KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State football begins the 2023 season with the second Thursday night home opener in program history. The Owls welcome the Tusculum Pioneers to Fifth Third Bank Stadium with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. and a fireworks show scheduled for halftime.
The Rundown
Game Sponsor: Ed Voyles Automotive Group.
Opponent: Tusculum Pioneers
Date: Thursday, Aug. 31
Site: Fifth Third Bank Stadium; Kennesaw, Ga.
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
TV: ESPN+
Radio: KSU Owls App
Live Stats: Click Here
Game Notes: KSU | TU
Tickets: Purchase
Parking Map: View Lots
Gameday Central: Click Here
2023 Schedule: Click Here
FB Media Guide: Click Here
Top Storylines
- Head coach Brian Bohannon was busy this offseason, hiring both a new offensive and defensive coordinator. New OC Chris Klenakis joins KSU from Liberty and has coached both Heisman winner Lamar Jackson and former NFC Champion Colin Kaepernick in his career. KSU’s new DC Nathan Burton previously spent time as Georgia Tech’s co-defensive coordinator and as a secondaries coach for the USFL’s New Orleans Breakers.
- Kennesaw State football is looking to improve to 5-4 in season openers and 8-1 in home openers. The Owls have won six-consecutive home-openers inside Fifth Third Bank Stadium with the only loss being to East Tennessee State in 2016.
- KSU has a history of defending The Nest. The Owls have won 22 consecutive games vs. non-conference opponents inside Fifth Third Bank Stadium and are 25-1 overall.
- The Kennesaw State offense has scored a point in 92-straight games and has reached the double-digit mark in each of its last 70 contests. The last time the Owls scored less than 10 points was in November of 2016.
- In its 92 games as a program, Kennesaw State football has only been out-rushed six times. In its 48 home contests, KSU has been out-rushed only twice.
Numbers to Know
- 42 – A victory would give Kennesaw State football its 42nd win inside Fifth Third Bank Stadium. In their eight seasons, the Owls have posted a 41-7 home record.
- 23 – Kennesaw State is looking to win its 23rd consecutive non-conference home game.
- 8 – The Owls would improve to 8-0 against Division II opponents with a win on Thursday night.
- 1 – 2023 is the final season for Kennesaw State football in the FCS classification. The Owls officially join the FBS and Conference USA effective July 1, 2024.
Best Ever
No other start-up program in college football history had more wins in its first five seasons than Kennesaw State with 48 victories.
Dynasty Mode
Dating back to week two of the 2017 season, Kennesaw State has won 54 of its last 69 games for an .783 winning percentage.
Owl Walk
The team will be dropped off on Busbee Drive at the entrance to the green lot two hours before kickoff. Led by the band and spirit squads, head coach Brian Bohannon will escort the Owls off the buses and into the stadium.
Owl Town
A free pregame tailgate is back for Owl fans of all ages beginning 2.5 hours before kickoff. Live bands, free food from J.D.’s BBQ, sponsor tents, and more will stretch George Busbee Parkway to add to the gameday atmosphere.
Collect Your Rally Towel
Fans are encouraged to arrive early to collect the first of five unique rally towels. For each of KSU’s five home games, a rally towel specific to that game will be given out while supplies last. New this year, gates open 90 minutes prior to kickoff.
Premium Seat Entrance
The premium ticket entrance remains available for all loge, indoor and concourse suite holders throughout the 2023 season. The entrance will be available at the Georgia Natural Gas Gate and is located at the farthest left lane for easy access into the stadium.
FLIGHT27 Freshmen Runout
The FLIGHT tradition is back for the 2023 season! The freshmen FLIGHT27 squad will run out of the tunnel and into Fifth Third Bank Stadium minutes before the KSU football team to celebrate the kickoff of another school year.
New This Season
KSUOwls.com has released a series of notes leading up to the lid-lifter Thursday evening. Click here for the list of top things fans should know this season.
Clear Bag Policy
In an effort to provide a safer environment, enhance fan experience and significantly expedite entry into Fifth Third Bank Stadium, Kennesaw State adheres by a clear bag policy. Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar) are permitted in the stadium. Individuals may also carry a small clutch purse, no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″, with or without a handle or strap. All clear bags and clutch purses will be screened prior to entry into the venue. All bags and purses not meeting the above requirements will not be permitted. Although permitted, childcare items, including diapers, must also be carried in an approved clear bag. Bags needed for medical reasons will be allowed and will need to enter through the Georgia Natural Gas gate to be checked.
Faculty/Staff Winner
KSU Athletics is excited to welcome Tina Brown and her Owl colleagues. Brown, who works in Campus Services, is the winner of this week’s KSU Faculty and Staff ticket raffle. Thank you, Tina, for your support of KSU Athletics and Melanie Uken from KSU Human Resources for organizing this contest!
Season Tickets
Season tickets are still available for the 2023 season and feature discounted concessions, season long parking pass discounts and first right of refusal for seats heading into Conference USA in 2024. Click here for more information.
For more information on Kennesaw State athletics, follow @KennesawStFB on Twitter or like Kennesaw State Football on Facebook and Instagram.
