Kennesaw State defeats Liberty for historic FBS win on October 23

Kennesaw State, located in Georgia, claimed its first victory in FBS football on Wednesday night, defeating Liberty with a score of 27-24. This win marked a significant achievement for the program, as it was also their first against a Division I team since November 2022. The Owls displayed strong offensive efforts, with Davis Bryson contributing a touchdown pass and both Michael Benefield and Qua Ashley rushing for scores. The victory ended Liberty's impressive 17-game regular-season winning streak, which was the longest active streak in FBS at the time. The game saw strategic plays, especially in critical moments. Liberty, trailing 24-17, attempted a fourth-and-6 conversion but faltered due to a false start penalty, pushing them out of field-goal range. Kennesaw capitalized on this opportunity, advancing the ball and increasing their lead with a successful 42-yard field goal. Liberty responded swiftly; however, their attempts to equalize fell short as they executed a fumbled lateral play in the final seconds. This outcome broke several trends in college football. Notably, it was the first time in 23 years that a team with an 0-5 record overcame a team that was 5-0 or better. For Kennesaw State, the win not only boosts morale but also indicates potential for growth in their competitive standing within Division I football. Overall, the match was a testament to Kennesaw State's resilience and a critical moment for their athletics program, setting a positive tone for future contests and aspirations.