GAME-BY-GAME

Sept. 3, at East Tennessee State, 7:30 p.m.

The first game features two start-up programs. The Buccaneers disbanded their program in 2003 before reviving it again. Former North Carolina big-whistle Carl Torbush is the team’s coach.

Sept. 12, vs. Edward Waters, 4 p.m.

It’s the first home game for the Owls at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. Edward Waters plays on the NAIA level. Tickets for the game are sold out.

Sept. 19, vs. Shorter, 1 p.m.

Continuing the circuit of opponents that start-ups must face, the Owls will host the Hawks, who play Division II and are members of the Gulf South Conference. They finished 3-8 last season.

Sept. 26, at Dayton, 6 p.m.

The first true test against an established program. Though the Flyers play in the nonscholarship Pioneer Football League, this game should help Owls fans figure out how things might go in the coming Big South Conference games.

Oct. 10, vs. Point, 1 p.m.

The Skyhawks are the homecoming opponent. Point, an NAIA team, finished 1-9 last season.

Oct. 17, vs. Gardner-Webb, 1 p.m.

The first Big South Conference football game in Kennesaw State’s history. The Bulldogs went 0-5 to finish last in the conference last season.

Oct. 24, at Liberty, 7 p.m.

If Gardner-Webb was the worst team in the Big South last season, then the Flames were one of the best, going 4-1 to finish tied with Coastal Carolina for first. The Flames are No. 16 in Sporting News’ FCS Top 25.

Oct. 31, vs. Monmouth, 1 p.m.

The Hawks went 1-4 in their first season in the Big South last season. They return 15 starters, including nine on defense.

Nov. 7, vs. Charleston Southern, 1 p.m.

The Buccaneers are No. 24 in Sporting News’ FCS Top 25, the first time they have cracked the poll. They return eight starters from a team that finished 8-4 last season. Aside from the Owls’ first game, this is the marquee home game.

Nov. 14, at Coastal Carolina, 2 p.m.

The Chanticleers advanced to the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs last year and finished 12-2. Fifteen starters return from that team, including quarterback Alex Ross. They are No. 6 in Sporting News’ FCS Top 25.

Nov. 21, at Presbyterian, 2 p.m.

The Blue Hose were 3-2 in conference games last season.