Myrtle Beach Bowl, Clash of Two Conference Champions

The Myrtle Beach Bowl is doing something most bowl games tend not to do, and that’s give us a matchup of two different conference champions. The Conference USA champions, the Kennesaw State Owls, will take on the Mid-American Conference champions, the Western Michigan Broncos. Both of these teams are the best in their respective conference so why not see which conference reigns supreme? Here is a preview for Friday’s Myrtle Beach Bowl between Kennesaw State and Western Michigan.

Myrtle Beach Preview, Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan

How These Two Schools Got Here

For both of these groups of five schools, the journey to winning their conference championship games came with incredible growth. Kennesaw State hired first-time head coach Jerry Mack last winter. He was hired from Rutgers to help the Owls transition from the program’s first head coach, Brian Bohannon. In one year, Mack helped the Owls go 10-3 after going 2-10. They would lose their first two games to Wake Forest and the current number one team, Indiana. Their only other loss came to Jacksonville State, which they avenged by beating the Gamecocks in the conference championship game. The Owls now have the opportunity to win their first-ever bowl game.

As for Western Michigan, the Broncos’ head coach, Lance Taylor, was going into his third year with a record of 10-15. They started the season 0-3, losing to Michigan State, North Texas, and Illinois. From then on, they would only lose one more game, that being to Miami, Ohio. Like Kennesaw State, Western Michigan would also avenge its loss to Miami Ohio in the MAC championship game. Now the two schools will have a chance to win their first bowl game since 2021.

Quarterback Matchup

Once again, similarities arise between these two schools as neither of their quarterbacks was the day one starter. Kennesaw State’s quarterback Amari Odom has been at the helm since week two, never looking back. He has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns. He ranked third in CUSA for passing yards. Only a sophomore, Odom might be one of the biggest names in next year’s portal if he replicates these stats.

Broc Lowry is the Broncos’ starting quarterback as he is much more of a runner than a passer. Lowry started the season behind Brady Jones, until week two. Lowry, a redshirt sophomore, has run for 940 yards this season, leading the Broncos in rushing yards. This put him fifth in the conference for rushing yards. On top of that, he has 14 rushing touchdowns. In the passing game, he has seven passing touchdowns and less than 2,000 yards. Still, his ability to run makes him a very dangerous quarterback.

Keys to the Game

Stop Lowry and Western from Running

If Kennesaw State can limit Lowry from running outside the pocket and slow him down on designed quarterback runs, the Owls can win. Still, they have to stop running back Jalen Buckley. Buckley, this season ran for 829 yards. In the conference championship, he ran for 193 yards and two touchdowns.

Kennesaw State ranks 100th in the nation for rushing defense, as they give up 175 yards a game on the ground. The optimism for the Owls is that they held the leading rusher in the nation, Cam Cook, to 78 yards in the conference championship. That was almost his season low, which is 75.

Getting Benyard Going

The CUSA leading receiver, Gabriel Benyard, dictates the game for Kennesaw State’s offense. The Owls came away with a win in the conference championship, but Benyard only had one grab, making it close for comfort. He and receiver Christian Moss have combined this season for over 1,000 yards. If neither of these guys gets active, it will be a long day for the Owls.

Key Players

Elijah Hill, DL Kennesaw State

The true freshman has been a beast on the defensive line, racking up nine sacks. That led CUSA this year. Against Jacksonville State, he had two sacks, one of which came on the final drive. Hill could be the force that prevents Lowry from running wild.

Nadame Tucker, DL Western Michigan

Unlike Hill, Tucker is a senior who transferred in from Houston. This season, Tucker led the nation in sacks, totaling 14.5. He would have 2.5 against Miami Ohio, giving him the sole lead in the nation for sacks. He will be Odom’s biggest issue come gameday.

What will be Western Michigan’s 13th bowl game and Kennesaw State’s first bowl game ever, makes this year’s Myrtle Beach bowl special. This is the only bowl game that puts two conference champions against each other.

How To Watch

Day/Date: Friday, December 19th

Time: 11am Eastern

Location: Brooks Stadium, Conway, SC

TV: ESPN