Cinderella Owls vs Rising Broncos: Kennesaw State Takes on Western Michigan in Myrtle Beach Bowl Showdown

Myrtle Beach Bowl Shakeup: Two Group of Five Conference Champions face Off in Conway

Conway, South Carolina – The Myrtle beach Bowl pits two overachieving programs against each other as Kennesaw State and Western Michigan collide in a game that doubles as a showcase for Group of Five success stories. Both teams arrive riding winning streaks and carrying the weight of turning season-long promise into tangible postseason results.

Kennesaw State, in its first full season as an FBS program, shocked the Conference USA race by finishing 7-1 in league play and clinching the conference title on december 5. The owls are 10-3 overall and are set to play in their first-ever bowl game, a notable milestone for a program that has spent its decade in the football spotlight climbing from FCS playoff runs to FBS contention.

Western Michigan, under Lance Taylor, captured the MAC crown with a 9-4 record, marking the Broncos’ first conference championship as 2016 despite a league-wide rebuild. They arrive at Myrtle Beach with momentum built on a strong all-around attack and a stout defense, entering the bowl on a five-game winning streak.

Why this matchup matters for the G5 landscape

Two champions from non-Power Five leagues meeting in a mid-tier bowl is a rare and compelling storyline.It highlights how Group of Five programs can translate conference success into postseason visibility, even after moving up to the FBS level. The game also provides a platform for coaches and players to demonstrate that long-term program building can outpace short-term expectations.

Battle lines: Offense vs. defense and the teams to watch

Kennesaw State leans on a potent passing game led by quarterback Amari Odom. the sophomore transfer from Wofford has thrown for 2,385 yards and 18 touchdowns against six interceptions, complemented by 376 rushing yards and seven scores. His management of the ball is a focal point for the Owls’ success this season.

Odom’s top target is Gabriel Benyard, who emerged as a breakout senior with 898 receiving yards and nine touchdown catches in Conference USA play.The connection between Odom and Benyard has been central to keeping defenses honest and maximizing the Owls’ offensive efficiency.

Western Michigan counters with a balanced, run-first approach. Quarterback Broc Lowry is a dual-threat weapon who totaled 14 rushing touchdowns and ranks among the MAC leaders in rushing yards. He is supported by Jalen Buckley, who added solid ground production this season.

Defensively, the Broncos have been the calling card, ranking second in the MAC in both yards allowed (per game) and points surrendered. That efficiency has helped WMU win games even when the offense isn’t running at peak efficiency.

Key facts at a glance

Team	Record	Conference	Offensive Focus	Bowl History
Kennesaw State	10-3	Conference USA	Passing game led by Amari Odom; Odom 2,385 passing yards, 18 TDs; 376 rushing yards, 7 rushing TDs	First bowl; history of postseason FCS playoff appearances (2017-2020)
Western Michigan	9-4	MAC	Ground-oriented attack; Lowry 14 rushing TDs and 940 rushing yards; Buckley 829 rushing yards	Fifth bowl in nine years; never played in Myrtle Beach Bowl

Evergreen takeaways for future G5 storytelling

This matchup underscores a broader narrative: disciplined defense and efficient game management can unlock late-season momentum for teams outside the traditional Power Five. It also illustrates how a well-rounded offense-whether through a dynamic passing attack or a punishing ground game-can compensate for any single strength, creating a balanced threat that keeps opponents guessing.

For fans and programs alike, the game serves as a blueprint for maximizing bowl opportunities: build a resilient defense, cultivate a quarterback who can protect the football and make plays, and develop a complementary run game to keep defenses honest. The Myrtle Beach Bowl could become a launching pad for continued success stories among G5 programs.

two bold stories converge in Conway, offering a reminder that season-long excellence in smaller conferences can translate into meaningful postseason momentum-and that the path from FCS success to FBS relevance is no longer a straight line.

Engagement questions

Which team has the edge in this clash of G5 champions, and what do you think will decide the game? If you’re a program in a Group of Five league, what lesson from Kennesaw State and Western Michigan should you prioritize to maximize your own bowl chances?

Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments-and tell us which player matchup you’re most excited to watch in Conway.

Myrtle beach Bowl Showdown: cinderella Owls vs Rising Broncos

Game Overview

• Date & Time: December 17, 2025 – 3:20 PM EST
• Location: TicketReturn.com Stadium, Myrtle Beach, SC
• Broadcast: ESPN + and local NBC affiliate (WNCT)
• Attendance Expectation: 18,000 - 20,000 fans, with a strong travel contingent from both Georgia and Michigan

Team Profiles

Kennesaw State Owls – The Cinderella Story

• Conference: Independent (transitioning to the Sun Belt)
• 2025 Record: 8‑4 (first FBS season)
• Key Strength: Explosive passing attack led by senior QB Jalen “J‑Flash” Turner (3,212 yds, 28 tds)
• Defensive Highlight: Cornerback Malik hayes – 4 interceptions, 12 pass break‑ups

Western Michigan Broncos – The Rising Contenders

• Conference: Mid‑American Conference (MAC) West division
• 2025 Record: 6‑6 (second place in MAC West)
• key Strength: Balanced run‑pass offense anchored by RB Tyler “Turbo” Griffin (1,102 yds, 9 TDs)
• Defensive Highlight: Linebacker Ethan Reddick – 78 tackles, 2.5 sacks

Season Recap: Kennesaw State Owls

1. offensive Breakthroughs

• Averaged 34.5 pts per game (3rd in the nation among FBS newcomers).
• Ranked 12th nationally in total passing yards per game (306 yds).

2. Signature Wins

• Upset over UTSA Roadrunners (31‑28) – first victory against an established FBS program.
• Homecoming triumph vs Georgia Southern Eagles (27‑24) – secured the Owls’ first winning streak of 3 games.

3. Statistical Leaders

• Jalen Turner: 78.5 % completion rate, 8.4 YPA.
• Malik Hayes: 2 forced fumbles, 1 safety.

Season Recap: Western Michigan broncos

1. Balanced Attack

• 462 total yards per game (24.8 pts) – 5th best offense in the MAC.
• 42 % rushing yardage, 58 % passing yardage, creating a versatile playbook.

2. Key Victories

• Narrow win over Northern Illinois Huskies (24‑21) – clinched a bowl‑eligible record.
• Road upset at Akron Zips (28‑20) – highlighted defensive resilience.

3. Statistical Leaders

• Tyler Griffin: 5.4 YPC, 3.2 receptions per game.
• Ethan Reddick: 7.5 tackles per game, 1.8 tackles for loss.

Head‑to‑Head Statistical Comparison

Category	Kennesaw State Owls	Western Michigan Broncos
Points per Game	34.5	24.8
Total Yards per Game	465	462
Passing yards per Game	306	269
Rushing Yards per Game	159	193
Turnover Margin	+3	+1
Third‑Down Conversion	46 %	41 %
Red Zone Efficiency	88 %	81 %

Key Matchups & player Battles

• Jalen Turner vs. Ethan Reddick – The quarterback’s ability to extend plays will test the Broncos’ front seven.
• Tyler Griffin vs. Malik Hayes – Expect Griffin to attack the edges, while Hayes seeks to disrupt timing routes and force turnovers.
• Special Teams Showdown – KSU’s punter Andrew “Boots” Lawson boasts a 45‑yard average; WMU’s kicker Zachary “Boots” Hayes is 93 % field‑goal reliable from 40 yds.

Betting Odds & Predictions

• Current Line: kennesaw State +3.5 (over/under 64.5) – sportsbooks note the Owls’ high‑scoring offense as a factor for the total.
• Value Picks:

1. Over 64.5 points – Both teams average >60 combined points per game.
2. First‑to‑Score: kennesaw State – early‑down tempo gives them a head‑start.

Impact of the Myrtle Beach Bowl

• For Kennesaw State: First bowl appearance solidifies the program’s transition to FBS and boosts recruiting reach in the Southeast.
• for Western Michigan: A win would spark momentum heading into the 2026 MAC race, positioning the Broncos as early favorites for the conference title.

Travel & Ticket Tips for Fans

• Parking: Early‑bird parking passes are $15; arrive by 12 PM to claim a spot near the stadium entrance.
• Accommodation: Budget hotels within a 5‑mile radius often offer “Bowl‑Package” rates ($89/night + shuttle).
• Local Attractions: Take a sunset walk on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk after the game – perfect for post‑bowl celebrations.

Live Viewing Options

• streaming: ESPN + (subscription required) provides a multi‑camera feed with in‑game analytics.
• radio: 101.3 The Wave (WRBK) offers live commentary and fan call‑ins.
• Social Media: Follow #MyrtleBeachBowl on Twitter for real‑time updates, behind‑the‑scenes clips, and fan polls.

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Quick Reference: Game Day Checklist

1. Verify ticket QR code and seat number.
2. Pack a weather‑appropriate jacket – myrtle Beach averages 55 °F in December.
3. Charge phone and bring a portable charger for live‑tweeting.
4. Review team stats on the official NCAA stats portal (stats.ncaa.org) for last‑minute insights.

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By focusing on the Owls’ high‑octane offense and the Broncos’ balanced attack, the Myrtle Beach Bowl promises a clash of styles that will keep fans on the edge of their seats from kickoff to the final whistle.