Jerry Mack's September 14 assessment credited Rickie Collins with better progress through his passing concepts against Georgia State. His prescription was to give the quarterback fewer responsibilities so he could process faster and limit turnovers. Kennesaw State lost 31-17, with Collins throwing for 260 yards, a touchdown and an interception while leading the Owls with 46 rushing yards.
The Owls visit No. 15 Tennessee on Saturday, September 19, at 7:45 p.m. Eastern on SEC Network. Fan Watch gives Kennesaw State a 6.3% chance to win. An upset would be extraordinary. Even with Tennessee heavily favored, watch whether Collins can hand off for useful yards and get time to complete his reads. There is little help to chase elsewhere this week; the interactive guide has the forecast, with its basis in the methodology.
Against Georgia State, every rushing entry besides Collins combined for 26 yards on 11 carries. Latrelle Murrell gained 12 yards and Boogie Woods III six. Mack said falling behind reduced the intended rushing emphasis, but he also identified occasions when the offensive line failed to communicate against different defensive looks. Fewer quarterback responsibilities will only go so far if the blockers cannot agree on theirs.
Tennessee makes that coordination urgent. The Vols recorded four sacks against Georgia Tech, two by Mariyon Dye, and have 11 through two games. Watch whether the line recognizes its assignments before the snap and gives Collins somewhere to step as he looks downfield. Productive early handoffs would also leave him fewer yards to recover against that rush.
Mack coached Tennessee's running backs from 2021 through 2023, and the Vols led the SEC in rushing in his final season. His return gives the handoffs particular interest. Fans will be watching his current offense try to establish dependable rushing support. After Georgia State, Mack cited missed running-back tracks among the offensive details needing correction and said the staff was still identifying its best personnel combinations.
Kennesaw State went from 2-10 in 2024 to 10-4 and a Conference USA championship in 2025. Mack entered this season with offensive coordinator Mitch Militello and defensive coordinator Marc Mattioli back for their second years. The new personnel are learning the same systems that helped win last year's title, giving fans reason for patience. But Mack and his returning staff still need to settle their personnel combinations and correct the missed assignments that hurt the Owls against Georgia State. One nonconference loss cannot settle the title defense.
The defense needs to help, too. Georgia State rushed for 230 yards, converted six of 13 third downs and allowed no Kennesaw State sacks. Baron Hopson led the Owls with 11 tackles but recorded no tackle for loss, sack, forced fumble, interception, breakup or quarterback hurry. His busy night did not amount to defensive control. Against Georgia Tech, Tennessee rushed for 299 yards, including 147 from DeSean Bishop and 98 from Daune Morris. Getting those backs into difficult third downs would give the Owls a better chance to return the ball to Collins.
Enjoy an upset bid if Kennesaw State can sustain one. On ordinary offensive snaps, look for the line identifying the same assignment and a back taking the intended track through the opening. Give Collins a productive handoff he can count on.