Are those really the Kennesaw State Owls?
The program that was 0-6 to start its first season in the FBS was supposed to be roadkill against Liberty, but a funny thing happened on the way to the blowout - it won.
It pulled off the 27-24 shocker for a season-maker, but now it’s about building and improving over the second half of the season.
Western Kentucky lost to Alabama and Boston College. That’s it. It’s been able to get by everyone else, including a Conference USA showdown it had to have at Sam Houston a few weeks ago.
Win here, and there shouldn’t be a problem until the end with at Liberty and Jacksonville State to close.
Sep 28, 2024; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers head coach Tyson Helton reacts to game action against the Boston College Eagles during the second half at Alumni Stadium.
© Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Kennesaw State vs Western Kentucky Preview
Kennesaw State vs Western Kentucky How to Watch
Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Game Time: 7:30 pm ET
Venue: Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, KY
How to Watch: ESPN2
Western Kentucky (5-2), Kennesaw State (1-6)
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Why Kennesaw State Will Win
So what did Kennesaw State do that worked against Liberty? It came up with its best offensive performance of the year by far.
The Owls got to 300 yards of total offense for the first time all year, and for the second time in three games it converted half of their third down chances.
Western Kentucky might have the offense, but the defense is among the worst in the nation at coming up with third down stops.
The special teams - particularly the rehung game and coverage teams - are struggling, too, and Kennesaw State has to take advantage of all of it.
Anything that helps the team control the tempo is a must because …
Why Western Kentucky Will Win
The Hilltoppers offense is rolling.
The running game rocked UTEP, and passing attack blew past Sam Houston, and the defense is holding serve.
Kennesaw State was able to beat Liberty by keeping down the tempo and controlling the game. That’s going to be hard against the high-powered WKU attack that should be able to get up fast thanks to a ground game that should work from the start.
Kennesaw State averages just 2.8 yards per carry and won’t be able to win the time of possession by enough to matter.
Kennesaw State vs Western Kentucky: Who Will Win
Last week was fun for the Owls, but now reality is coming to breakfast.
The weeknight Conference USA games have generally been low scoring fights, but this will be a little different. Western Kentucky will drag Kennesaw State out of its style, but it’ll be a one-side game after the first quarter. The Owls won’t keep up.
Kennesaw State vs Western Kentucky Prediction, Betting Lines
Western Kentucky 35, Kennesaw State 14
Line: Western Kentucky -24.5, o/u: 49.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Kennesaw State vs Western Kentucky Must See Rating: 2
