The Kennesaw State offense showed what it can do when it doesn’t turn the ball over. The Owls racked up 493 yards of offense.
Arguably the play of the game came early with Marshall leading 7-0 poised to take a two score lead, Porter picked off a pass ending the scoring threat at the goal line.
In a reverse of some other games this season the Owls started slow trailing 14-7 a the half but came out firing scoring 24 second half points behind a strong passing game and long catch and runs.
Marshall tied the game with just over 4 minutes left in the game but Kennesaw State methodically drove down the field kicking a field goal as time expired.
Quarterback Davis Bryson was safe but successful going 18-21 for 388 yards and 4 touchdowns. Michael Benefield led the backfield with 115 yards.
Kennesaw State Owls 31 - Marshall Thundering Herd 28 (Final Score)
Game Breakdown:
First Quarter:
Marshall struck first, with a 7-point lead after the opening quarter. Kennesaw State didn’t answer back until the second quarter, trailing 7-0.
Second Quarter:
The Owls rallied, scoring 7 points to tie the game at 7-all. Marshall responded with another touchdown, but Kennesaw State scored again, making it 14-14 by halftime.
Third Quarter:
The teams exchanged touchdowns, with Kennesaw State pulling ahead with a 14-point quarter to Marshall’s 7, giving the Owls a 24-21 lead going into the final quarter.
Fourth Quarter:
Marshall was persistent, managing to score 7 points, but Kennesaw State’s defense held strong and pushed ahead with a final 10 points, securing the 31-28 victory.
Offensive Performance:
Kennesaw State:
Quarterback: Davis Bryson had a dominant performance, completing 18 of 21 passes for 388 yards, tossing 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. His efficiency was reflected in a staggering 303.8 passer rating.
Receiving: Christian Moss led the receiving corps with 7 catches for 163 yards and a touchdown. Tykeem Wallace also had a big performance, adding 84 yards and a touchdown.
Rushing: Michael Benefield led the ground attack with 115 yards on 23 carries, while Bryson contributed with negative rushing yards due to sacks.
Total Offense: 493 yards, with 388 yards through the air and 105 yards on the ground.
Marshall:
Quarterback: Braylon Braxton threw for 341 yards, completing 17 of 25 passes with 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. His performance, although impressive, couldn’t fully overcome Kennesaw State’s offensive firepower.
Receiving: Elijah Metcalf was a standout, hauling in 3 catches for 105 yards and 2 touchdowns. A.J. Turner also contributed 95 yards, while Christian Fitzpatrick scored a touchdown.
Rushing: A.J. Turner rushed for 85 yards on 7 carries, including a 67-yard run.
Total Offense: 427 yards, with 341 yards passing and 86 yards rushing.
Defensive Performance:
Kennesaw State:
Kennesaw State’s defense struggled to generate sacks or turnovers. Despite this, their secondary was able to contain Marshall’s aerial attack to some extent. However, they couldn’t prevent the Thundering Herd from getting into the end zone.
Marshall:
Marshall’s defense made a strong showing, led by Monroe Beard III, who racked up 13 tackles, and Mike Green, who notched 2 sacks. However, they couldn’t stop Bryson’s high-powered passing game, nor prevent the Owls from getting key plays in the second half.
Special Teams:
Kennesaw State:
No notable special teams performance for the Owls, with no punts or kick returns registered.
Marshall:
Rece Verhoff was perfect on extra points, going 4-for-4, but there were no field goals attempted.
Final Thoughts:
This thrilling game showcased Kennesaw State’s explosive offense, led by Davis Bryson and his receiving crew. Despite a strong effort from Marshall, particularly from Braxton and Metcalf, the Owls’ balance and Bryson's precision passing ultimately proved to be the difference-maker. Kennesaw State’s 31-28 victory was hard-earned, but they held off a persistent Marshall offense to claim the win.
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