Sept. 3, at East Tennessee State, 7:30 p.m.
The first game features two start-up programs. The Buccaneers disbanded their program in 2003 before reviving it again. Former North Carolina big-whistle Carl Torbush is the team’s coach.
Sept 12, vs. Edward Waters, 4 p.m.
It’s the first home game for the Owls at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. Edward Waters plays on the NAIA level. Tickets for the game are sold out.
Sept. 19, vs. Shorter, 1 p.m.
Continuing the circuit of opponents that start-ups must face, the Owls will host the Hawks, which play Division II and are members of the Gulf South Conference. They finished 3-8 last season.
Sept. 26, at Dayton, 6 p.m.
The first true test against an established program. Though the Flyers play in the non-scholarship Pioneer Football League, this game should help Owls fans figure out how thing might go in the coming Big South Conference games.
Oct. 10, vs. Point, 1 p.m.
The Skyhawks are the homecoming opponent. Point, an NAIA team, finished 1-9 last season.
Oct. 17, vs. Gardner-Webb, 1 p.m.
The first Big South Conference football game in Kennesaw State’s history. The Bulldogs went 0-5 to finish last in the conference last season.
Oct. 24, at Liberty, 7 p.m.
If Gardner-Webb was the worst team in the Big South last season, then the Flames were one of the best in going 4-1 to finish tied with Coastal Carolina for first. The Flames are No. 16 in Sporting News’ FCS Top 25.
Oct. 31, vs. Monmouth, 1 p.m.
The Hawks went 1-4 in their first season in the Big South last season. They return 15 starters, including nine on defense.
Nov. 7, vs. Charleston Southern, 1 p.m.
The Buccaneers are No. 24 in Sporting News’ FCS Top 25, the first time in program history it has cracked the poll. They return eight starters from a team that finished 8-4 last season. Next to the first game, this is the marquee home game.
Nov. 14, at Coastal Carolina, 2 p.m.
The Chanticleers advanced to the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs last year and finished 12-2. Fifteen starters return from that team, including quarterback Alex Ross. They are No. 6 in Sporting News’ FCS Top 25.
Nov. 21, at Presbyterian, 2 p.m.
The Blue Hose were 3-2 in conference games last season.
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