For the first time in school history Kennesaw State football is undefeated. That history is very brief, since the Owls haven’t started playing football until this season.

Kennesaw State, which was established in Kennesaw, Ga. 52 years ago, had been trying to start a program for the last eight years. The decision to start was made by school officials on February 14, 2013. A few months later the Owls agreed to join the Big South Conference, as a football-only program.

In its first game Kennesaw State defeated East Tennessee State, which was restarting its program after it was disbanded in 2003, 56-16. The Owls have continued their winning ways, winning the last two games, setting up a matchup with Dayton on Saturday.

Kennesaw State is the first team in conference history to begin a season 3-0 in its first year as a program. But they are not the only undefeated team in the conference.

Big South makes history

For the first time in Big South history, the conference has two programs ranked in the Top Ten of the Football Championship Subdivision rankings.

Coastal Carolina is ranked No. 1 in the poll and No. 2 in the STATS poll. The Chanticleers are 3-0 for the third consecutive year, following victories over Furman, South Carolina State and Western Illinois.

Junior running back De’Angelo Henderson has scored a touchdown in 17 consecutive games, dating back to last season. His streak is the second longest in conference history behind Liberty’s Zach Terrell’s mark of 18 consecutive games.

The Chanticleers will host Bryant in a home game on Saturday at 5:00 p.m.

Another ranked team in the seven-team conference is Liberty, who was ranked No. 10 in the FCS Coaches poll. The Flames are 2-1, following wins over Delaware State and No. 14 Montana. Their only loss was to Football Bowl Subdivision and Big 12 member West Virginia.

Senior quarterback Josh Woodrum was named the Big South player of the week, following the win over Montana. He completed 16-of-30 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns, becoming the second quarterback in program history to total at least 8,000 yards.

His 8,222 yards are the third best in program history.

The Flames will travel to an unfamiliar location on Saturday, but not one that’s unfamiliar to Eastern fans. Liberty will face Southern Illinois for the first time since 1992 at 6 p.m. CT.

Penn changes schedule because of Pope’s visit

A matchup between two Philadelphia universities-Pennsylvania and No. 4 ranked Villanova-will take place Thursday night because of a visit by Pope Francis.

The game will kick off at 6 p.m. at Villanova Stadium, and will mark the first time an Ivy League team has played on Thursday since 2009. The Pope’s visit will coincide with the annual World Meeting of Families.

An estimated 1.25 million people are expected to be in the city’s metro area to see the Pope.

Blake Nash can be reached at 581-2812 or banash@eiu.edu