In Week 9 of the 2025 college football season, the Kennesaw State Owls will travel to Miami to take on the Florida International Panthers. The game is set to kick off at 7:00 PM on October 21, 2025, at South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN2. The Owls, with a season record of 4-2, have shown strong performances at home with an undefeated record of 4-0, but they have yet to secure a win on the road, standing at 0-2. Their recent performances include a dominant 35-7 win against Louisiana Tech at Fifth Third Stadium. Kennesaw State’s offensive prowess was evident as they accumulated 290 passing yards and limited turnovers in that game. On the other hand, the Florida International Panthers hold a 3-3 record this season with a 2-1 home record. They recently came off a confidence-boosting 25-6 victory over Western Kentucky, highlighting their defensive capabilities by forcing three interceptions. With both teams belonging to Conference USA, this encounter adds another layer of intensity as they vie for conference standings.
Florida International vs Kennesaw State At a Glance
- Game Location: South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium in Miami, FL
- Current Records: Kennesaw State Owls 4-2 (0-2 on the road), Florida International Panthers 3-3 (2-1 at home)
- Game Date & Time: Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 7:00 PM
- TV Coverage: ESPN2
- Weather Forecast: Check local forecasts closer to game day
- Betting Odds: Kennesaw State favored by 3 points, moneyline -151
Florida International Panthers Aim to Pounce in Upcoming Game
Offensive Struggles and Highlights
The Florida International Panthers’ offense has shown a decline in their passing game, currently ranked 113th with 1,147 passing yards. Despite these challenges, their rushing attack is a bright spot, ranked 59th with 1,129 rushing yards this season. The team’s overall offensive output is ranked 84th with 131 points scored.
Running back Kejon Owens has been a standout performer, ranking 16th nationally with 658 rushing yards. His contribution is vital for the Panthers as they rely heavily on their ground game. This emphasis on rushing will likely be a focal point in their strategy for the upcoming games.
Defensive Strengths
The Panthers’ defense has excelled in creating turnovers, with 7 interceptions and 2 fumbles recovered, both ranked 8th in the nation. This knack for takeaways has been a critical factor in their defensive strategy. Their ability to pressure the quarterback is reflected in their 18th-ranked sack total of 11 this season.
Although the defense has been effective in creating disruptions, they have allowed 166 points against, placing them 89th in points allowed. Continued focus on their defensive strengths will be essential to support their overall performance.
Recent Game Performances
In their recent victory against Western Kentucky, the Panthers dominated with a 25-6 win, showcasing their defensive prowess by limiting the Hilltoppers to just 6 points. The Panthers capitalized on turnovers with 3 interceptions and demonstrated a strong rushing attack with 249 yards on the ground.
Earlier in the season, the Panthers suffered a heavy 51-10 defeat to Connecticut, highlighting inconsistencies in their performance. The loss underscored the importance of avoiding turnovers, as they threw 3 interceptions in that game.
Key Players and Injuries
Quarterback Keyone Jenkins has been the leading passer with 959 yards but needs to improve in protecting the ball, having thrown 4 interceptions. On the injury front, the Panthers are missing key players like Dallas Payne and Juju Lewis, which could impact their offensive dynamics.
The absence of these players puts additional pressure on others to step up, especially in the receiving corps. Tight ends Braiden Staten and Justin Cayenne are also questionable, which could further affect their passing game.
Team Betting Trends
- O/U – Totals ≤ 42: Last 3 Games (2020–2023) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – As Underdog: Last 7 Games (2024–2025) → 6-1 (85.7%)
- ATS – Home Games: Last 7 Games (2024–2025) → 6-1 (85.7%)
- ATS – Totals ≥ 50: Last 12 Games (2024–2025) → 9-3 (75.0%)
- O/U – After Loss: Last 6 Games (2024–2025) → 5-1 (83.3%)
Kennesaw State Owls Ready for Battle Against Florida International Panthers
Offensive Overview
The Kennesaw State Owls have shown solid offensive performance in the 2025 season, accumulating 132 points, which ranks them 83rd nationally. With 1302 passing yards, they stand at the 101st position, indicating room for improvement in their aerial attack. Their rushing game has been more effective, as they have gained 905 yards, placing them 89th in the rankings.
First downs have been a strength for the Owls, achieving 118 and ranking 57th, which highlights their ability to sustain drives. Compared to the previous season, Kennesaw State has improved its offensive efficiency, especially in converting opportunities into points.
Defensive Strengths
Defensively, the Owls have held opponents to 123 points, ranking them 61st, showcasing a more resilient defense than last season. The defense has been particularly effective in pressuring the quarterback, recording 13 sacks to place them 16th nationally.
The secondary has been a standout unit, with 3 interceptions ranking them 4th, demonstrating their ability to disrupt the passing game. Their ability to recover fumbles is also noteworthy, as they have recovered 2, ranking them 8th.
Recent Performance
Kennesaw State has been on a winning streak, coming off a convincing 35-7 victory against Louisiana Tech. This game highlighted their passing prowess, as they outgained their opponents with 290 passing yards.
Their rushing attack added balance to their offensive effort, with 110 rushing yards complementing the aerial game. Defensively, they limited Louisiana Tech to just 169 passing yards and 136 rushing yards, demonstrating a comprehensive team effort.
Key Players
Amari Odom has been pivotal under center, passing for 754 yards and 4 touchdowns, showing consistency in leading the offense. On the ground, Coleman Bennett has been the standout, amassing 365 rushing yards and scoring 2 touchdowns.
In the receiving corps, Gabriel Benyard has been a reliable target, securing 29 receptions for 398 yards and 3 touchdowns. The combination of these key players has been crucial to the Owls’ offensive success this season.
Betting Trends
- SU – Home Games: 5-0 in the last 5 games (2024–2025).
- SU – All Games: 4-0 in the last 4 games (2025).
- ATS – All Games: 3-0 in the last 3 games (2025).
- ATS – Home Games: 3-0 in the last 3 games (2025).
- SU – After Win: 3-0 in the last 3 games (2025).
- ATS – After Win: 3-0 in the last 3 games (2025).
Florida International vs Kennesaw State Prediction: Over 49.5
The game between Florida International and Kennesaw State features two teams with offensive potential, as seen in their rankings. Kennesaw State has scored 132 points this season, while Florida International has scored 131. Both teams have shown that they can put points on the board, which suggests a high-scoring game is likely.
Defensively, both teams have allowed a significant number of points. Florida International has given up 166 points, and Kennesaw State has allowed 123 points this season. These stats indicate that both teams might struggle to keep each other out of the end zone, further supporting the potential for a game going over the total set at 49.5.
The head-to-head history also supports an over pick. In their last meeting, the teams combined for 53 points, exceeding the total set for this upcoming game. With both teams having a history of overs, especially Florida International’s trends in games with totals of 50 or more, the over appears to be the favorable play here.
Considering both the offensive output and defensive vulnerabilities of these teams, a predicted score of Kennesaw State 30, Florida International 24 seems plausible. This projected score would comfortably take the game over the 49.5 total.
- Florida International vs Kennesaw State Prediction: Over 49.5
- Florida International vs Kennesaw State Score: Kennesaw State 30 – Florida International 24
