Myrtle Beach Bowl Recap, Western Michigan Rolls

The 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl is in the books, and for four quarters, it was all Western Michigan. From the first snap, the Broncos ran circles around Kennesaw State. Western Michigan won 41-6, scoring 27 points in the first quarter. Here’s a recap of the game and what’s to come next for both programs.

Myrtle Beach Bowl Recap

Instant Impact from Number 6

Going into the game, Kennesaw State knew it had to stop the run, but instantly, Western Michigan dominated the line. On their first snap, running back Jalen Buckley took off for a 65-yard touchdown. A drive later, he ran for 44 yards, helping them score again. Finally, on their last drive of the quarter, Buckley created another huge play, running for 57 yards, putting his rushing total at 172 yards after 15 minutes. He would finish the game with 174, but his impact was already done.

Kennesaw State’s Flaws

While Buckley was putting up video game numbers on the Owls’ defense, their offense struggled just as much. Kennesaw State’s quarterback Amari Odom fumbled on their first drive of the game, resulting in a scoop and score by Kershawn Fisher. After that drive, they punted five straight times, one of them being blocked. On the sixth drive, they threw a pick. To end the half, they missed a 34-yard field goal.

In the second half, it was much of the same, throwing a pick-six on their first second-half drive. They would punt again, but at last scored on an 82-yard deep shot to Javon Rodgers, but it was too late. They would miss the extra point and fumble on their last drive. Kennesaw State will never forget this season and their first bowl game in program history, but hopefully, they forget the final score.

Goal Line Execution

Western Michigan’s starting quarterback Broc Lowry was quiet in terms of yardage in the first half, but he still executed on the goal line. Lowry had seven yards at the end of the first quarter and two passing touchdowns. He would find tight end Mareyohn Hrabowski, who had his first catch of the year, and tight end Blake Bosma in the end zone. Running back Devin Miles would also find the end zone on a two-yard run. The execution on the goal line by the Broncos made the difference.

Players of the Game

Rodney McGraw and James Camden, DL and LB, Western Michigan

Both McGraw and Camden were active from start to finish. McGraw found himself in the backfield multiple times, sacking Odom 2.5 times. As for Camden, he totaled 10 tackles and a sack. Both of these guys were all over the field. The Broncos ended the game with five sacks and seven tackles for loss.

Chase Belcher, RB Kennesaw State

The biggest positive for the Owls was their running game, in particular, Belcher. He ran for his career high of 148 yards, averaging 9.3 yards a play. The other back, Coleman Bennet, ran for 48 yards, combining for 198.

What’s Next For Both

Both of these teams had their best seasons in years. For Kennesaw State, this season exceeded any expectations. For their second year in FBS, to win 10 games is remarkable. They bring Odom back at the helm and Rodgers back to step into the role of number one receiver. They will have to find replacements for seniors like Gabriel Benyard and both running backs, Bennett and Belcher.

As for Western Michigan, they bring back Lowry to lead their run-heavy offense. They will likely promote Miles to running back one, since Buckley is a senior. They will also have to fill the holes on their defensive line, particularly the 14.5 sacks created by Nadame Tucker.

Both teams had great years, but in the end, it was all Western. There are still countless bowl games left this season, including the rest of the College Football Playoff, so stay tuned for updates on the rest.