The Kennesaw Sate Owls and the Western Michigan Broncos meet Friday in Myrtle Beach Bowl college football action from Springs Brooks Stadium in Conway. Here’s a Western Michigan vs Kennesaw State prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Western Michigan vs Kennesaw State pick.
Kennesaw State Owls Betting Preview
The Owls limped out of the gate this year, losing their first two games versus Wake Forest and Indiana. Kennesaw State hit a seven-game win streak after that however, dispatching Merrimack, Arkansas State, Middle Tennessee, LA Tech, Florida International, UTEP and New Mexico State ahead of a loss to Jacksonville State. Since then it’s been wins over Missouri State, Liberty and Jacksonville State for the Owls. That gives Kennesaw State a 10-3 overall record this season.
The Owls took on Jacksonville State on December 5 in their latest game. In that matchup Kennesaw State was outscored 15-9 during a wild fourth quarter but held on for the win in the end 19-15. QB Amari Odom finished 26-of-32 for 246 yards and a score while Coleman Bennett added 17 carries for 82 yards and a TD. Christian Moss led the receivers with five catches for 75 yards in the victory effort.
Western Michigan Broncos Betting Preview
Over on the Western Michigan side, they had a rough start as well with losses to Michigan State, North Texas and Illinois in their first trio. The Broncos won the next four over Toledo, Rhode Island, UMass and Ball State, then took a loss to Miami-OH. It’s been a five-game win streak since then with wins over Central Michigan, Ohio, Northern Illinois, Eastern Michigan and Miami-OH. Over 13 games that gives Western Michigan a 9-4 overall record this season.
In the MAC Championship rematch with the RedHawks, the Broncos were up 23-6 by the start of the final quarter. Western Michigan held on to win 23-13. Broc Lowry had an 8-of-13 line for 111 yards but Jalen Buckley did most of the heavy lifting on 19 carries for 193 yards and two scores. Michael Brescia caught two balls for 47 yards as the team’s leading receiver in the win.
Why the Western Michigan Broncos will win
- Western Michigan has won each of its last nine games as a favorite.
- The favorite has covered the spread in each of Kennesaw State’s last three games.
- Western Michigan has won the first quarter in each of its last three games against non-conference opponents at neutral venues.
Why the Kennesaw State Owls will win
- Kennesaw State has won 10 of its last 11 games.
- Western Michigan has lost 10 of its last 12 games against non-conference opponents.
- Kennesaw State has covered the spread in five of its last six games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Western Michigan has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games against non-conference opponents at neutral venues.
- Western Michigan has lost the first half in nine of its last 12 games against non-conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of Kennesaw State’s last eight games against non-conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Three of Western Michigan’s last four games at neutral venues have gone UNDER the total points line.
Western Michigan Broncos Player Prop Facts
- Heading into the bowl games, Nadame Tucker ranks 1st amongst FBS players for sacks (14.5) this season.
Kennesaw State Owls Player Prop Facts
- Heading into the bowl games, Gabriel Benyard ranks 1st in the Conference USA for receiving yards (898) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Western Michigan has recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of five points or less of any FBS team this season (3).
- Western Michigan ranks 134th among FBS teams for Q1 points per game this season (1.8).
- Kennesaw State ranks 8th among FBS teams for Q1 points per game this season (9.3).
- Kennesaw State ranks T126th among FBS teams for 1st downs against this season (278).
Western Michigan vs Kennesaw State Prediction
I’ll lean toward Kennesaw State. You could argue this one either way, though; it should be a fun matchup. The Owls are coming off a defensive battle against a pretty good Jacksonville State team, eking out the four-point win in the end. Kennesaw State gave up 210 rushing yards in that one though, which could spell trouble in this bowl matchup. The good news is that the Owls are scoring 28.3 points per game this season with 245.7 passing yards and 158.6 rush yards. They’ve got a pretty balanced attack on offense when things are going well.
As for Western Michigan, they’re scoring 23.6 points per game with 139.9 pass yards and 196.6 rush yards. The Broncos have just eight pass TDs (alongside five picks) but they’ve scored 29 times on the ground. WMU could control the clock and keep the Owls offense off the field if they can get that rushing attack working early. This game seems like it’s going to be pass versus run, with both defenses being pretty good overall. Should be a great one to watch regardless of what happens.