Myrtle Beach Bowl Showdown: Kennesaw State and Western Michigan Clash in Historic Championship Matchup

Two conference champions are set for a historic collision at the shore. Kennesaw State football faces Western Michigan in the 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl this Friday. The game kicks off at 11 a.m. ET at Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina. It will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

This matchup features two teams fresh off championship victories. Kennesaw State captured the Conference USA title in just its second FBS season. Western Michigan secured the MAC championship with a decisive win. Both programs bring impressive win streaks and high stakes to the coastal showdown.

Historic Meeting of Two Champions

This contest represents a significant moment for Kennesaw State. The Owls transitioned to FBS eligibility only last year. They have already captured the Conference USA championship at the top level. According to CBS Sports, the Owls finished with a 7-1 conference record.

Western Michigan arrives as a proven MAC powerhouse. The Broncos carry a five-game winning streak into the bowl. They dominated Miami (Ohio) in their championship game. Both teams earned bowl eligibility through their conference titles. A victory Friday means everything for momentum and national recognition.

Quarterback Matchups and Offensive Firepower

Kennesaw State quarterback Amari Odom will lead the Owls offense. He faces a Western Michigan defense that has been stout all season. The Broncos’ offense centers on dynamic QB Broc Lowry. Explosive running back Jalen Buckley is also a key weapon.

The Owls’ 10-3 record reflects a resilient team. They won three consecutive games heading into the bowl. Western Michigan’s form shows even stronger recent momentum. Both offenses rank among their conference leaders. This sets up a contest where scoring opportunities may be plentiful.

Stakes Beyond the Scoreboard

For Kennesaw State, a bowl victory would cap a remarkable first season. Head coach Jerry Mack has overseen a rapid ascent. A win would validate the program’s immediate success at the FBS level. It would give the Owls an 11-3 final record.

Western Michigan seeks its tenth victory of the season. A win would create powerful momentum heading into the offseason. The betting line favors Western Michigan by 3.5 points. Oddsmakers respect both teams’ championship pedigree. They give a slight edge to the MAC champion’s recent form.

This Myrtle Beach Bowl clash is more than just a postseason game. It is a validation of two programs’ championship seasons. The result will resonate through both conferences long after the final whistle.

Info at your fingertips

What time is the Myrtle Beach Bowl?

The game kicks off at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday. It will be played at Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina. Live coverage is available on ESPN.

How did Kennesaw State reach this bowl?

Kennesaw State won the Conference USA championship. They finished the regular season with a 10-3 overall record. This is their first bowl appearance as an FBS program.

What is Western Michigan’s recent form?

Western Michigan enters on a five-game winning streak. They won the MAC championship with a 23-13 victory. Their overall record for the season is 9-4.

Who are the key players to watch?

Kennesaw State’s offense is led by quarterback Amari Odom. Western Michigan features QB Broc Lowry and running back Jalen Buckley. These playmakers will likely decide the outcome.

What channel is the game on?

The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. It can also be streamed via the ESPN app or FuboTV. Radio coverage is available on SiriusXM.

What are the betting odds for the game?

Western Michigan is favored by approximately 3.5 points. The over/under for total points is set around 47.5. Odds reflect the close nature of this championship matchup.