(BCSNN) — History was made Tuesday night as Kennesaw State scored 17 unanswered points in the second half to defeat UTEP 33–20 and secure its first-ever bowl eligibility at the FBS level.

The Owls (6–2, 4–0 Conference USA) became just the ninth program since 1987 to reach bowl eligibility in their first full season in NCAA Division I FBS. Their six wins rank tied for 10th among teams in their second year of reclassification.

KSU’s defense and special teams set the tone early, scoring a defensive touchdown, a punt return touchdown, and a safety — a feat matched by only one other FBS team in the past 20 years. Linebacker Tywon Christopher forced a fumble that Caleb Offord returned 23 yards for a score, and Gabriel Benyard added a 57-yard punt return touchdown. Baron Hopson and Donovan Westmoreland combined for a safety to give the Owls a 16–10 halftime lead.

After falling behind 20–16, quarterback Amari Odom connected with Javon Rogers for a 66-yard gain and ran in the go-ahead touchdown. Britton Williams added a field goal, and Chase Belcher sealed the win with a 1-yard score to cap his 113-yard rushing night.

Christopher led the defense with 12 tackles and a forced fumble, while Hopson posted his fifth straight double-digit tackle game. Freshman Elijah Hill added 2.5 sacks to help close out the win