Kennesaw State Owls Break Scoring Record in 62-13 Win Over Alabama State

KENNESAW, Georgia  – A nearly two-hour lightning delay turned out to be a spark for Kennesaw State as it amassed 563 yards of offense and broke the program scoring record in a 62-13 victory over Alabama State in its home opener Saturday at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
 
After both teams waited out a one hour and 42-minute delay, lightning struck for the Owls (2-1) as they forced a quick turnover and scored on their second offensive play as Shaquil Terrycapped a 27-yard drive with a 17-yard run, igniting Kennesaw State to its most lopsided victory over an FCS opponent in program history. The score came 1:10 into the game. 
 
The Owls gained 417 yards on the ground, received three rushing touchdowns from quarterback Chandler Burks and 136 yards on the three first-half carries by running back Darnell Holland.
 
Kennesaw State scored on two of its first four possessions, then reached the end zone on its next four drives, capping the second quarter with a 70-yard run by Holland that sent the Owls into the locker room with a 42-6 halftime lead.  

Box Score (PDF) | Quotes (PDF) | Notes (PDF)
 
The fireworks continued in the third quarter as Isaac Foster returned the second half kickoff a Kennesaw State-record 100 yards for a 49-6 lead. Two Nathan Robertson field goals and a 6-yard touchdown run by quarterback Daniel David concluded a stretch in which the Owls scored on eight straight possessions to lead 62-13 heading into the fourth quarter.
 
The Kennesaw State defense limited Alabama State (1-2) to 314 total yards, forced three turnovers and was led by Courtney Mills, Bryson Armstrong and Le'Vonte Larry, who had six tackles apiece. Mills had 1.5 tackles for loss, including half a sack, while Travis Bell had a forced fumble and recovery, Desmond Johnson, Jr. forced a fumble, Andrew Butcherrecovered a fumble and Demetrius Pettway returned his first career interception 34 yards.
 
Kennesaw State continues its four-game home stand on Saturday (Sept. 22) when it hosts Clark Atlanta at 6 p.m.
 
POSTGAME NOTES
Team

• The game began late after experiencing officially a one and 42-minute weather delay.
• Kennesaw State improves to 2-1 on the season and 1-0 at home. It also improves to 2-0 all-time against Alabama State.
• The win extends KSU's home-winning streak to 10 games. The Owls have not lost at Fifth Third Bank Stadium since Oct. 15, 2016 (700 days).
• The Owls have now won 14 of their last 16 games dating back to 2017.
• The Owls improve to 4-1 all-time against opponents hailing from the state of Alabama.
• Kennesaw State's 62 points is the most points scored in a game for KSU. The previous record was 58 scored against Edwards on Sept. 12, 2015.
• KSU extending its takeaway streak to 17 games with two fumble recoveries and an interception
• Kennesaw State has recorded a fumble recovery in all three games this season.
• KSU had three one-play scoring drives against ASU, the fifth one-play drive of the season and 13th in the last two years.
• The Owls had four scoring drives of less than a minute, increasing its season total to seven.
• KSU's 42 points in the first half marks the most points scored in the opening half since Oct. 10, 2016 against Furman (49).
• KSU recorded 563 yards of total offense, the second straight game with 500 or more yards.
• KSU's 14 tackles for loss is the most in program history.

 Individual

• Chandler Burks recorded three rushing touchdowns for the second straight game, his seventh career game with three or more rushing touchdowns.
• Burks moves into fifth place in Big South Conference history with 33 career rushing touchdowns.
• With his three touchdowns today, Burks recorded his seventh career game to move into a tie for first place in Big South history.
• Justin Sumpter scored his second touchdown of the season, moving him into fourth place on Kennesaw State's all-time scoring list with 115 career points.
• Sumpter has the Owls' only two receiving touchdowns this season.
• Darnell Holland led the team with a career-high 136 rushing yards on three first-half carries.
• Holland's 70-yard rushing TD is the sixth-longest rushing attempt in KSU history.
• QB Daniel David's 65-yard rush in the third quarter established a career-long.
• Freshman Isaac Foster's 100-yard kickoff return was the first of his career and established a KSU record.  
• Justin Thompson extended his consecutive PATs made streak to 92.  

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