Behind Enemy Lines, Hoops Edition: Kennesaw State

Matt Dossett goes behind enemy lines with Kai Millette, getting the scoop on the Kennesaw State game!

After dropping five consecutive games in a row, the Blue Raiders have gone from 5-2 in conference, to a lowly 5-7 in league play, and a 11-12 overall record. Next up is a Thursday game against Kennesaw State on the road. KSU is 14-9 overall and 6-6 in CUSA play.

Now is the time to go behind enemy lines, with Kai Millette, who covers Kennesaw State basketball.

Here is the transcript:

Going into season, what were your expectations for KSU? Are they living up to expectations?

Early expectations were high. With the returning production and impressive incoming class of transfers and freshman following a deep CUSA tournament run last year, there was hope this would really be a year to push and contend. While those expectations really haven't been met, it's hard to be disappointed in the coaching staff/roster when it feels like everything that could've gone wrong has gone wrong. Expected impact transfer Davin Cosby was in a near-fatal car accident before the season began, sidelining him the whole year, the Simeon Cottle story has been publicized enough, and now injuries are really beginning to mount, including second-leading scorer at the time Ramone Seals.

Give me some guys to watch for the Owls. Who are the marquee players and the glue guys?

When RJ Johnson is on, he's one of the best players in the conference offensively. He's built like a linebacker and his shot has really come a long way since when he first got to campus. With Cottle's indefinite suspension and Seals being out for extended time, he's really had to carry the load offensively. Some nights when he gets some help it's a joy watch, but when things go wrong they can get really ugly. Frankquon Sherman won't necessarily jump out on the stat sheet on a night-in, night-out basis, but does all of the dirty work and is arguably the Owls' most important player with how effectively he crashes the glass.

Thoughts on how KSU is playing going into the game? What is the state of the team?

Like I mentioned before, the team has really thinned out over the course of the season. It got so bad the other night against Jax State with Sherman being ejected and Trey Simpson fouling out, that career walk-on EJ Holland had to step in and play real minutes for the first time in his career. That being said, regardless of who's been available, KSU is excellent at home and is a tough out on their own floor.

Thoughts on the game? Where would you set the line?

If the Owls are able to get Amir Taylor back to add just a little depth, I think KSU has the slight edge at home in this one considering MTSU's recetnt struggles, but not by much. I'll go with KSU -1.5.

How will game go? Score prediction?

This feels like one KSU is going to bring a real sense of urgency into with Sam Houston looming for pt. 2 of this homestand. I like KSU 78-75.