Myrtle Beach Bowl Showdown: Kennesaw State and Western Michigan Clash as Conference Champions

The Myrtle Beach Bowl kicks off this morning with a rare matchup. For the first time this bowl season, two conference champions will face off. Kennesaw State, the Conference USA titleholder, takes on MAC champion Western Michigan. The game starts at 11 a.m. ET at Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina.This is a historic moment for both programs. Each team secured its conference championship just last week. According to ESPN, this is the only 2025 bowl game featuring two reigning champions. It promises a highly competitive contest between two resilient squads.

Kennesaw State’s Meteoric Rise to the Conference USA Crown

Kennesaw State’s journey to this bowl game is remarkable. The Owls finished the 2024 season with zero wins. First-year head coach Jerry Mack then engineered a stunning reversal. The team finished 10-3 and won the Conference USA championship game.Quarterback Amari Odom is the offensive leader. He threw a last-minute, game-winning touchdown in the conference title clash. His connection with receiver Navelle Dean has been explosive all season. This offensive firepower will be key against Western Michigan’s defense.The Owls’ defense solidified as the season progressed. It held a potent Jacksonville State offense to just 15 points in the championship. That unit’s ability to perform under pressure will be tested again today.

Western Michigan’s Resilient Path to MAC Supremacy

Western Michigan’s season story is one of incredible resilience. The Broncos opened the year with three consecutive losses. They then rallied to win nine of their next ten games, capturing the MAC title.Running back Jalen Buckley powers the Broncos’ offense. He broke off long touchdown runs of 67 and 64 yards in the MAC championship victory. The ground game is the engine for an offense averaging nearly 24 points per game.Head Coach Lance Guidry has emphasized seizing this opportunity. The program has never won both a conference title and a bowl game in the same year. A victory today would cement this season’s legacy.

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Today’s Myrtle Beach Bowl is a celebration of two programs that defied expectations. The clash between Kennesaw State’s aerial attack and Western Michigan’s ground game will decide which champion ends its historic season on top.

Thought you’d like to know

What time is the Myrtle Beach Bowl and how can I watch?

The game kicks off at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. It will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. You can also stream the action live via the ESPN app or website with a valid cable subscription.

Why is this Myrtle Beach Bowl matchup considered unique?

This is the only bowl game this season where both participants are reigning conference champions. Kennesaw State won Conference USA, while Western Michigan won the Mid-American Conference (MAC) title last week.

Who are the key players to watch in this game?

Watch Kennesaw State quarterback Amari Odom and his top target, Navelle Dean. For Western Michigan, running back Jalen Buckley is the dynamic offensive threat capable of breaking the game open with a single carry.

What are the recent records of these two teams?

Kennesaw State finished the regular season 10-3 and won its conference championship game. Western Michigan finished 9-4 after starting 0-3, and also won its league championship last weekend.

Where is the Myrtle Beach Bowl played?

The game is held at Brooks Stadium on the campus of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina. This venue is near the Myrtle Beach area, which gives the bowl its name.