Kennesaw State overcame 24 points scored by Tennessee-Martin in the second quarter to defeat the Skyhawks 44-27 on Saturday in Martin, Tenn.

The Owls trailed 27-24 after three quarters before scoring the game’s final 20 points.

Kennesaw State (5-4) allowed 286 yards passing (28-of-46 with two touchdowns), but the Owls intercepted five passes, setting a school record.

Chance Gamble intercepted three passes (for 128 return yards, including an 89-yard TD return), and Deontre Morris intercepted a pass with 2:27 to play in the fourth quarter and the Owls leading 31-27 that helped secure the victory. Markeith Montgomery, KSU’s career leader, had the team’s other interception.

Isaac Foster rushed for 97 yards on 13 carries, and quarterback Xavier Shepherd rushed for 86 yards and passed for 123. Shepherd rushed for three touchdowns and passed for two more.

Kennesaw State held Tennessee-Martin (5-4) to 87 yards rushing on 19 carries. The Owls finished with 268 yards rushing on 69 carries.

Kennesaw State returns home to play Austin Peay at 1 p.m. Saturday in its regular-season home finale.

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Kennesaw State head coach Jerry Mack celebrates with players after Kennesaw State beat UTEP during an NCAA college football game at Fifth Third Stadium, Tuesday, October 28, 2025 in Kennesaw. Kennesaw State won 33-20 over University of Texas at El Paso. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

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Gov. Brian Kemp. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

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