As I sit down to reflect on Kennesaw State University's 2023 football season, I can't help but draw parallels to that incredible volleyball match where Brooke Van Sickle and Jonah Sabete both achieved triple-doubles with their signature sharp hits. Watching our Owls football team this season felt remarkably similar - a display of precision, power, and moments that could have clinched championship glory in those crucial final quarters. Having followed KSU football since the program's inception in 2015, I've witnessed our transformation from fledgling newcomers to legitimate contenders, and this season might just be the most compelling chapter yet.
The Owls entered the 2023 campaign with what I believe was their most talented roster to date, coming off a 5-6 record in 2022 that didn't fully reflect their potential. From my perspective, the team's offensive evolution under Coach Brian Bohannon has been nothing short of remarkable. Remember that feeling when Van Sickle and Sabete executed those perfect triple-doubles? That's exactly how I felt watching quarterback Xavier Shepherd orchestrate the triple-option offense this season. His decision-making reminded me of those calculated, sharp hits in volleyball - knowing exactly when to pitch, when to keep, and when to surprise the defense with a perfectly timed pass. Through the first eight games, Shepherd averaged 187 rushing yards per contest while completing 64% of his passes, numbers that honestly surprised even the most optimistic among us.
Our defensive unit showed the same kind of resilience that characterized that fifth-set volleyball performance. I particularly remember the Chattanooga game in October where our defense made three crucial stops in the red zone during the final quarter. Defensive coordinator Shawn Quinn implemented what I'd describe as an aggressive yet disciplined scheme that generated 28 turnovers through the first ten games. Linebacker Evan Thompson was everywhere on the field, much like those volleyball players covering every inch of the court. His 12 tackles per game average put him among the national leaders, and honestly, I haven't seen that level of consistent defensive performance since our 2018 playoff run.
The special teams unit deserves more credit than they typically receive. Kicker Nathan Robertson connected on 18 of 22 field goal attempts, including a 52-yard game-winner against Eastern Kentucky that had the entire stadium holding their breath - that tense moment reminded me so much of waiting for those volleyball championship points. What many fans might not realize is how much strategic planning goes into our special teams play. Coach Bohannon often emphasizes field position battles, and this season, our punt coverage unit pinned opponents inside their 20-yard line on 15 occasions, creating what I consider hidden advantages that don't always show up on the stat sheet but absolutely impact game outcomes.
Looking at our schedule, the road games presented the biggest challenges, particularly the November matchup against Austin Peay. Traveling to Clarksville always tests a team's mental toughness, and despite falling short 31-28, I was impressed by how our young players stepped up when several starters went down with injuries. That depth development might be the most important long-term story of this season. Freshman running back Gabriel Benyard averaged 6.2 yards per carry in relief duty, showing flashes of what I think could be all-conference potential in coming years.
The cultural aspect of this team deserves mention too. Having spoken with several players throughout the season, I noticed a different level of camaraderie and belief compared to previous years. There's a genuine brotherhood developing that reminds me of successful programs I've studied at the FBS level. When adversity hit during that three-game midseason skid, the leadership council kept everyone focused and positive. That internal foundation is something you can't quantify with statistics, but as someone who's followed this program since day one, I can tell you it makes all the difference between good teams and great ones.
As we look toward the future, the 2023 season established important building blocks despite falling just short of the playoffs. The offense averaged 34 points per game, the defense created multiple turnovers in seven contests, and perhaps most importantly, the team learned how to compete in pressure situations. Those close losses to ranked opponents will serve as valuable lessons for the returning players. Personally, I'm more optimistic about KSU football than I've ever been. The foundation is solid, the coaching staff has proven they can develop talent, and the recruiting pipeline keeps bringing in athletes who fit the system perfectly. While we didn't get that storybook ending like Van Sickle and Sabete's championship performance, the 2023 Owls football season gave us plenty to cheer about and even more to anticipate in the years ahead.
