Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan Opt-Out Tracker, Transfers, Injuries, Starting Lineups, Best Bet for Myrtle Beach Bowl
The Kennesaw State Owls will make their first ever bowl appearance today against the red-hot Western Michigan Broncos. Who will come out in this battle of conference champions at the Myrtle Beach Bowl? Peter Alexis takes a look at the opt-outs and injuries ahead of this Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan early showdown on Friday, December 19th.
Peter Alexis - December 19, 2025, 9:45 AM EST
5 Minute ReadKennesaw State vs. Western Michigan Preview: Who Is Opting-Out, Injured for Mrytle Beach Bowl on Friday, December 19th
The Myrtle Beach Bowl kicks off a packed Friday of college football with an early morning showdown between two red hot conference champions. Kennesaw State enters at 10-3 in just its second FBS season, making its first ever bowl appearance after a dramatic Conference USA Championship comeback win over Jacksonville State. Western Michigan arrives at 9-4 riding serious momentum of its own after tearing through the MAC and finishing the year as one of the hottest teams in the Group of Five.
This matchup pairs two programs on the rise, but their paths could not be more different. Kennesaw State is still in the early stages of its FBS transition, already exceeding expectations with a conference title and bowl berth. Western Michigan, meanwhile, is an established FBS program peaking at the right time, having won five straight games and nine of its last 10. The early kickoff and neutral site setting add another wrinkle, but both teams enter motivated with trophies already in hand and another chance to cap off special seasons.
The quarterback duel headlines the matchup. Kennesaw State sophomore Amari Odom has been the engine of the Owls’ offense, throwing for over 2,300 yards with 18 passing touchdowns and adding seven more scores on the ground. Western Michigan counters with sophomore Broc Lowry, a true dual threat who leans more heavily on his legs, paired with one of the most productive backs in the country. This game shapes up as a clash between Kennesaw’s developing explosiveness and Western Michigan’s polished, physical balance.
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Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan Date, Time, and Where to Watch Cure Bowl
- Date: Friday, December 19, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM ET
- How to Watch: ESPN
Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan Odds
Myrtle Beach Bowl | Odds |
|---|---|
Kennesaw State +3.5 (-110) | Western Michigan -3.5 (-110) |
Kennesaw State ML (+145) | Western Michigan ML (-170) |
Over 47.5 Total Points | Under 47.5 Total Points |
Click here for the latest Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan Odds
Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan Opt-Outs Tracker & Injuries
Kennesaw State Potential Opt-Outs
- CB Caleb Offord
Kennesaw State Transfer Portal
- All-CUSA CB JeRico Washington (plans to play in bowl game)
- Backup QB Dexter Williams
Kennesaw State Injuries
- S Antonio Stevens (barely played final three games)
- LB Garland Benyard (last played in Week 9)
Western Michigan Potential Opt-Outs
- DE Nadame Tucker
Western Michigan Injuries
- RB Jalen Buckley (Probable - Hand)
Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan Odds Breakdown - Myrtle Beach Bowl
Western Michigan’s offense presents a much different challenge than what Kennesaw State saw down the stretch in Conference USA. Broc Lowry and running back Jalen Buckley form a punishing tandem that thrives on sustained drives and physicality. Buckley is coming off a massive performance in the MAC Championship, ripping off over 190 rushing yards and continuing a season in which he has scored nine touchdowns. When Lowry’s rushing threat is layered on top, defenses are forced to defend every gap and every edge.
Kennesaw State’s defense will be tested in ways it has not consistently handled late in the season. While Amari Odom gives the Owls a chance in any game, the offense has shown signs of cooling off after an explosive midseason run. Against a Western Michigan defense that has tightened up significantly during its winning streak, long and methodical scoring drives will be difficult to come by. That puts added pressure on Odom to create off script against a disciplined unit.
The market is backing the hotter, more complete team. Western Michigan is laying -3.5, and the momentum clearly favors the Broncos. They are playing their best football on both sides of the ball, entering on a five game winning streak with confidence built from dominating performances in high leverage spots. Kennesaw State’s first bowl appearance is a massive achievement, but bowl season often exposes depth and physical mismatches. Western Michigan’s balance, experience, and current form make them the more trustworthy side in a short number.
Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan Best Bet
- Pick: Western Michigan -3.5 (-115) Check out these best odds on DraftKings Sportsbook
Western Michigan is peaking at the right time, riding elite momentum and a dominant rushing attack led by Lowry and Buckley. Kennesaw State’s story is incredible, but the Owls have slowed offensively and now face their toughest matchup yet against a physical, disciplined Broncos team. In a game where execution and balance matter, Western Michigan holds the edge. Lay the -3.5 and back the hotter team to close out the early bowl slate with a statement win.
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