Preview: Warriors Look to Make a Statement in Second FBS Test
Merrimack hits the road this weekend for its second FBS matchup of the season, traveling to face Kennesaw State. The Warriors enter the weekend at 1-1 after handling Saint Anselm last Saturday.
Their lone loss came on opening weekend, a narrow 21-17 defeat to Kent State — their other FBS opponent — that showed Merrimack could hang with higher-division competition. Merrimack had a lead midway through the fourth quarter before the Flashes returned a kick for a touchdown to take the lead.
Again, the Warriors have a chance to score an “upset”
From what I can tell, no sportsbook has posted a line for this game as of this writing, but I doubt the Warriors would be more than a 7-point underdog. Kennesaw State has faced stiff competition — Indiana and Wake Forest — but Merrimack kept its game within a touchdown at Kent State. And while Kennesaw State is, on paper, better than Kent State, it isn’t a dramatic step up.
The Owls went 2-10 last season, with wins over FIU and Liberty. Both victories were decided by a combined four points, so even those were nail-biters.
This season, they lost to Wake Forest 10-9 and were blown out by No. 23/21 Indiana last week, 56-9.
Kennesaw State also lost 24-13 to FCS opponent UT Martin last year, a result that highlights the Owls' vulnerability.
If lines were posted, my bet is that the Warriors would be underdogs on the road, but only slightly — probably in the 4-6 point range. Based on how they played against Kent State and last week against Saint Anselm, I’d be inclined to take the points.
Merrimack’s defensive front making early-season statement
Merrimack’s defense has been dominant against the run through two games, allowing just 2.6 yards per carry and 74 yards per game.
Much of the credit belongs to the Warriors’ defensive line. Merrimack enters the weekend ranked No. 7 in the FCS in rushing defense, No. 11 in defensive first downs, No. 3 in red-zone defense, and No. 9 in team sacks — a testament to its disruptive front.
Tip of the cap to players like Kendal Sims, RJ Chapman, Rajahn Cooper, DJ Frazier, Garry Rosemond Jr. and Json Compoh (among others) for setting the tone defensively.
Warriors will visit the smallest stadium in Division I FBS
The game will be played at Kennesaw State’s Fifth Third Stadium, one of the most distinctive venues in Division I.
With a capacity of just 10,200, it is the smallest stadium in the FBS. Originally built as a soccer-specific venue, it still hosts soccer and rugby in addition to football, giving it a different feel than most college football environments.
By The Numbers
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m.
TV/Stream: ESPN+
City: Kennesaw, Ga.
Venue: Fifth Third Stadium (cap. 10,200)
