Owls Prepare for Bowl Showdown in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach, SC, December 19, 2025

The Kennesaw State University Owls are squared up for a major bowl game against the Western Michigan Broncos in Myrtle Beach. After a week of intense preparation and fan engagement, both teams, as conference champions, showcase their talents in this highly anticipated matchup. The game reflects not just athletic prowess but also the strong community support fueling collegiate sports. The Myrtle Beach Bowl is expected to inject significant economic activity into the local area, making it a vital event for both participating teams and the community.

Myrtle Beach, SC —

Owls Ready for Bowl Showdown in Myrtle Beach

Kennesaw State University’s football program culminates a week of dedicated preparation, local engagement, and strategic practice, now poised for a high-stakes matchup against Western Michigan University in the Myrtle Beach Bowl. This anticipated contest showcases the rewards of perseverance and competitive excellence.

The Grand Strand is buzzing with the energy of collegiate athletics as the Kennesaw State Owls prepare to face the Western Michigan Broncos in the Myrtle Beach Bowl. Scheduled for today, Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM ET at Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina, this event is more than just a game; it is a celebration of athletic achievement, strategic development, and community spirit. Both teams arrive as champions of their respective conferences, promising a compelling display of skill and determination.

The journey to the Myrtle Beach Bowl highlights the invaluable intersection of rigorous academic pursuits and the demanding nature of Division I football. For institutions like Kennesaw State, which is recognized as one of Georgia’s most innovative universities, athletic success not only garners national attention but also reinforces the values of personal discipline and strategic execution that resonate throughout their academic offerings. The bowl experience itself provides a vibrant platform for student-athletes to demonstrate the culmination of their hard work, fostering a sense of pride within their university communities and inspiring future generations.

Final Preparations Under the Carolina Sun

Day 4 Focus: Strategic Refinement and Fan Engagement

The Kennesaw State Owls concluded their intensive preparation with a focused Day 4 in Myrtle Beach, emphasizing strategic refinement ahead of their Friday morning kickoff. The day began with a slightly later practice schedule, allowing players some extra rest, followed by team meetings. The squad then headed to Brooks Stadium for a critical practice and walkthrough, familiarizing themselves with the game-day environment for the first time.

Beyond the field, the Owls actively engaged with their supporters. Following practice, the team participated in the Myrtle Beach Bowl Pep Rally at The Hangout at Broadway at the Beach. This event saw the Kennesaw State band and a passionate contingent of traveling fans enthusiastically welcoming the team, marking a proper entry into the bowl season festivities. Head Coach Jerry Mack, alongside key players like running back Coleman Bennett and linebacker Baron Hopson, addressed the spirited crowd before the band played the school’s fight song. These moments underscore the vital role of community and fan support in motivating student-athletes as they prepare for peak performance.

Economic and Athletic Ripple Effects in South Carolina

Boosting Local Commerce Through Collegiate Sports

The presence of the Myrtle Beach Bowl generates significant economic momentum for the Grand Strand region. This annual collegiate football spectacle is estimated to inject over $4 million in outside capital into the local economy. This influx of resources directly benefits the local hospitality sector, stimulates tourism, and bolsters various businesses, especially during what might traditionally be a slower period. The event serves as a testament to the power of well-managed sports tourism and the responsible growth that private initiatives, often in partnership with public entities, can bring to a community.

The successful hosting of such a prominent event demonstrates how strategic investment in athletic infrastructure and event management can yield tangible economic advantages. From hotels and restaurants to retail and entertainment venues, local enterprises experience a notable uplift from the visiting teams, their dedicated fan bases, and supporting staff. The involvement of programs like Marietta College’s Sport Management students further illustrates how these events also create valuable educational and professional opportunities, fostering a pipeline of skilled individuals prepared for the sports and tourism industries.

Kennesaw State’s Ascendant Season

A Journey of Perseverance and Strategic Leadership

Kennesaw State University arrives at the Myrtle Beach Bowl as the Conference USA champions, a remarkable achievement that underscores a season of perseverance and strategic leadership. Under the guidance of Head Coach Jerry Mack, the Owls staged an impressive turnaround, achieving a 10-3 record after navigating through a challenging 2-10 season the previous year and an initial 0-2 start this season. This rapid ascent is a clear indicator of the team’s dedication and the effectiveness of a proactive coaching philosophy focused on developing talent and fostering a winning culture.

The Owls’ success on the field is intrinsically linked to the broader mission of Kennesaw State University. As one of Georgia’s most innovative institutions, the university consistently champions academic excellence alongside athletic pursuits. Their athletics department actively promotes student-athlete welfare through various life skills and wellness programs, covering topics from nutrition to financial management and community service. This holistic approach ensures that student-athletes are not only developed for competition but also equipped with the tools for lifelong success, reflecting a responsible investment in human capital.

The Opponent: Western Michigan’s Championship Caliber

A Formidable Challenge from the MAC Champions

The Kennesaw State Owls face a formidable opponent in the Western Michigan Broncos, who enter the Myrtle Beach Bowl as champions of the Mid-American Conference (MAC). The Broncos, with a 9-4 record, also demonstrated remarkable resilience this season, overcoming an 0-3 start to win nine of their next ten games, culminating in a MAC Championship victory. This game marks Western Michigan’s 13th bowl appearance, highlighting a program with a storied history of competitive achievement in NCAA Division I.

The matchup between two conference champions is a rare and exciting aspect of this year’s bowl season, promising a contest defined by high-level execution and strategic intensity. Western Michigan’s football program has a history of significant growth and success, attributed to investments in facilities and robust programs designed to develop talented players. The contest is set to kick off at 11:00 AM ET and will be broadcast on ESPN, allowing a national audience to witness this battle of champions.

Community Engagement and the Spirit of Competition

Beyond the Field: Partnerships for Collective Success

Collegiate athletics, exemplified by events like the Myrtle Beach Bowl, represent a powerful fusion of individual ambition and collective endeavor. The support for athletic programs, often fueled by private donations and community fundraising efforts like the Owls Fund at Kennesaw State, directly contributes to student-athlete scholarships and facility enhancements. These investments are crucial for attracting and nurturing elite talent, strengthening the university’s brand nationally, and underpinning campus goals.

The spirit of competition inherent in college football also fosters entrepreneurial thinking and self-reliance among student-athletes, teaching valuable lessons in teamwork, problem-solving, and the pursuit of excellence. Both Kennesaw State and Western Michigan, as institutions of higher learning, leverage their athletic programs to extend their impact beyond their campuses, forging meaningful connections with surrounding communities through events, outreach, and a shared passion for achievement. This synergistic relationship between universities, private citizens, and local economies forms a robust ecosystem that promotes responsible growth and societal betterment.

Conclusion

As the Kennesaw State Owls take the field today against the Western Michigan Broncos in the Myrtle Beach Bowl, they represent not only their university but also the enduring values of hard work, strategic development, and community pride. This matchup of conference champions promises to be a thrilling capstone to a season defined by resilience and remarkable achievements for both programs. The event also stands as a prime example of how collegiate athletics can significantly contribute to local economies, foster community engagement, and provide a platform for student-athletes to excel both academically and athletically. We encourage everyone to support student athletics, engage with your local university programs, and appreciate the competitive spirit that drives these remarkable young men and women.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kennesaw State University football team playing in?

The Kennesaw State University football team is playing in the Myrtle Beach Bowl.

Who is Kennesaw State playing against in the Myrtle Beach Bowl?

Kennesaw State is playing against Western Michigan University in the Myrtle Beach Bowl.

When is the Myrtle Beach Bowl game?

The Myrtle Beach Bowl game is scheduled for Friday, December 19, 2025.

What time does the Myrtle Beach Bowl game kick off?

The game is scheduled to kick off at 11:00 AM ET.

Where is the Myrtle Beach Bowl being held?

The Myrtle Beach Bowl is being held at Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina.

What channel is the Myrtle Beach Bowl on?

The Myrtle Beach Bowl will be broadcast on ESPN.

What was Kennesaw State’s last day of prep like for the Myrtle Beach Bowl?

Kennesaw State’s last day of prep included a later practice time, team meetings, a practice and walkthrough at Brooks Stadium, and a pep rally at The Hangout at Broadway at the Beach.

What is the estimated economic impact of the Myrtle Beach Bowl?

The Myrtle Beach Bowl is estimated to bring over $4 million in outside money, providing significant economic impact to the Grand Strand region.

What are the records of Kennesaw State and Western Michigan going into the bowl game?

Kennesaw State enters with a 10-3 record, and Western Michigan enters with a 9-4 record.

Are both teams conference champions?

Yes, Kennesaw State is the Conference USA champion, and Western Michigan is the Mid-American Conference champion.

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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH

The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.