The Owls also will play at Cincinnati on Nov. 29 and will receive $80,000, according to a copy of that contract.

Preston is entering his third season in charge of the team looking to turn around its fortunes. The Owls went 3-27 last year and 3-28 in the 2011-12 season.

Preston added two transfers from Auburn last year who are eligible to play this year in 6-10 center Willy Kouassi and 6-8 forward Bernard Morena.

Football

Georgia State: The team’s Sun Belt debut on Oct. 12 against Troy in the Georgia Dome will be broadcast on the Sun Belt Network, which will be CSS in the Atlanta market. The home game on Nov. 2 vs. Western Kentucky also will be broadcast on CSS, with the game time to be announced at a later date.

Georgia: Sophomore linebacker Jordan Jenkins of Hamilton has been chosen to the 2013 Butkus Award Watch List. He played in all 14 gams as a freshman last season and started six and had 31 tackles and five sacks.

Women’s basketball

Georgia Tech: Graduate assistant Deja Foster has been promoted to assistant coach, women’s basketball coach MaChelle Joseph said. Foster as a player at Georgia Tech was part of four 20-win seasons and NCAA Tournament berths and a three-time co-captain.

Baseball

Georgia: Three high school seniors are bypassing minor-league basesball and will continue their careers with the Bulldogs. Pitcher Robert Tyler (Orioles, 28th round), outfielder Stephen Wrenn (Braves, 28th round) and shortstop Michael Bell (Marlins, 37th round) will enroll. Also, pitcher Patrick Boling will return for his senior season. Four recruitsopted to sign pro contracts: outfielder Clint Frazier (Indians, 1st round), pitcher Blake Shouse (Rockies, 5th round), catcher/pitcher Jarrett Freeland (Reds, 15th round) and shortstop Wesley Jones (Rockies, 31st round).