KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State scored all 17 points in a decisive second quarter, and picked off three passes en route to a 17-3 win over Gardner-Webb Saturday night in the Big South opener for the Runnin' Bulldogs.

Both teams bottled the other up in the early going, with untimely penalties sinking drives in the first quarter. The Owls (6-1, 2-0 Big South) got its ground game churning, however, and took a 3-0 lead on a 36-yard field goal by Justin Thompson with 14:31 to play before halftime.

Kennesaw State went over the top to push the lead to two scores, with Chandler Burks hitting a wide open Xavier Harper on a 53-yard touchdown with 11:33 to play in the second quarter. The Owls took a 17-0 lead very late in the half, with a 33-yard Burks' pass to Justin Sumpter setting up a one-yard run by Burks with 41 seconds remaining in the half.

Gardner-Webb (1-6, 0-1 Big South) managed a late march, with Tyrell Maxwell generating some yards on the ground via the scramble to set the 'Dogs up in Owl territory. His last-second toss to the goal line was picked off as the clock expired.

The Runnin' Bulldogs got the ball to start the third and moved quickly, but the drive stalled at the KSU six-yard line. Paul Schumacher's 23-yard field goal was good, cutting the lead to 17-3.

The Owls ground some time off the clock for much of the third quarter, but missed a 51-yard field goal after an offensive pass interference penalty with 4:41 on the clock.

The score remained the same into the fourth quarter, but Gardner-Webb forced a punt and took over with plenty of time on the clock to attempt a rally. Maxwell marched the 'Dogs down to the 18-yard line with just over 10 minutes left in the game, but was victimized by a dropped pass on third down and was picked off at the goal line on fourth down with 10:02 on the clock.

The Owls took over at their own four-yard line, but were forced to punt after another crucial penalty, setting Gardner-Webb up with 7:32 on the clock. The Runnin' Bulldogs drove down to the KSU 31-yard line, but was intercepted again on fourth down. The pick was returned 43 yards to give the Owls' possession in GWU territory and Shaquil Terry converted on a key fourth down rush to effectively ice the game – as KSU ran out the clock from there with three running plays down inside the five.

Maxwell led Gardner-Webb on the ground, but managed just 60 yards on 18 carries. He was sacked just once, but had little time to settle into a rhythm passing – completing just 11-of-28 attempts for 114 yards and three interceptions.

Kerry Bernard finished with six carries for 38 yards on the ground and caught three passes for 39 yards. Freshman A.J. Moses added 32 yards on seven carries.

The Runnin' Bulldogs were just 3-of-13 on third down and 0-of-2 on fourth down.

Kennesaw State was methodical offensively, totaling 463 yards on the night by averaging 6.6 yards per play. The Owls ran for 319 yards, but were hampered by 14 penalties for 114 yards.

Burks directed the win from under center, completing 6-of-14 passes for 144 yards and a touchdown – while rushing for 69 more yards and a score on 12 carries.

Fullback Jake McKenzie led the ground attack, rumbling 22 times for 119 yards. Sumpter caught two passes for 62 yards and Harper finished with one catch for a 53-yard score.

Gardner-Webb returns home for the first of two-straight in Spangler Stadium, hosting Liberty for the final time in Boiling Springs. The Runnin' Bulldogs and Flames will kick off at Noon, with the game televised live by The Stadium Network. Local affiliates will be announced early next week by the Big South Conference office. Mike Hogewood and Renaldo Wynn will handle the the call.