KENNESAW, Ga. – – Davis Bryson threw for a touchdown, Michael Benefield and Qua Ashley each rushed for a score, and Kennesaw State defeated previously undefeated Liberty 27-24 on Wednesday night to secure the program’s first FBS victory.

Kennesaw State (1-6, 1-2 Conference USA) also recorded its first win against a Division I team since FCS member UT Martin on Nov. 5, 2022. The Owls recorded wins over lower-level Tusculum, Lincoln (California) and Virginia Lynchburg last season.

Liberty (5-1, 3-1), which was one of 11 undefeated teams in the FBS, had the longest active regular-season winning streak at 17 games.

Kennesaw State had a 24-17 lead when Liberty decided to go for it on fourth-and-6 with eight minutes left. The Flames were flagged for a false start to move out of field goal range at the 34-yard line, and the Owls pressured Kaidon Salter into an out-of-bounds throw to get the ball back.

Then Bryson completed passes of 15 yards to Christian Moss and 25 yards to Blake Bohannon to enter Liberty territory. Austin Welch capped the drive with his 11th straight field goal, from 42 yards out, for a 27-17 lead with 4:13 remaining.

Liberty moved quickly down the field, finishing on a 17-yard throw from Salter to Elijah Canion with 1:49 remaining to get within three points.

Preston Daniels recovered the onside kick, but the Owls were unable to get a first down to give the ball back to Liberty with six seconds left on the 35-yard line. Salter’s throw went out of bounds and the fans rushed the field, but the officials put a second back on the clock. After the fans returned to the stands, Liberty made a lateral play to end it.

Salter threw for 206 yards and three touchdowns for Liberty.

ESPN reported that it was the first time in 23 years that a team 0-5 or worse defeated a team 5-0 or better.

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