Kennesaw State takes on UTSA in its first ever game as an FBS member on Saturday, August 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
Here's my Kennesaw State vs. UTSA prediction and pick.
Kennesaw State vs UTSA Prediction
- Kennesaw State vs. UTSA Pick: UTSA -24.5
My Kennesaw State-UTSA best bet is on the Roadrunners to cover the spread, with the best line currently available at FanDuel, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Kennesaw State vs UTSA Odds
| Kennesaw State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+24 -112 | 49.5 -108 / -112 | +1600 |
| UTSA Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-24 -108 | 49.5 -114 / -106 | -4000 |
- Kennesaw State vs UTSA Point Spread: Kennesaw State +24 (-110) · UTSA -24 (-110)
- Kennesaw State vs UTSA Total: Over/Under 49.5
- Kennesaw State vs UTSA Moneyline: Kennesaw State +1600 · UTSA -4000
Kennesaw State vs UTSA Preview
Kennesaw State Owls Betting Preview: Off to FBS
Kennesaw State makes the transition to FBS football this year after quite a bit of success at the FCS level, and one can only wonder: Is this team fully ready for what's ahead?
The Owls established their football program back in 2015 and did have success in FCS, but this transition was taken on quickly. Brian Bohannon is the only head coach the program has ever had, but it's working in new coordinators on both sides of the ball this season.
Last year was rough for Kennesaw State as it finished 3-6 overall with zero wins against NCAA Division I opponents. The Owls struggled to break four yards per carry against FCS competition, which is concerning given their style of play.
In 2024, Kennesaw State brings back seven starters on offense, including a loaded running back room.
I'm concerned with how the quarterback situation will shake out, and how the offensive line will hold up against much stiffer competition at the FBS level.
The defense returns nine from last year’s group and will rely on nose tackle Pooda Walker and defensive end Jordan Miles up front.
The linebacker unit has experience led by Garland Benyard, and the Owls have players that redshirted last year who played in 2022 that they expect to contribute.
The secondary has some holes as they lose three starters and will face much tougher competition this year.
UTSA Roadrunners Betting Preview: Roadrunners Riding High
UTSA comes into this game as co-favorites to win the American Athletic Conference, and we can't overstate the job that Jeff Traylor has done with this program.
He's taken UTSA from a middling C-USA team to the top team in the conference and now to one of the premier Group of Five competitors in the sport.
This year, UTSA is expected to be exceptionally strong on defense, with a highly-rated front seven that's regarded as one of the best in the AAC.
Joseph Evans has potential at the next level at defensive end, and Jamal Ligon and Martavius French lead the linebacker unit.
The secondary suffered key losses from the 2023 group and looks to reload with FBS transfers from New Mexico and Stanford.
UTSA has solid special teams and returns kicker Chase Allen, who hit 13-of-15 field goals last year.
Offensively, the glaring omission is QB Frank Harris, who re-wrote the record books at UTSA with nearly 5,000 more passing yards than anyone else who has ever played there. The Roadrunners will look to either Owen McCown or Eddie Lee Marburger to fill the shoes of Harris, and both players have experience in the system.
The running back room is deep, and they look forward to getting back De’Corian Clark and seek for young guys in the supporting cast to emerge.
UTSA returns 106 career starts and four full time starters on the offensive line, so it should be rock solid up front once again.
Kennesaw State vs UTSA Pick & Prediction
My recommendation in this matchup is to lay the points with UTSA at -24.5. I see major mismatches in the offensive and defensive trenches in favor of the Roadrunners.
On offense, Kennesaw State is predicated on running the football — specifically out of the pistol option look — but the rushing numbers were bad at times last year. It couldn't stay on the field and extend drives, and I don't see it having success running the ball effectively in this matchup.
(Watch the stuff rate for UTSA.)
When faced with third-and-long situations, the Kennesaw passing offense isn't strong enough to convert, and the unsuccessful offensive possessions will pile up.
UTSA should have an easier time on offense and will be able to push around the Owls' defensive line, gashing them in the run game.
UTSA has a large home edge here in the Alamodome, where it's loud and the fans show up with high support for this team.
I would play this all the way to -27.
Pick: UTSA -24.5 |
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How to Watch Kennesaw State vs UTSA Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Alamodome |
| Date: | Saturday, Aug. 31 |
| Kickoff Time: | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ESPN+ |
Kennesaw State vs UTSA Betting Trends
- 80% of the bets are on Kennesaw State to cover the spread while only 41% of the money is on the same bet ATS.
