The 2021 regular season is winding down for the Kennesaw State football team. On Saturday, the Owls will take on North Alabama in the final road game of the season, and it will be the second all-time meeting between the schools. In 2019, KSU defeated North Alabama 41-17.
The Owls (8-1, 5-0 in Big South Conference) enter the game at the No. 5 team in the FCS. They have been able to climb up the rankings due to being efficient on both sides of the ball. Offensively, the Owls rank second in the FCS in rushing yards per game (258.6) and passing yards per completion (17.4). Defensively, KSU ranks first in the Big South in points allowed per game (17), rushing yards allowed per game (108.1) and passing yards allowed per game (198.7).
Quarterback Xavier Shepherd has emerged as one of the best players in the country. He leads the Big South in touchdowns responsible for (25) and total points scored (72). Shepherd also ranks fifth in the FCS in rushing touchdowns (12) and is now on the Walter Payton Award Watch list.
North Alabama (2-7, 1-3) is coming off a 45-33 loss to Monmouth. The Lions defense has struggled to stop opponents this season, allowing 30 points per game. The one player to watch is wide receiver Dexter Boykin who has caught 39 passes for 609 yards and five touchdowns this year.
Who: Kennesaw State Owls at North Alabama Lions
When: November 13, 2021, 3 p.m. ET
Where: Braly Stadium | Florence, Alabama
TV and Online: ESPN+
Radio: KSU Owls App
Prediction: KSU 38, North Alabama 17
