Kennesaw State Owls Aim to Snap Skid Against Missouri State Bears

Kennesaw State, a team that defied expectations with a 10-win season in 2025, faces off against Missouri State on Wednesday night aiming to halt a current 1-4 skid. The Owls, once predicted to be one of the nation's worst teams, are now looking to build momentum as a 3-point road favorite against the Bears.

Despite their current record, Kennesaw State has experienced close losses, with their past two defeats decided by a combined four points. Their most recent loss was a last-minute heartbreaker against Jacksonville State, a favored team in Conference USA. The Owls' struggles in 2026 are attributed, in part, to the loss of key players to the transfer portal following their successful 2025 campaign.

Missouri State, meanwhile, is also navigating a period of transition. After an impressive first season in the FBS, the Bears lost their head coach, Ryan Beard, who departed for Coastal Carolina. This coaching change has led to significant rebuilding efforts, with early results proving challenging. The team's defense has been particularly weak, ranking among the bottom in yards per play allowed, points allowed, and yards allowed per contest. According to SP+, Missouri State is considered the 129th-best team in FBS.

Kennesaw State coach Jerry Mack leads a team that, while not as dominant as in the previous season, is seen as underperforming relative to its talent. The Owls' upcoming matchup against Missouri State presents an opportunity for them to secure a much-needed victory and begin turning their season around.

The betting prediction favors Kennesaw State to cover the 3-point spread, suggesting confidence in their ability to secure a win and potentially a more comfortable margin given Missouri State's defensive struggles.