This is the Depth Dossier: the Kennesaw State Owls, Week 7.

Kennesaw State did almost everything right again on Saturday and still lost, falling 24 to 21 to Missouri State on a walk-off field goal as time expired.

The Owls trailed 6 to 0 early, then ripped off a six-play, 74-yard drive in just 40 seconds to grab a 7 to 6 lead at the half. They tied it again at 21 when running back Boogie Woods the Third punched it in from the goal line with just over six minutes left. But the defense never got the ball back. Missouri State bled the clock with a 13-play, 72-yard drive and kicked the winner as the clock hit zero. Quarterback Rickie Collins was excellent again, with 285 total yards and two touchdowns, and wide receiver Dylan Gary had a career night. None of it was enough. Kennesaw State drops to 1 and 5, 0 and 2 in conference play, losers of five straight.

Here's the frustrating part. The box score says this team played clean and still lost, and that's becoming the story of the season. No turnovers, a plus-one turnover margin thanks to a Tay'vion Lawson interception at defensive back, and better than 57 percent success on third down. Those are the marks of a team that should win football games.

But that final Missouri State drive tells you everything. Once the Owls tied it at 21, Missouri State took over with just over six minutes left and never let go, grinding out 13 plays and 72 yards to set up the winning kick. Kennesaw State's offense never got the ball back.

Time of possession was almost misleading. Missouri State held the ball for nearly 18 minutes in the first half alone, yet Kennesaw State still led at halftime because of that blistering 40-second, 74-yard drive right before the break, one of the most efficient two-minute drills this program has put together.

Collins completed better than 77 percent of his passes, going 27 for 35, and added a rushing touchdown. And Gary's night was a big one, ten catches for 135 yards, tying the program's single-game reception record. Wide receiver Javon Rogers chipped in 79 yards on six catches, giving the Owls a real one-two punch at receiver.

Worth noting, too, this loss is Kennesaw State's first five-game losing streak in over two years. And on the other sideline, that kick was Missouri State head coach Casey Woods' first win at the FBS level. Small consolation for the Owls, but it shows what was at stake.

Now, let's get into the depth chart, because there's not a lot of change here.

No injuries came out of this game. Receiver Zion Booker and defensive lineman Gerard Bullock Junior both played through minor bumps that had them on the injury report entering the week, and neither had any issue. Worth a glance going forward, but nothing more right now.

Everywhere else, the roles are settled. Collins is the clear every-snap starter at quarterback, with Davis Bryson behind him. Gary's record-tying performance locks him in as the top receiving target, with Rogers firmly in the number two role. Together, they combined for 16 catches and 214 yards, and that split looks like it'll hold. In the backfield, Woods the Third keeps leading the rotation, with Triston Morgan and Latrelle Murrell in complementary roles behind him.

On defense, linebacker Tywon Christopher had his second straight big game, 12 tackles and multiple tackles for loss, and that cements him as a full-time piece alongside linebacker Baron Hopson. And Lawson's second straight week with an interception means that secondary job isn't an opportunity anymore, it's his.

So Kennesaw State sits tied for last in Conference USA with Sam Houston. The personnel questions are answered. The real question now is whether a defense that keeps getting outlasted late in games can find one stop before this season gets away from them completely.

This was the depth dossier. For everything college football, be it depth charts, data or dossiers, head over to C F B Depth dot com. We will be back next week. This was an AI-generated podcast from content developed by real human beings passionate about college football.