Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan Prediction: Myrtle Beach Bowl Game Preview

Why Kennesaw State Will Win

With Western Michigan’s emphasis on establishing the run, Kennesaw State has the pieces in place to easily take control of the overall pace of this matchup. Quarterback Amari Odom (2,385 yards and 18 touchdowns) directed a passing attack that averaged 245.7 yards a game through the air and led CUSA in passer rating (148.5).

Receivers Gabriel Benyard (55 catches for 898 yards) and Christian Moss (43 for 677) are Odom’s top targets on the outside. That duo, along with Odom’s emerging play, will easily test a Western Michigan defense that limited opponents to 177.7 passing yards a contest. Although the Broncos are stingy against the pass, Odom is one of the top quarterbacks this unit has faced in '25 and could create opportunities to test this secondary downfield.

Mack’s offense has plenty of balance thanks to the backfield duo of Coleman Bennett and Chase Belcher. Bennett paced the team with 716 rushing yards, while Belcher was next with 418 yards. Odom also added 376 yards on the ground.

It’s no secret Western Michigan wants to attack Kennesaw State’s defense with the ground attack. While the Owls are going to give up some yards, this defense led CUSA with 87 tackles for loss. If Mack’s group can consistently get WMU behind the sticks and into obvious passing downs, that’s a favorable setup for Kennesaw State to win on Friday.

Why Western Michigan Will Win

The path to a Western Michigan victory on Friday starts with its two biggest strengths in the '25 season: Defense and the rushing attack.

Behind quarterback Broc Lowry (940 rushing yards) and running back Jalen Buckley (829), the Broncos ranked second in the MAC in rushing offense (196.6 yards a game). In addition to Lowry and Buckley, Devin Miles (357) and Ofa Mataele (228) will contribute. The deep arsenal of weapons on the ground is a tough matchup for a Kennesaw State defense ranked ninth in Conference USA, allowing 175.5 yards a game.

With a prolific rushing attack, Lowry won’t be counted upon to attempt many passes (18.7 a contest). However, the Broncos aren’t lacking for weapons when they need to put the ball in the air with receivers Tailique Williams (13.7 yards per catch), Baylin Brooks (14.2), Aveion Chenault (22 catches) and tight end Blake Bosma (21).

Considering the firepower on Kennesaw State’s offense (28.3 points a game), the combination of a strong ground attack to control time of possession, as well as the ability to get consistent stops should work in Western Michigan’s favor. The Broncos are bringing one of the MAC’s top defenses to Brooks Stadium, as this unit limited opponents to 4.94 yards a snap and allowed just 18.2 points a contest. Defensive lineman Nadame Tucker (14 1/2 sacks) was among the nation’s top pass-rushers and will test a Kennesaw State offensive line that allowed 22 sacks this year.

Myrtle Beach Bowl Prediction: Western Michigan 27, Kennesaw State 24

Bowl season is more unpredictable than ever. But because these two teams won conference titles and are likely to be close to full strength, this matchup has potential to be one of the better pre-Christmas bowl matchups. Western Michigan’s strengths (defense and running the ball) are clear. Can Kennesaw State’s passing attack and balanced offense set the tone early to get the Broncos out of their comfort zone? This one is a toss-up.