The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders will travel to Fifth Third Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia for their Week 5 game of the 2025 Regular Season against the Kennesaw State Owls. Scheduled for a 6:00 PM start on Saturday, September 27, this game will be broadcast on ESPN+. The Blue Raiders, currently holding a 1-3 overall record, are seeking to improve their standing in Conference USA.
Kennesaw State, with a 2-2 record, looks to maintain its perfect home record at 2-0. The Owls have demonstrated strong performances at Fifth Third Stadium this season. They will aim to leverage their home advantage once again in front of their fans.
Oddsmakers have the Owls as favorites, with a moneyline of -296 and a spread of -7.5. Middle Tennessee is considered an underdog with a moneyline of +239. With both teams looking to gain momentum in their respective seasons, this game promises to be an intriguing battle under the lights.
Kennesaw State vs Middle Tennessee At a Glance
- Game Location: Fifth Third Stadium in Kennesaw, GA
- Kickoff Time: Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 6:00 PM
- TV Coverage: Available on ESPN+
- Kennesaw State Record: 2-2 overall, 2-0 at home
- Middle Tennessee Record: 1-3 overall, 1-1 on the road
- Game Odds: Kennesaw State favored with a -296 moneyline
Kennesaw State Owls Set to Soar in Upcoming Game
Team Overview
The Kennesaw State Owls are approaching their next game with a balanced offensive strategy. This season, they have accumulated 835 passing yards, ranking 72nd, and 619 rushing yards, ranking 60th. Their ability to secure 79 first downs has placed them 29th in the rankings, showcasing their ability to control the field.
Defensively, the Owls have allowed 100 points against, ranking 69th, which indicates areas that may need improvement. However, their defensive line has been effective in pressuring quarterbacks, notching 9 sacks, which ranks them 9th. With zero interceptions, their secondary could be a point of focus for upcoming games.
Recent Performance
Kennesaw State recently secured a 28-21 victory over Arkansas State, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. They dominated the game with 308 passing yards and 199 rushing yards, indicating a balanced offensive approach. The Owls’ defense held Arkansas State to just 18 first downs, showing their defensive potential.
In their previous encounter with Merrimack College, the Owls emerged with a 27-13 win. They demonstrated their offensive prowess with 196 passing yards and 173 rushing yards, while their defense limited Merrimack to 16 first downs. Their consistent performance in recent games highlights their potential for success in upcoming contests.
Key Players
Quarterback Amari Odom has been a standout player this season, with 592 passing yards and 2 touchdowns, leading the team in both categories. His ability to manage the game and distribute the ball effectively is a crucial asset for the Owls. On the ground, Coleman Bennett has contributed significantly with 191 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, adding depth to their offensive strategy.
Wide receiver Gabriel Benyard has been a reliable target, amassing 322 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. His performance has been instrumental in the Owls’ passing game, providing a consistent outlet for Odom. Their offensive unit is well-rounded, with several players capable of making impactful plays.
Injury Concerns
The Owls are dealing with several injuries that could impact their lineup. Key players such as Seaburn Hines, Donelius Johnson, and Javon Rogers are listed as questionable for the upcoming game. The team’s ability to adapt to these potential absences will be critical in maintaining their performance level.
Team Betting Trends
- Home Games Straight Up: 3-0 in the last 3 games
- Home Games Against the Spread: 4-1 in the last 5 games
- Against the Spread as Underdog: 6-3 in the last 9 games
- Overall Against the Spread: 6-4 in the last 10 games
- Overall Straight Up: 2-1 in the last 3 games
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders: Seeking Redemption on the Road
Offensive Overview
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders have been struggling offensively this season, managing to score only 66 points across their games, which ranks them 74th nationally. Their passing game is relatively stronger, with 863 passing yards placing them at 67th. However, the running game is a significant concern, as they are ranked 132nd with only 256 rushing yards.
Defensive Struggles
Defensively, the Blue Raiders have allowed 131 points, placing them 90th in the rankings. Despite their overall defensive struggles, they have excelled in creating turnovers, ranking 4th in both interceptions and fumbles recovered. The team also boasts a strong pass rush, ranking 9th with 9 sacks.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Nicholas Vattiato is a standout performer for Middle Tennessee, having thrown for 847 yards and 6 touchdowns in 4 games. Running back Jekail Middlebrook has contributed 231 rushing yards, though he has yet to find the end zone. Wide receiver Nahzae Cox is a key target, with 264 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns.
Recent Performance
The Blue Raiders are coming off a tough 42-28 loss to Marshall, where they struggled to stop the run, conceding 191 rushing yards. Their sole victory this season was a narrow 14-13 win over Nevada, where their defense was able to hold firm in crucial moments. They also suffered losses against Wisconsin and Austin Peay, emphasizing their inconsistency this season.
Game Expectations
As they prepare to play away against Kennesaw State, the Blue Raiders will need to address their rushing defense, which has been a weak point. Improving their run game could also be crucial, as their passing game has been carrying much of the offensive load. The upcoming game presents an opportunity for Middle Tennessee to turn their season around.
Betting Trends
- O/U – After Win: 11-4 in last 15 games (73.3%)
- SU – As Favorite: 13-7 in last 20 games (65.0%)
- O/U – Home Games: 8-4-1 in last 13 games (61.5%)
- O/U – As Underdog: 3-1 in last 4 games (75.0%)
- O/U – Totals ≥ 50: 16-13-1 in last 30 games (53.3%)
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, the Blue Raiders have a challenging schedule with games against Missouri State, Delaware, and Jacksonville State. These games will test their defensive mettle and their ability to execute under pressure. Middle Tennessee will aim to capitalize on home games to improve their standing this season.
Kennesaw State vs Middle Tennessee Prediction: Over 51.0
Kennesaw State has shown strong offensive capabilities at home, scoring an average of 24 points per game in their recent outings. Their offensive output, paired with Middle Tennessee’s defensive struggles, suggests that this game could surpass the set total of 51.0.
Middle Tennessee has allowed an average of over 32 points per game this season, indicating vulnerabilities that Kennesaw State can exploit. The Blue Raiders’ defensive ranks are low, suggesting that they may struggle to contain Kennesaw State’s offensive efforts.
The high-scoring potential of Kennesaw State, combined with Middle Tennessee’s defensive challenges, points towards a game that is likely to go over the total. Previous games for Kennesaw State with totals set around 50 have frequently hit the over, reinforcing this outlook.
Considering the form and statistics of both teams, a projected final score of Kennesaw State 34 – Middle Tennessee 24 supports an over pick. This scenario aligns with both teams’ current offensive and defensive stats, suggesting a total score exceeding 51.0.
- Kennesaw State vs Middle Tennessee Prediction: Over 51.0
- Kennesaw State vs Middle Tennessee Score: Kennesaw State 34 – Middle Tennessee 24
