Kennesaw wins 8th straight, 16-14 over Montana State

(STATS) -- To say Kennesaw State's third-year startup program has earned its first appearance in the STATS FCS Top 25 is an understatement.

Thompson's 37-yard field goal with 1:55 left to play was the difference as the Owls edged Montana State 16-14 for their program-record eighth straight win Saturday.

The first team from Georgia ever to play in Bozeman, the Owls (8-1) got a taste of November weather at 4,860-foot altitude -- a snowstorm this week had to be cleared off the field in the morning.

But the difficult assignment didn't stop the No. 1 rushing offense in the FCS from surpassing its season average with 346 yards on 74 carries. In running the triple option, the Owls held a 19-minute advantage over the Bobcats (4-5) in time of possession.

Quarterback Chandler Burks, the first signee in Kennesaw program history, carried the ball 34 times for 149 yards and a touchdown, and running back Jake McKenzie added 116 yards on 20 carries. Thompson also kicked field goals of 35 and 40 yards.

The Owls held on for the win after safety Taylor Henkle intercepted Montana State quarterback Chris Murray at the Kennesaw 33 with 1:16 remaining.

Kennesaw, which shares first place in the Big South Conference with Monmouth, moved into the national media rankings for the first time this past Monday. The Owls are 22-9 in program history.