Kennesaw State Owls (CUSA) vs. Western Michigan Broncos (MAC)

CUSA Champions’ Debut vs. MAC Champions’ Defensive Strength

The 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl brings together two conference champions entering with major momentum. The Kennesaw State Owls, in their first-ever FBS season, captured the Conference USA Championship in stunning fashion. Opposing them are the Western Michigan Broncos, fresh off a MAC Championship run powered by an elite defense and a punishing ground attack.

This matchup features high-efficiency passing from Kennesaw State against one of the nation’s most structurally sound defenses, setting up a compelling clash of identities in Conway, South Carolina.

🏟️ Game Details

Matchup Kennesaw State Owls (10–3, CUSA Champion) vs. Western Michigan Broncos (9–4, MAC Champion) Date Friday, December 19, 2025Time11:00 AM ET Location Brooks Stadium — Conway, SCTVESPN

This is the first-ever meeting between these two programs. Kennesaw State enters its first FBS bowl game, while WMU makes a second straight bowl appearance.

🏈 The Matchup: Passing Efficiency vs. Rushing Dominance

Kennesaw State Owls Preview (10–3, CUSA Champion)

The Owls completed a history-making FBS debut season, going 10–3 and winning the CUSA Championship behind a versatile offense and opportunistic defense.

Offense: Balanced but Driven by Odom

QB Amari Odom is the centerpiece of the Owls’ attack:

• 2,385 passing yards

• 18 TD / 6 INT

• 376 rushing yards, 7 rushing TD

KSU’s offensive balance:

• 245.7 passing YPG (49th nationally)

• 158.6 rushing YPG (69th nationally)

WR Gabriel Benyard (898 yards, 9 TDs) is Odom’s primary weapon and deep threat.

Defense: Soft Against the Run

KSU allows 24.3 PPG (65th nationally) with a glaring weakness:

• 175.5 rushing YPG allowed (100th nationally)

DE Elijah Hill (9 sacks) is the defensive anchor, but the front seven must play over their heads to contain WMU’s running game.

Western Michigan Broncos Preview (9–4, MAC Champion)

WMU is built around physicality, clock control, and a suffocating defense.

Offense: Elite Ground Game

WMU leans heavily on the run:

• 196.6 rushing YPG (22nd nationally)

QB Broc Lowry is the definition of a dual-threat runner:

• 940 rushing yards

• 14 rushing TDs

RB Jalen Buckley adds 829 yards and 8 TDs. Passing: 139.9 YPG (127th nationally) — rarely used, but efficient off play-action.

Defense: One of the Nation’s Best

WMU owns one of the country’s top statistical defenses:

• 18.2 PPG allowed (14th)

• 122.2 rushing YPG allowed (33rd)

• 177.7 passing YPG allowed (18th)

DE Nadame Tucker is a game-wrecker:

• 14.5 sacks (Top 5 nationally)

This defense is built to choke out balanced offenses like KSU’s.

🔮 Odds and Injuries

Betting Lines (Consensus)

• Spread: WMU -4.5

• Moneyline: WMU -198 / KSU +164

• Total: 49.5 points

Injuries: Both teams expected at full strength.

⭐ TOP 4 PROP BETS FOR KSU vs. WESTERN MICHIGAN

(Formatted EXACTLY like today’s previous articles)

1. Broc Lowry Over 89.5 Rushing Yards

Lowry is WMU’s bellcow, especially in high-leverage games. KSU ranks 100th in rushing defense, a major mismatch.

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Broc Lowry over 89.5 rushing yards

• Elite rushing QB
• KSU weak run defense
• High-volume ground attack

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2. Kennesaw State Team Total Under 20.5

WMU’s defense is statistically elite, ranking top-20 in both pass and rush defense. KSU hasn’t faced a unit this complete all season.

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Kennesaw State team total under 20.5

• WMU elite defense
• Pressure on Odom
• Low projected pace

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3. Gabriel Benyard Longest Reception Over 24.5 Yards

Benyard leads KSU with explosive downfield targets. WMU may give up occasional chunk plays against aggressive fronts.

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Gabriel Benyard longest catch over 24.5

• KSU deep threat
• Play-action opportunities
• High target share

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4. Total Rushing Yards (Both Teams) Over 289.5

WMU is elite on the ground, and KSU uses Odom in designed runs. This game projects heavy rushing volume from both sides.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Combined rushing yards over 289.5

• Run-first teams
• Dual-threat QBs
• Clock-control strategies

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🏆 Final Prediction

Western Michigan’s elite defense, combined with a major mismatch on the ground, gives them the clear edge. Kennesaw State needs explosive passes to stay competitive, but WMU’s physicality should wear them down.

Prediction:

Western Michigan 24, Kennesaw State 17