September 25, 2025

In This Issue 

Kennesaw State Owls Campus Sports

Along with News from the

Conference USA (C-USA)

Kennesaw State Owls Homecoming This Saturday against MTSU

Kennesaw State Owls (2-2, 0-0 CUSA)

vs Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

(1-3), 0-0 Conference USA)

Date: Saturday, September 27

Site: @ Fifth Third Stadium,

Kennesaw, GA



Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN+:Click Here

Play-by-Play: Nolan Alexander

Analyst: Caleb O’Neal

Sideline Reporter: Lexi Bowen

Radio: KSU Owls Radio Network

Play-by-Play: Bryce Gaubert

Analyst: Brandon Sutton

Sideline Reporter: Matthew Downing

Mobile Apps: KSU Owls App,

• Online: KSUOwls.com

• Satellite: SiriusXM Ch. 985

KSU Preview: Click Here

KSU Game Notes: Click Here

MTSU Game Notes: Click Here

C-USA Weekly Release: Click Here

Kennesaw State Sports: Click Here

Football Atlanta: Click Here

By Don Stone, KennesawStateSports.com

>>The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders will visit Kennesaw State at Fifth Third Stadium on September 27 for the Owls’ first Conference USA matchup of the 2025 season. It’s also KSU’s Homecoming game. The Owls look to continue their momentum from a strong start to the season.

 >>Head coach Jerry Mack said in his weekly press conference, “Playing Middle Tennessee is a big opportunity for us to showcase how far we’ve come. We respect their program, but our team is focused on executing our game plan and feeding off the energy of the home crowd.”

>>He emphasized the importance of home field advantage, noting, “Fifth Third Stadium always brings the intensity, and our fans create a great atmosphere that really motivates the team.”

  Middle Tennessee also comes into the game with determination after splitting their early games. Their own Homecoming Game was last weekend and it didn’t go so well as they fell to Marshall 42-28.

>>The Blue Raider quarterback, Nicholas Vattiato, has thrown for over 3,000 yards and 16 touchdowns this season, showing the MTSU’s offensive firepower. KSU’s Defensive Coordinator, Marc Mattioli, noted, “Limiting Vattiato and putting pressure on their passing game is key. We’ll be doing everything we can to disrupt their rhythm.”



Click Here For The Full Story

Watch Head Coach Jerry Mack's Weekly Press Conference Previewing Home Game With Middle Tennessee

>>"Now, we turn our attention to Middle Tennessee, first Conference USA game. We should be excited. In order to make all our hopes and dreams come true, there has to be an opportunity to go out there against conference opponents and we have to win those games...especially when we get a chance to host an opponent of their caliber here.

>>A well coached team. I've known (head) coach (Derek) Mason for several years now. An extremely knowledgeable former SEC coach. His staff, a lot of those guys have been around the block at all different levels. Offensively, they can throw the ball from anywhere on the field. The quarterback (Nicholas Vattiato) is a vet, he's a journeyman. A lot of different coordinators have been there with him. He always finds a way to be very productive, which is impressive.

>>On the defensive side of the ball, there are some new faces. But, the D-Line is one of the things that just continues to jump out at me. They have a linebacker, No. 9 (Parker Hughes), who is all over the field. Every time you turn on the film, he's involved in making stops. 

>>We're going to have to put our best foot forward and be on our "A" game anytime you get a chance to play a conference opponent.



Click Here To Watch

The Full Press Conference

Middle Tennessee Head Coach Derek Mason Press Conference Previewing Kennesaw State

>>Middle Tennessee head coach Derek Mason spoke in his weekly press conference on Monday, about the upcoming game against Kennesaw State and shared his thoughts on KSU head coach Jerry Mack.

>> State presents under Mack’s leadership. “Jerry’s done a great job building that program. They have several dynamic receivers who can give our secondary some real issues. We know we’re in for a tough test,” Mason said.

>>He praised Mack’s coaching background, noting the rapid rise in Mack’s career. “Jerry has climbed the coaching ranks fast, and his experience in both college and the NFL really shows in how his team competes week in and week out,” Mason added.

>>Mason highlighted the importance of preparation and focus against the Owls' offensive weapons. “We have to be disciplined in coverage, communicate well, and limit big plays. Stopping their run game will also be key to controlling the flow of this game.”

>>“Kennesaw State is a well-coached, disciplined team with a lot of playmakers,” he said. “We know their offense can move the ball, and their defense is aggressive and physical. It’s going to be a tough matchup.”

>>“Our focus is on limiting big plays and executing fundamentally sound football. We have to be sharp on defense, particularly in coverage, and contain their run game to control the flow of the game.”

Click Here To Watch Full Presser

CONFERENCE USA FOOTBALL This Week's Games

SEPTEMBER 20

(All times Eastern)

Saturday, September 27

New Mexico State @ New Mexico,

4:00 p.m. (Mountain West Network)

Liberty @ Old Dominion,

6:00 p.m. (ESPN+)

MTSU @ Kennesaw State,

6:00 p.m. (ESPN+)

Jax State @ Southern Miss,

7:00 p.m. (ESPN+)

WKU @ Missouri State,

7:00 p.m. (ESPN+)



LA Tech @ UTEP, 9:00 p.m. (ESPN+)

____

C-USA PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Offensive Player of the Week –

Amari Odom, Kennesaw State –

R-So. – QB

Defensive Player of the Week –

Kolbe Fields, LA Tech – R-Sr. – LB

Special Teams Player of the Week – Kyre Duplessis, Delaware –

Gr. – WR/PR

Freshman of the Week –

Wondame Davis Jr., UTEP – R-Fr. – WR

Offensive Lineman of the Week –

J.T. Pennington, KSU – R-Sr. – OL 

Conference USA Website - Click Here

Owls Look to Keep Rolling, Open CUSA Play vs. MTSU

>>• After winning back-to-back games to start its homestand, Kennesaw State football will look to ride that momentum into Conference USA play when it hosts Middle Tennessee on Saturday at Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium.

>>• The Owls are coming off two-straight wins, including last week’s 28-21 victory over Arkansas State that featured complete performances on both sides of the ball.

>>• r-So. QB Amari Odom made his second start for the Owls and set the program record for most total offense in a single-game with 409 yards (308 passing, 101 rushing), earning Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week honors.

>>• Odom is one of only two FBS quarterback this season to pass for 300, rush for 100 and have passing and rushing touchdowns.

>>• Also earning CUSA weekly honors was right guard r-Sr. OL JT Pennington, who was named Offensive Lineman of the Week after helping the Owls roll up 497 yards of offense, including 189 yards on the ground.

>>• In a conference-topping 85 snaps on Saturday, Pennington allowed zero sacks, QB hits, hurries or pressures and did not incur a penalty all game.

>>• In addition to three rushing touchdowns on the game, r-Sr. WR Gabriel Benyard became the first CUSA player this season to record multiple 100-yard receiving games with 114 on Saturday and a 54-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter.



Click Here For The Full Story

Owls Volleyball Plays At MTSU Friday & Saturday

>>Kennesaw State volleyball will travel to Murfreesboro, TN, to take on Middle Tennessee State for a Conference USA matchup Friday. The contest will be one of two meetings between the teams that weekend, as the Owls continue their season on the road.

>>KSU enters the weekend with a strong start to the season, holding an impressive record in both home and away contests. Head coach Keith Schunzel has lauded the team's depth and returning experience, led by seasoned upperclassmen and dynamic young players, who are expected to be key contributors in the clash against the Blue Raiders.

>>Middle Tennessee State, meanwhile, looks to defend its home court at Alumni Memorial Gymnasium. The Blue Raiders have developed a balanced lineup with a tough defensive unit and are eager to make a statement as conference play begins.

Owls Soccer Faces FIU, Missouri State at Home

>>After playing Western Kentucky in their CUSA opener, the Owls return home to host FIU (Thursday) and Missouri State (Sunday).

>>KSU is looking to regain momentum this week after a 2-1 setback against Western Kentucky on Sunday.

>>FIU and Missouri State both made the Women's College Cup in 2024 – having won the CUSA and Missouri Valley Conference.

>>Senior midfielder and team captain Aly Bryan made her 50th career start against Alabama State (9/17). She celebrated the occasion by scoring her first goal of the season – her third overall.

Click Here For The Full Story