In a stunning turn of events on Wednesday night, the Kennesaw State Owls achieved a monumental 27-24 victory over the previously unbeaten Liberty Flames. This win was not only Kennesaw State’s first of the season in Conference USA but also their first-ever victory against an FBS opponent. The upset snapped Liberty’s 17-game regular-season winning streak, which was the longest in the nation.
A Historic Upset for the Owls
Kennesaw State entered the game with a challenging 1-6 record and a history of struggles against top-tier opponents. Before Wednesday, the program was 0-10 against FBS teams. This victory marks a significant turning point for the Owls, giving them their first win over a Division I team since 2022 and their first-ever in Conference USA play.
The magnitude of this upset is felt across college football. According to ESPN research, this is one of only six times in the AP poll era that a team with a record of 0-5 or worse has defeated an opponent with a 5-0 or better record. The last time such a feat occurred was in 2001. For the fans and the program, this win is a powerful statement and a moment of history.
Key Moments that Sealed the Victory
The Owls’ offense was led by a trio of playmakers who stepped up when it mattered most. Quarterback Davis Bryson delivered a critical touchdown pass, while the ground game was powered by rushing scores from Michael Benefield and Qua Ashley. These players were instrumental in building and maintaining the lead against a formidable Liberty team.
A pivotal moment came late in the fourth quarter. Bryson led a clutch drive, connecting with Christian Moss and Blake Bohannon to move deep into Liberty’s territory. This drive set up a crucial 42-yard field goal by Austin Welch, which extended the Owls’ lead to 10 points with just over four minutes left to play.
The final moments were intense. After Liberty scored a late touchdown to close the gap to three, Kennesaw State’s defense held strong. They stopped Liberty’s onside kick attempt and, after a quick offensive stall, left the Flames with only six seconds for a final play. A fumbled lateral attempt by Liberty ended the game, sparking a massive celebration for Kennesaw State.
Liberty’s Winning Streak Snapped
For the Liberty Flames, the loss was a tough reality check. They came into the matchup as one of the few remaining unbeaten teams in the country, boasting the nation’s longest regular-season winning streak. Despite a strong performance from quarterback Kaidon Salter, who threw for 206 yards and three touchdowns, critical errors proved to be their downfall.
A key mistake occurred in the fourth quarter when a false start penalty on a fourth-and-6 situation pushed them out of field-goal range. Kennesaw State’s defense then forced an incomplete pass, ending the drive. Even after a late touchdown, the failed onside kick and a desperate final play sealed their fate, ending their perfect season.
Player Performance Highlights
| Team | Player | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Kennesaw State | Davis Bryson | 1 Touchdown Pass |
| Kennesaw State | Michael Benefield | 1 Rushing Touchdown |
| Kennesaw State | Austin Welch | 1 Game-Sealing Field Goal |
| Liberty | Kaidon Salter | 206 Passing Yards, 3 Touchdowns |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Kennesaw State vs. Liberty game?
The final score was Kennesaw State 27, Liberty 24. Kennesaw State pulled off a major upset against the previously undefeated Liberty Flames.
Why was this win so important for Kennesaw State?
This was a historic victory for Kennesaw State for several reasons. It was their first-ever win against an FBS opponent in school history, their first victory in Conference USA, and it came against a team with the longest active regular-season winning streak in the nation.
How long was Liberty’s winning streak before this loss?
The Liberty Flames had a 17-game regular-season winning streak, which was the longest in the country, before their loss to Kennesaw State.
Who were the key players for Kennesaw State in the win?
Key offensive players for Kennesaw State included quarterback Davis Bryson, who threw a touchdown pass, and running backs Michael Benefield and Qua Ashley, who each had a rushing touchdown. Kicker Austin Welch also hit a crucial field goal in the fourth quarter.
