On a rainy Saturday afternoon at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, Kennesaw State scored late to avoid an upset and defeated Gardner-Webb 34-30.
The Owls, who are known for their rushing attack, won this game through the air.
Quarterback Xavier Shepherd finished the game 12-of-14 passing for 209 yards and four touchdowns. That’s a departure from the norm for Shepherd, who is used to running often.
“It was really fun out there to be able to throw the ball a little bit (more),” Shepherd said. “We worked day in and day out in practice.”
Owls coach Brian Bohannon was glad his team got the win, regardless of whether by air or by ground.
“A win is a win,” Bohannon said. “We kept fighting. We couldn’t finish the game, but at the end of the day, our kids found a way.”
The Owls trailed 30-27 with 43 seconds remaining in the game. Shepherd led the offense downfield and finished the drive with the game-winning 15-yard touchdown pass to receiver Xavier Hill.
Before the play, Hill knew he had the opportunity to win the game.
“While I was in the huddle, I was telling Coach the same person is checking me and to throw the fade,” Hill said. “That’s what I really wanted. I wanted that since Game 1.”
Late in the third quarter, Shepherd threw his third touchdown pass of the game. Receiver Caleb O’Neal was the recipient of a 51-yard touchdown pass. The Owls took their first lead of the game with 47 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
A 43-yard field goal by Nathan Robertson with 7:30 to go in the fourth quarter put the Owls ahead 27-17.
Bulldogs running back Naril Gaither scored late in the fourth quarter, cutting the Owls’ lead to three points.
After the Bulldogs forced the Owls to go three and out, the Bulldogs took their third lead of the game. Gaither scored on a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Bailey Fisher, putting the Bulldogs ahead 30-27 with 43 seconds remaining in the game.
Shepherd led the Owls downfield in 32 seconds as he found Hill for the game-winning 15-yard touchdown pass.
The Bulldogs tried a hook-and-ladder play, but fumbled, and the Owls recovered with no time remaining.
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