The UT Martin Skyhawks are the main course on the menu for the Kennesaw State Owls’ Homecoming festivities in a non-conference matchup this Saturday at Fifth Third Stadium. This game marks an important test for both programs as they look to get things moving in a positive direction after slow starts.  

                                                                     The Matchup

  The Skyhawks enter this contest with a 1-3 record, coming off a narrow 31-24 loss to Missouri State last weekend. Despite the losing record, UT Martin has shown flashes of potential, particularly on offense. Quarterback Kaiya Sheron has been a bright spot, completing 74.1% of his passes for 213 yards and 2 touchdowns in the team’s last outing.

  Kennesaw State, on the other hand, is still searching for its first win of the season, sitting at 0-3. The Owls are in their inaugural season as an FBS program after transitioning from the FCS level. This move has presented significant challenges, as evidenced by their struggles in early season matchups against UTSA, Louisiana, and San Jose State.

   When sizing up this week’s opponent, Head Coach Brian Bohannon sees a team that is much better than its record. “You look at the last three years, they’ve either won their conference or a share of it…predicted to win again this year,” he said.  Indeed, the Skyhawks have gone 25-10 in their last three seasons. 

                                                                                                                                           Key Players to Watch

   UT Martin: Kaiya Sheron (QB): The Skyhawks’ signal-caller has shown accuracy and playmaking ability, completing 20 of 27 passes in their last game.

   Patrick Smith (RB): Smith leads the team in rushing with 353 yards and 4 touchdowns on the season.

   Trevonte Rucker (WR): Rucker has emerged as a top target, hauling in 6 catches for 73 yards in the team’s last contest.

   Kennesaw State: Davis Bryson (QB): Bryson has thrown for 423 yards on the season but will need to improve his efficiency to give the Owls a chance.

   Michael Benefield (RB): The team’s leading rusher will look to establish the ground game against UT Martin’s defense.

   Qua Ashley (WR): Ashley leads the Owls in receiving yards and will be a key target in the passing game.

                                                                                                                                              Game Planning

   UT Martin’s offensive approach will center around a balanced attack. The Skyhawks have shown the ability to move the ball through the air with Sheron at quarterback, while also featuring a strong ground game led by Patrick Smith. Establishing the run early could open up play-action opportunities and keep the KSU defense off-balance.

   Defensively, the Skyhawks will need to focus on containing Kennesaw State’s rushing attack. In their previous game, UT Martin’s run defense was effective, allowing just 15 yards on 30 carries.  The Owls normally proficient run game has struggled. Replicating this performance could force the Owls into uncomfortable passing situations.

   For Kennesaw State, the key will be finding offensive consistency. The Owls have struggled to put points on the board, averaging just 12 points per game through their first three contests. Establishing a rhythm early and controlling the clock with their running game could be crucial in keeping UT Martin’s offense off the field.

   Defensively, KSU will need to shore up their pass defense, which has been vulnerable in previous games. Limiting big plays and forcing UT Martin into third-and-long situations will be essential for Kennesaw State to stay competitive.

                                                                                                                                           What It Means

  This game represents an opportunity for both teams to gain momentum as they approach the midpoint of their seasons. For UT Martin, a win would even their record at 2-2 and provide a confidence boost before entering conference play. Kennesaw State, meanwhile, is hungry for its first victory as an FBS program. A win against UT Martin would be a significant milestone in the Owls’ transition to the higher level of competition.

   Interestingly, UT Martin’s head coach, Jason Simpson, was complaining about how facing KSU as an FBS team was not what they signed up for at the time the Owls were still at the FCS level.
   “Now, they’re at 85 scholarships compared to 63. I don’t know that that’s anybody’s fault. But, you need to write those contracts tighter to benefit your program.”

   The betting markets slightly favor UT Martin in this matchup, with a predicted score of 21-10 in favor of the Skyhawks. However, given Kennesaw State’s home-field advantage, this game could be closer than anticipated.

   The two teams have meet once before on the football field. On November 5, 2022, KSU won in Tennessee 44-27.

   Fans can catch all the action at Fifth Third Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 6:00 PM. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.