Kennesaw State had the opportunity Saturday to top its win total from last season and push its current win streak to three games — and the team delivered.
The Owls (7-2, 2-1 Big South) handled Clark Atlanta (5-5, 3-4 SIAC) from start to finish at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in a 56-0 win. In similar fashion to last week’s 49-17 victory over Monmouth, KSU came out hot and didn’t let up or allow the opposition a chance to climb back into the game.
Here are five observations from the game.
1. Chaston Bennett could not be stopped
The senior running back put on a show Saturday, and for much of the game it looked as if Clark Atlanta had no chance of tackling him. His 179 rushing yards and 267 all-purpose yards set program single-game records, but what made the numbers even more incredible, is that did it on just 11 touches.
He also had two touchdowns — a 27-yard reception and a 48-yard rush — in a little more than two quarters of action.
“I feel like I took advantage of most of the opportunities I had,” Bennett said. “Every time I touch the ball, my mindset is to score.”
2. The KSU defense followed up a good performance with another good performance
Defensive coordinator Brian Newberry’s unit has had good games this season, but this was the first time it had two consecutive solid outings.
The Panthers were held to a season-low 246 yards, and the Owls posted their first shutout in program history. It also was the first time this season Clark Atlanta went without a score.
3. Special teams showed improvement
Coach Brian Bohannon said special teams was the biggest flaw in last week’s game. On Saturday, the unit had a bounce-back performance.
“I’ll give those guys some props,” Bohannon said. “I thought our coverage was better. Which is something for us to have a chance in these last two conference games we have to be better at.”
After putting the opening kickoff out of bounds, the group responded well and pinned the Panthers inside their own 20-yard line multiple times on kickoffs. A series mishaps and broken containments by the Clark Atlanta punt team also helped the Owls.
4. The KSU offense kept its foot on the gas
The Owls had 12 possessions and scored eight touchdowns. Outside of the two turnovers inside Clark Atlanta territory, the group could do no wrong.
The Owls had two touchdown drives of more than 90 yards, and the starters were out of the game early in the third quarter, allowing a lot of the backups to get in. The offense totaled 543 yards.
“The guys were probably more excited to see (backup players) play, than they were anything at the end of the game,” Bohannon said. “And that’s just awesome for your team. Awesome for the morale of your football team.”
5. The Owls got closer to playing a “complete game”
All season the players and coaches have stressed the idea of playing a “complete game” in every aspect of the game. Although Bohannon said they did not quite accomplish that Saturday, safety Taylor Henkle said this was the closest they have gotten this year. With two conference games to close the season, this victory was a solid step toward finishing strong and putting together that ultimate perforamce the team is still searching for.
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