What to look for: Owls at UTEP

By: Austin Williams

The Kennesaw State Owls are back for another Conference USA match against the Miners of UTEP on Saturday, November 9th at 4:00 p.m. on ESPN+. Scroll below to learn what to look out for in today's competition.

The Owls rushing game continues

The Owls' running attack has become more consistent as the season has progressed, as they have posted more than 130 rushing yards in each of their last four games. Redshirt senior Michael Benefield has been strong throughout the season, leading the Owls with 394 rushing yards and a 37-yard rushing touchdown against Western Kentucky last week. Redshirt sophomore Qua Ashley is the lightning bolt for Benefield's thunderous running style, and both have brought great qualities to this Owl running game. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Davis Bryson has also put his scrambling skills to good use in the last two games for the Owls, scoring a 20-yard rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter against the Hilltoppers and a game-winning 15-yard scramble in the win against the Liberty Flames contributed.

The UTEP Miners rushing defense is middle of the pack in CUSA and is currently ranked sixth in the conference. They are giving up an average of 177.7 rushing yards per game, have 18 rushing touchdowns against them this season and are allowing an average of 4.4 yards per carry. It is critical for the Owl offense to continue its consistent rushing attack and find ways to put pressure on the Miners defense.

Uncertainty creates opportunities for owls

The UTEP offense ranks eighth in CUSA in total offense and has used multiple quarterbacks this season. The Owls' defense appears to have become more aggressive as the season has progressed, as the Owls have seven sacks and 23 tackles for loss in the last four games. While UTEP has an impressive running back in Jevon Jackson, who has 582 rushing yards and a 4.3-yard rushing average, the Owls have the ability to make the Miner offense one-dimensional. The Owl's rushing defense ranks fifth in the conference. If they can force UTEP into awkward passing situations by controlling the line of scrimmage, KSU can create some havoc for the Miner quarterback.

Ball control and time of possession

The Owl offense ranks fourth in CUSA in time of possession and averages just over 30 minutes of ball control per game. That bodes well for a heavy ground attack that the KSU offense utilizes and will need in its repertoire to keep the UTEP offense waiting on the sidelines. The Miners rank eighth in time of possession, averaging 27 minutes of ball control per game, and that's what the game will most likely come down to.

This match will be decided by time of possession, field position and defense. The Owls are in a good position to lean on their running attack and control time of possession. KSU still has the best player in CUSA statistically as a redshirt freshman Jacob Ulrichwho can pin the miner offense in awkward situations. If the Owls can control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and keep UTEP out of KSU territory, they have a good chance of picking up another win in their first FBS season.