PFF Report Card: MTSU

Did you remember what victory formation looked like? Kennesaw State snapped a six-game losing streak last night to climb out of the CUSA basement, a moment Jerry Mack called a “long time coming” in his postgame interview. You’re telling me, brother.

Needless to say, digesting a victory is a little more enjoyable than writing an autopsy. I must admit it’s pretty funny timing to call for the Owls to put the season on ice right before Kennesaw exposed MTSU’s fatal flaws and got back in the win column, and set up a four-game sprint for potential bowl eligibility. FPI ticked up to a 9.4% chance on this morning’s update, for those keeping score at home.

I’m hoping to get some time later tonight to do a full rewatch and put together some additional stats, reaction, etc. I think there are a few storylines/numbers worth a deep dive, like Davis Bryson’s usage and a few defensive wrinkles from Marc Mattioli. For now, what’d PFF think of KSU’s performance in Murfreesboro?

On offense, wideout Dylan Gary hauled in two TDs on as many targets - with his one hand tied behind his back - and topped the charts with an 84.5. That made him the only Owl to grade out above a 68 on offense. Javon Rogers, Boogie Woods, former Blue Raider Mateo Guevara, and Davis Bryson rounded out the top five on a night where KSU only used 16 players on 50 offensive snaps.

Isaac Paul led the way on defense with a career-high 85.2 grade, largely thanks to an 89.1 outing in coverage. Mattioli’s defense took on an outrageous workload on the night, facing 95 total snaps. Tay’vion Lawson comes in second on the leaderboard, joined by Tywon Christopher and Luke Evans. Lawson (a 78.2 grade on 88 snaps) and Evans (a 74.0 on 91) continued the positive trend from the Owls’ cornerback room despite the long shift.

Let’s check out the team grades and run through the rest of the squad’s performance, as judged by PFF.