Who: Kennesaw State (5-1, 1-0) at Liberty (3-4, 0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Three things to know
1. Kennesaw State defeated Gardner-Webb 12-7 last week to win its inaugural game in the Big South Conference. The Owls dominated the Bulldogs, but needed an interception on the goal line in the final seconds to preserve the win. The Owls committed too many mistakes inside Gardner-Webb’s 20-yard line, which resulted in field-goal attempts instead of potential touchdowns.
2. Since defeating Georgia State 41-33 in the Georgia Dome, the Flames have lost their past two games to Gardner-Webb, 34-20, and to Monmouth, 20-17 in overtime. This will be Liberty’s first home game in more than a month, and it is homecoming.
3. The Owls are averaging 37.8 points per game and allowing 14.7. Liberty is averaging 24.4 points and allowing 28.
Player to watch: Kennesaw State offense
BB Jake McKenzie. He and Trey Chivers will split duties at B-back behind quarterback Trey White. Because Gardner-Webb's front seven was stout and keyed on the pitch, neither Chivers nor McKenzie got many chances to run last week, combining for 19 rushes and 62 yards.
Player to watch: Kennesaw State defense
DL Nick Perrotta. He may have the best hands on the team after grabbing his second interception of the season last week. He returned the first against East Tennessee State for a touchdown. His second prevented a potential game-winning touchdown for Gardner-Webb.
Player to watch: Liberty offense
QB Josh Woodrum. He said earlier this week that the Flames were going to win their remaining games and return to the FCS playoffs. He is doing his part, passing for more than 640 yards in the past two losses. The running game, which posted a season-high 260 yards against Georgia State, disappeared to the tune of only 126 yards in the past two games. Woodrum needs 165 yards to become the school's all-time leading passer.
Player to watch: Gardner-Webb defense
DL Chima Uzowihe. He is tied for fourth nationally with 7 1/2 sacks. He is the Big South and school's leader with 24.5 in his career.
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