Kennesaw Set for a Thrilling Showdown Against Western Kentucky
It’s another exciting night for football fans in Kennesaw, as the Kennesaw State Owls gear up to face off against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Wednesday, October 30, at 7:30 p.m. This thrilling game will be aired live on ESPN2, and there’s plenty to look forward to as these two teams clash in their mid-week Conference USA matchup.
Can the KSU Offense Keep Rolling?
The Owls’ offense has been looking magnificent lately, especially after their recent game against the Liberty Flames. Redshirt sophomore Davis Bryson truly stole the show, earning the title of the CUSA Offensive Player of the Week for his brilliant performance. After being benched during the game against Middle Tennessee, Bryson bounced back like a champ, showcasing his arm strength and precision. He started off strong, going 8-for-8 before finishing the night with a stellar 16-of-20, including a passing touchdown.
In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, Bryson achieved the third-highest passing grade in the nation at 92.5 and also scored a top grade among quarterbacks with an offensive grade of 90.1! This incredible effort helped the Owls amass 323 total yards against the Flames, and they are hoping to continue this momentum against the Hilltoppers, who currently claim the fifth-ranked defense in Conference USA.
What makes this matchup particularly interesting is Western Kentucky’s struggling passing defense, which has allowed 12 passing touchdowns and an average of 225.6 passing yards per game this season. With the Owl offense starting to gel and grow in confidence, they might just find a chink in the armor of the Hilltopper defense. So, will Bryson maintain this upward trajectory and keep the team’s offense rolling? Fans can’t wait to find out!
A Special Teams Unit on Fire!
Another bright spot in KSU’s game this season has been their special teams. Kicker Austin Welch, a redshirt junior, has been phenomenal, boasting a perfect field goal percentage of 11-for-11. With three of those field goals coming from over 40 yards, he played a crucial role in securing KSU’s first victory of the season. His notable performance against Liberty also earned him the CUSA Special Teams Player of the Week award.
On the punting side, Jacob Ulrich, a redshirt freshman, has been flipping the field effectively, with an average of 46.6 yards per punt. Out of his 35 attempts, 11 have soared over 50 yards! This performance is vital for keeping opposing teams pinned deep in their territory, allowing the Owl defense to shine.
As the game progresses, keep an eye on KSU’s special teams. Their ability to make critical plays can greatly impact the outcome of this matchup against Western Kentucky.
Can the Owls Hinder the Hilltopper Passing Game?
On the flip side, the Owls’ defense will have its hands full trying to contain the Hilltoppers’ quarterback, Caden Veltkamp. He’s been nothing short of impressive, throwing for 1,428 yards and racking up 14 passing touchdowns this season. Veltkamp leads the conference in passing touchdowns and has the highest quarterback efficiency rating, making him a serious threat.
The Owl defense has recently displayed strong performances, holding Middle Tennessee to just 199 passing yards and no touchdowns. Notably, they held Liberty at bay, which is all about maintaining that discipline and intensity. Key players to watch include Tyler Hallum, who’s leading the defense with nine pass breakups, and Jayven Williams, who also made impactful plays against Liberty.
With such strong efforts from both the offense and defense, there’s no telling what exciting moments await in this battle against the Hilltoppers. The Kennesaw State Owls are ready to show their skills and aim for another victory. Only time will tell if they can keep this winning streak alive!
So, mark your calendars and grab your flags as the Owls take on the Hilltoppers tonight. Go Owls!
