Kennesaw State Owls vs. UTSA Roadrunners 8/31/24 – The first week of the college football season includes a unique match-up between Kennesaw State Owls and UTSA Roadrunners on Saturday. Kennesaw Owls were troubled last year as they appeared weak, especially in their away matches. However, the UTSA Roadrunners had a season where they were kings at home. The match is contained in the Alamodome; hence, the viewers are urged to get tuned in on the ESP+, which guarantees high-voltage action. However, the fans who cannot go there can follow the fight through Sofascore so they do not miss daily college football tips.
Kennesaw State Owls vs. UTSA Roadrunners 8/31/24 Game Info |
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| When: | Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 3:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Alamodome |
| TV: | ESP+ |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Kennesaw State Owls (3-6 Last season) vs. UTSA Roadrunners (9-4 Last season)
The Kennesaw State Owls have had a hard time in the last season and will focus on improving their away game, where they have performed poorly. The team is mainly run-oriented as far as the offensive plan is concerned. Yesiah Clemons, the running back, was noteworthy as regards the plan as he managed only 126 yards rushing last season. However, there is a dire need for improvement of the owls’ general offensive system, as seen in their win-loss records and, most especially, in how they perform on the road. Wide receiver Tykeem Wallace, with a rather unimpressive 85 receiving yards for the season, continues to be another big challenge in the offense. This game is crucial for setting a tone for their season, especially as they face a robust team like UTSA, resembling some aspects of the Colorado State vs Texas game in terms of underdog dynamics.
In sharp contrast, the UTSA Roadrunners come into this match with great expectations having had a good run at home last season. There appears to be more variety in their offensive lineup, and there will be quite a balance between the ground game and the air attack. Their rushing attack will feature running back Kevorian Barnes who accumulated 715 rushing yards last season and will help them sustain their ground game. Wide receiver Devin McCuin, who posted 546 yards, is expected to perform the same when the team competes at the Alamodome making the Roadrunners a daunting team. Their well-rounded team composition and strategic gameplay reflect the strengths we will see in the Akron vs Ohio State duel, showcasing a well-prepared team ready to capitalize on home advantage.
Jonathan Murphy QB vs. Owen McCown QB
Jonathan Murphy quarterback for Kennesaw State has had a difficult campaign with 1190 passing yards and a 53.8% completion rate. Murphy has not been successful in hitting any deep shots except for one long of 61 yards. Another notable weakness has been his penchant for taking sacks, where he loses valuable yards. How well he performs in this game will be key in establishing the rhythm of his team and improving his pass protection might just do the trick.
UTSA’s Owen McCown is a completely different person with the highest completion percentage of 74.1 and only 442 passing yards to fewer attempts, showing how effective and decisive he is. McCown has quick releases and notched very few takedowns. Only 20 yards lost last season due to sacks. His passer rating of 150.6 which is higher than this handling of the quarterback position suggests that sterling has the upper hand in the quarterback battle that UTSA stands to benefit from.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: UTSA Roadrunners -21.5 -110, Total Odds: 51.5
The betting odds are heavily in favor of the UTSA Roadrunners, reflecting their superior season performance and home advantage. The spread at -21.5 suggests a strong belief in UTSA’s ability to dominate the game. The total set at 51.5 points indicates expectations for a moderately high-scoring game, likely dominated by UTSA.
Kennesaw State Betting Trends
The Owls have a disappointing trend of 1-6 SU in their last 7 games, which is further exacerbated by a 1-4 SU record in their last 5 road games. Their performance on Saturdays has also been weak, with a 1-5 SU record in their last 6 games, indicating a trend of underperformance in crucial moments.
UTSA Roadrunners Betting Trends
UTSA shows strong betting trends with a 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games and an impressive 8-1 SU in their last 9 games. Their home record is particularly notable at 11-1 SU, making them a safe bet when playing at the Alamodome. Their consistent performance in Week 1 games, where they are 7-3 ATS, suggests they are well-prepared at the season’s start.
Kennesaw State Owls vs. UTSA Roadrunners 8/31/24 Betting Picks
From the evidence and the analysis as well, it is clear that UTSA Roadrunners are the favorites. They have a balanced squad, boasting of great rushing and receiving strengths, coupled with a competent quarterback. This holds better for UTSA, considering the betting odds as well as their past performances. For those looking for pro handicapping advice, it would be reasonable to focus on UTSA covering introduced handicaps and put the Over on the total points due to expected game flow.