Liberty vs. Kennesaw State: A Clash of Unbeaten vs. Winless
The Liberty Flames (5-0) are gearing up to face the Kennesaw State Owls (0-6) in what promises to be an intriguing matchup at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia, on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM ET, and fans can catch the action on CBS Sports Network. With Liberty entering the game as a hefty 25.5-point favorite, the odds heavily favor the road team, setting the stage for a compelling contest.
The Odds Breakdown
As the Flames look to maintain their perfect record, the odds reflect their dominance this season. The spread is set at Liberty -25.5, indicating an 81.6% chance that they will win by more than 25 points. On the moneyline, Liberty’s odds are a staggering -3000, suggesting a 96.8% implied probability of victory, while Kennesaw State’s +1300 odds translate to just a 7.1% chance of pulling off an upset.
The over/under for the game is set at 46 points, a relatively low total that speaks to Kennesaw State’s offensive struggles. The Owls have averaged a mere 13 points per game this season, while Liberty’s defense has been solid, allowing only 21.2 points per contest. This combination of factors makes for an interesting betting landscape as we analyze the potential outcomes.
Liberty Flames: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Liberty has been nothing short of impressive this season, showcasing a balanced offensive attack led by junior quarterback Kaidon Salter. Salter has thrown for 1,074 yards and seven touchdowns while also contributing 191 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. His dual-threat capabilities have made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
In the backfield, running back Quinton Cooley has been a standout performer, amassing 545 rushing yards and six touchdowns, with four games exceeding the 100-yard mark. The receiving corps, featuring Treon Sibley and Reese Smith, adds depth and versatility to Liberty’s offense, making them a formidable opponent.
Defensively, the Flames rank 29th nationally, allowing 21.2 points per game. Key contributors like TJ Bush Jr. and Dexter Ricks Jr. have bolstered the defense, combining for significant sacks and interceptions. However, Liberty has struggled against the spread, going just 1-4 this season, often facing inflated lines. Their recent overtime win against FIU highlighted the need to clean up penalties, as they rank 133rd in the FBS in this category.
Kennesaw State: Searching for Answers
On the other side of the field, Kennesaw State has had a challenging transition to the FBS, struggling to find their footing with an 0-6 record. The Owls have lost their games by an average margin of 19 points, with their offense averaging just 13 points and 256 total yards per game—both ranking in the bottom five nationally.
Quarterback Davis Bryson has faced difficulties, completing only 51.4% of his passes with a 2:6 touchdown-to-interception ratio. The running game, led by Michael Benefield and Qua Ashely, has provided some bright spots, but the overall offensive output has been dismal. Tight end Carson Kent has emerged as Bryson’s top target, but the lack of a consistent passing game has hindered Kennesaw State’s ability to compete.
Defensively, the Owls allow 32.3 points per game, ranking 114th in the nation. Despite some individual performances from linebackers Garland Benyard and Donelius Johnson, the unit has struggled to force turnovers and apply pressure consistently. For Kennesaw State to keep this game competitive, they will need to rely heavily on their run game to control the clock and limit Liberty’s offensive possessions.
Prediction: A Low-Scoring Affair
As we look ahead to the Liberty vs. Kennesaw State matchup, the prediction leans towards the total finishing under 46 points. The trend has been moving towards the under, and Kennesaw State’s offensive struggles make it difficult to envision them scoring enough to push the total over.
The Owls have only managed to hit the over in one of their last six games, averaging a meager 13 points per contest. While Liberty has been productive offensively, they have faced weaker defenses, and Kennesaw State’s defense, despite its flaws, is better than the raw numbers suggest. Given Liberty’s tendency to go under in recent games and the likelihood of a comfortable win where they may take their foot off the gas late, a low-scoring game seems probable.
Final Thoughts
With Liberty looking to secure bowl eligibility for the sixth straight season and Kennesaw State searching for their first win, this matchup presents a classic case of a powerhouse against a struggling team. The odds heavily favor Liberty, but the dynamics of college football can often lead to unexpected outcomes. As fans gear up for this exciting clash, all eyes will be on how the Flames handle their role as favorites and whether the Owls can finally find a way to compete.