The second round of the FCS playoffs is here, and the Kennesaw State Owls will face a familiar opponent. KSU will take on East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in Johnson City, Tennessee. Both teams have faced each other twice in their history, and ETSU is KSU’s first-ever opponent. The game took place in 2015 and the Owls came away with a 56-16 victory.
KSU is coming off a big 48-21 win over Davidson who had the No. 1 rushing offense in the FCS. The Owls outrushed Davidson in the game 305-217, and quarterback Xavier Shepherd led the way with four rushing touchdowns. He also was strong in the passing game, completing four of his five passes for 115 yards and one touchdown.
Special teams also played a big role in KSU’s win last week as running back Gabriel Benyrd recorded the first punt return for a touchdown in Owls history. The 63-yard return also marked the first punt return for a touchdown and the longest punt return in Big South Conference postseason history.
The win also marked head coach Brian Bohannon’s 63rd overall win with the Owls. Bohannon is now tied for the Big South Conference record in wins.
ETSU is No. 7 seed in the playoffs, meaning they had a bye in the first round. The Buccanneers are the Southern Conference champions and beat FBS school Vanderbilt to start the year. Running back Quay Holmes was named Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Year while offensive lineman Tre’mond Shorts, linebackers Jared Folks and Donovan Manuel and defensive back Tyree Robinson were selected to the All-Southern Conference First Team.
Who: Kennesaw State Owls at ETSU Buccaneers
When: December 3, 2021, 2 p.m. ET
Where: William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium | Johnson City, Tennessee
TV and Online: ESPN+
Radio: KSU Owls App
Prediction: KSU 35, ETSU, 34
