Last season through five games, Kennesaw State was 4-1. Five games into the 2016 campaign, the Owls find themselves in that same exact spot.
KSU welcomes Liberty (2-3) to Fifth Third Bank Stadium on Saturday for both teams’ first conference game of the season. It was at this point in the season last year when the Owls let their season start to slip and they went just 2-4 in conference play to finish at 6-5.
With a year under their belts, players said they know what allowed that to happen and how they can prevent a repeat from a year ago.
“Last year we let all they hype and we let a lot of outside things affect us on and off the field,” linebacker Dez Billingslea. “At practice we were more focused with what’s going on with the media and what’s going on with the stadium … this year we’re more focused on us and what we have to do to be successful on the field. And I think that’s something the coaches have done an outstanding job instilling in us and nailing in our heads.”
Although a better understanding of what it takes mentally to get through the season can go a long way, the Owls simply being a better football team will also have an impact.
Coach Brian Bohannon Bohannon said he has seen serious improvement in the past year from his team, and the players second that opinion.
“We’re a different ball team this year than we were last year,” defensive lineman Nick Perrotta said. “Totally different as far as how we’re playing defense, how we’re playing offense. I think our offense has done a tremendous job this year. Defensively, we fell short of what our expectations were last year, so this is a redemption game for us. We want to make a statement on Saturday.”
Saturday, KSU will be tested against arguably its toughest opponent to date. With a stout front seven ready to cause havoc against the Owls’ triple-option attack, Liberty presents a difficult matchup for KSU’s offense. But that matchup is something Bohannon said he and his team are welcoming.
“Defensively, by far the most athletic team we have played to date,” Bohannon said. “It’s going to be an unbelievable challenge for our football team, but we’re excited about the opportunity.”
Last year, KSU was 5-1 before meeting up with the Flames. The Owls fell 45-35 in the road matchup that sparked a disappointing finish to the season that saw KSU lose four of its final five games.
Players said they remember what it was like losing on the road to Liberty and are eager to return the favor. Besides getting revenge, they also said they are looking to show where they stack up against a traditional Big South conference contender.
“Last year we felt like we didn’t get a lot of respect — and we didn’t help ourselves in that aspect either — and that’s something that’s been sitting with us for a whole year,” Billingslea said. “We felt like we let it go and we fed into the disrespect. … So this year, we basically just want to go out and compete and do better … and Saturday is going to be the start of that.”
About the Author
