Kennesaw State snapped a six-game losing streak with a 44-28 win over Middle Tennessee in Murfreesboro, fueled by three touchdown passes from Rickie Collins and a 59-yard pick-six by Tywon Christopher. The Owls’ offense produced its best showing against a Conference USA opponent in regulation, while the defense tightened after halftime.

By the Numbers
  • Kennesaw State won, 44-28.
  • Collins completed 16 of 19 passes for 206 yards and 3 touchdowns.
  • Christopher returned an interception 59 yards for a touchdown.
  • Middle Tennessee converted 9 of 11 third downs in the first half, then 2 of 9 in the second.
  • The Owls held the ball for 19:41, compared with Middle Tennessee’s 40:19.
Yes, But

Kennesaw State won despite controlling possession for less than 20 minutes—a first in program history. The lopsided time-of-possession battle makes the defensive second-half turnaround and the Owls’ efficiency especially notable.

State of Play
  • Kennesaw State is 2-6 overall and 1-3 in Conference USA.
  • The win is the Owls’ second straight over Middle Tennessee and their first since a six-game skid.
  • KSU gained 6.6 yards per play, its best mark against an FBS opponent this season.
Bottom Line

The victory gives Kennesaw State a needed reset: the Owls paired an explosive offense with a defense that adjusted after halftime, even while losing the possession battle decisively.