By: By Jake Dorow
GAMEDAY TIMELINE
9 a.m. -- Parking lots open for tailgating
11 a.m. -- Box Office opens
12 p.m. -- Owl Walk (corner of Big Shanty and Busbee Drive)
12:30 p.m. -- Gates open
2 p.m. -- Kickoff
NEW SECURITY PROCEDURES TO CONTINUE SATURDAY | For more information, click here
In continuing efforts to expedite entry while maintaining the safety of all patrons, the Owls will continue new pregame security protocols for football games at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. As always, early arrival is important, and patrons are asked to familiarize themselves with the
Clear Bag policy and follow instructions from stadium personnel. Some of the changes:
- Stadium gates will open 90 minutes prior to kickoff. This will allow patrons more time to enter the stadium, the opportunity to view warmups, and enjoy concessions and vendors inside the stadium.
- Security personnel will increase at all gates to help alleviate congestion.
- Walk-through metal detectors will be located at certain high-traffic gates, while "wanding" will continue at all other gates. To minimize impact, please be prepared to remove your cell phone, camera, hat, keys and any other large metal objects from your person. You will not need to remove your watch, wallet, belt, jacket, shoes or coins.
- The Clear Bag policy will still be enforced at all gates. A separate line will be added at Gate B for those without bags.
HOW TO WATCH IT
Saturday's game is production of the NCAA and airs nationally on ESPN3. Dan Gutowsky and Marcus Ray have the call. To view the game,
click this link or download the WatchESPN app on your smartphone or tablet.
HOW TO HEAR IT
The game can also be heard live on ESPN 1230 and 106.3 The Fan 2 with Brian Giffin, Tutan Reyes and Nathan McCreary on the call. The Owls' pregame show begins at 1:30 p.m. You can hear the game in Atlanta on 1230AM and 106.3 FM. The game will also be streamed on atlantasportsstation.com or via The Fan 2's TuneIn app for your iPhone or Android device.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Be sure to follow @KennesawStFB for in-game updates on Twitter and use the hashtag #GoKSUOwls.
FIRST & 10
- Riding a school record 10-game winning streak, Kennesaw State welcomes Samford to Fifth Third Bank Stadium. The Owls are the first FCS program (since 2008) to host a first round matchup in just their third-year of existence.
- Kennesaw State enters Saturday ranked 16/18 in the FCS Coaches and STATS FCS Polls, respectively, after clinching the Big South Conference Championship and automatic berth to the NCAA D-I Playoffs. The rankings are the highest in the program's young history mark a program-record four consecutive weeks in the Top 25.
- The Owls have joined Old Dominion as the only two FCS programs (since 2008) to secure winning seasons in each of their first three years in existence. KSU's 24 wins over its first three seasons are second-most by a start-up Division-I team since 2008 – Old Dominion was 27-8
- KSU is out-scoring opponents 220-75 at home this season, including 55-14 in the first quarter and hold a 97-26 advantage in the second frame. KSU owns a 152-40 scoring difference over the first 30 minutes of action at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. The Owls are a perfect 6-0 at home this season.
- The Owls, who have the nation's third-longest winning streak, are averaging 32.6 points, 435.3 total yards, 343.6 rushing yards and 91.7 passing yards during their 10-game winning streak.
- The defense pitched a second-half shutout in the Big South title game versus Monmouth last Saturday, forcing a KSU-tying record five turnovers. KSU's defense ranks fifth nationally in scoring defense (14.5), 13th in rushing defense (1005.ypg), and ninth in total defense (281.5 ypg)
- Kennesaw State tallied two more interceptions last Saturday, giving the team a nation's best 21 on the season. The Owls have compiled at least one pick in every game this season. KSU's 32 takeaways and turnover margin (+23) rank first in the nation and holds a 117-10 (+107) margin in points-off-turnover scoring.
- The Owls posted 26 more first downs a week ago and held the ball for 35:55, including a 10:25 third and 12:56 fourth quarters. The Owls rank sixth in the nation in Time of Possession and have won the TOP battle in 10 of 11 games, surpassing 32 minutes seven times.
- Kennesaw State enters the game as the nation's best rushing team for the fourth consecutive week, averaging 339.0 yards per game. The Owls are coming off a 405-yard performance vs. Monmouth, marking the eighth straight game the Owls rushed for at least 300 yards. Kennesaw State has out-rushed opponents 3,729-1,106 (+2,623) and a 36-7 advantage in rushing touchdowns over the season.
- In addition to leading the country in rushing, the Owls are ranked first in the Big South in total offense (445.3ypg), second in scoring (31.7), sixth in the nation in TOP (33:33) and second in the conference in Red Zone (83%).
CAPTAINS
Head Coach
Brian Bohannon has selected junior QB
Chandler Burks, redshirt freshman LB Bryson Armstrong and junior DB
Nicolas Snowden as Saturday's captains.
FAN INFORMATION
Visit www.KSUOwls.com/Gameday for information on parking, tailgating on stadium regulations. Fans are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the stadium's list of prohibited items (below), in order to expedite the entry process. For security purposes, a Clear Bag Policy will be enforced this season. Please see
KSUOwls.com/clearbags for more information.
CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY PHOTO STAND
Fans will have a special opportunity to take a photo with the Big South Championship trophy Saturday afternoon. The trophy stand opens at 12 until 1:30 p.m. outside of Gate B. Sturgis and Scrappy will be present for photo opportunities as well.
MEN'S BASKETBALL TICKET DISCOUNTS
Any fan that brings their FCS ticket stub to the Convocation Center Saturday after the game will have an opportunity to get $5 off a KSU Men's Basketball ticket. The Owls host Tennessee State at 7 p.m. on ESPN3.
PARKING
Parking lots open five hours prior to kickoff at 9 a.m.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Outside alcoholic beverages
Weapons of any kind (i.e. knives (including pocket knives), pepper spray, stun-guns, slingshots, concealed weapons, firearms, etc.)
Fireworks of any kind (including smoke bombs and flares)
No glass and plastic bottles, cans, coolers, containers, food or beverages of any kind
Air horns, whistles, seat cushions with backs
Illegal drugs or chemicals
Laser pointers
Umbrellas
Animals (except service animals)
Unapproved pamphlets, handouts, advertisements, etc.
Skateboards, roller blades, roller skates, roller shoes, etc.
Other items as may be determined by stadium security, staff or management
Personal cameras are permitted. Professional cameras/large detachable lens and tripods are not permitted without promoter approval. Video is only permitted with promoter approval and credentials.
-#GoKSUOwls-
