Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan: Odds, Picks, and Predictions
The Kennesaw State Owls will face the Western Michigan Broncos in the Myrtle Beach Bowl. This anticipated matchup takes place on Friday in Conway, South Carolina, with kickoff scheduled for 11 a.m. Eastern Time. Fans can catch the game live on ESPN.
Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan: Key Facts
Kennesaw State enters this game with a 10-3 record, while Western Michigan boasts a 9-4 record. Both teams have shown impressive form leading into the bowl season.
Kennesaw State Owls’ Season Overview
- Kennesaw State concluded the season with a remarkable 19-15 victory over Jacksonville State.
- They won the Conference USA Championship, achieving a streak of three consecutive victories.
- The Owls claimed 10 wins in their final 11 games, showcasing significant improvement under first-year head coach Jerry Mack.
- Quarterback Amari Odom played a pivotal role, with 2,139 passing yards and 17 touchdowns.
- Wide receiver Gabriel Benyard led Conference USA with 877 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns.
Western Michigan Broncos’ Season Overview
- Western Michigan ended the season strong, winning five consecutive games.
- The Broncos secured the Mid-American Conference Championship with a 23-13 victory against the Miami RedHawks.
- Quarterback Broc Lowry was instrumental, accumulating 1,683 passing yards and scoring 14 rushing touchdowns.
- The Broncos excelled with a strong rushing offense, averaging 196.6 yards per game.
- Defensively, Western Michigan allowed only 14.5 points per game to MAC opponents.
Bowl Matchup Breakdown
This is the first time these two schools will compete on the football field. As both teams come off impressive conference championship titles, the stakes are high.
Betting Odds and Predictions
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the odds before the game reflect tight competition:
| Betting Line | Kennesaw State | Western Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | +130 | -155 |
| Against the Spread | +3 | -3 |
| Over/Under | 47.5 | |
Predictions suggest a close encounter, with Western Michigan favored to edge Kennesaw State 24-23. Many analysts recommend taking the points in what is expected to be a tightly contested game.
Final Thoughts
Kennesaw State’s momentum and offensive capacity may offer them an advantage in this matchup. However, Western Michigan’s disciplined, run-first strategy could effectively challenge the Owls’ defense. Expect a competitive game, with both teams eager to leave a mark in this bowl season.
