The Kennesaw State Owls will face the Western Michigan Broncos in the Myrtle Beach Bowl on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM ET in Conway, South Carolina. Two conference champions will square off when MAC champ Western Michigan takes on Conference USA champion Kennesaw State in what promises to be an exciting championship matchup between teams riding strong momentum heading into bowl season.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Kickoff: Friday, December 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM ET from Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina
- Matchup: Kennesaw State (Conference USA Champions) faces Western Michigan (MAC Champions) in the Myrtle Beach Bowl
- Team Records: Kennesaw State enters 10-3 overall with a 7-1 conference record while Western Michigan brings a 9-4 overall mark with 7-1 MAC record
- Historic Opportunity: Western Michigan has never won both a conference championship and a bowl game in the same season, making this game a chance for program history
Two Conference Champions Clash in Bowl Game Showdown
Cagliari faces Lecce tonight in Serie A showdown, Rossoblu seek top-half push
Girona faces Barcelona tonight in La Liga showdown, Barcelona chases lead
The Myrtle Beach Bowl brings together two of the most impressive teams from their respective leagues. Kennesaw State, in just its second year as an FBS program, completed a remarkable turnaround to win the Conference USA championship.
The Owls defeated Jacksonville State 19-15 in the Conference USA championship game on December 5, 2025, earning their first major bowl appearance. Western Michigan, as the MAC champions, captured the Mid-American Conference title with a dominant 23-13 victory over Miami (OH) in their championship game.
Kennesaw State’s Historic First Season as Conference Champions
East Texas A&M faces Southeastern in Family Fun Day matchup today
Macclesfield faces Brentford tonight in FA Cup fourth-round showdown
Kennesaw State has experienced one of the most dramatic turnarounds in college football history. The Owls went 2-10 last season but improved dramatically to 10-3 this year under first-year head coach Jerry Mack.
The program is bowl eligible in just its second year as an FBS program after transitioning from the FCS level. Kennesaw State’s 9 wins ranks fourth all-time for most wins in the second year of reclassification to FBS, showcasing the remarkable progress made under coaching leadership. The Owls finished 7-1 in conference play and have won three straight games heading into the bowl matchup.
Western Michigan’s Comeback Season and Championship Aspirations
| Category | Record/Info |
| Overall Record | 9-4 |
| Conference Record | 7-1 MAC |
| Head Coach | Lance Taylor (3rd season) |
| Recent Form | 5-game winning streak heading into bowl game |
| Bowl History | 13th bowl appearance for the program |
The Broncos have engineered an impressive comeback after beginning the season 0-3. Western Michigan has won 9 of their last 10 games throughout the season, showcasing resilience and improvement from coach Lance Taylor‘s squad.
The Broncos’ path to the conference title came against one of the stronger MAC programs, making their championship run particularly impressive. Western Michigan brings strong momentum and the chance to make history by winning both a conference championship and a bowl game in the same season.
Key Storylines and Motivation for Both Programs
Kennesaw State arrives as the underdog with plenty of momentum but limited bowl experience at the FBS level. The program’s rapid ascent from 2-10 to 10-3 and conference champions represents one of college football’s greatest turnarounds.
Western Michigan has never completed the conference championship and bowl game double in a single season, representing a historic opportunity for the program. The Broncos’ comeback from an 0-3 start makes this matchup especially compelling for a team hungry to cement this season as truly special.
Which Team Will Capture Bowl Glory and Start Conference Championship Tradition?
The Myrtle Beach Bowl will determine which program can claim the championship mantle and add to their legacy during the 2025 season. Both teams earned their spots through dominant conference championship performances, setting the stage for an unpredictable bowl game battle.
Kennesaw State’s historic first conference championship as an FBS program faces Western Michigan’s quest to complete an unprecedented double by securing both the MAC title and a bowl victory in the same season. This matchup represents winning culture colliding head-on when Friday’s kickoff arrives.
Sources
- ESPN – Official game coverage and team statistics
- Sports Reference – Conference records and seasonal data
- Official Team Athletic Sites – Program announcements and statistics
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.