Myrtle Beach, SC, December 19, 2025
The Myrtle Beach Bowl pits MAC champions Western Michigan against CUSA champions Kennesaw State in a highly anticipated college football battle. This matchup not only highlights the competitive spirit of collegiate athletics but also promises significant economic benefits to the Grand Strand region. With both teams aiming for victory, this game marks a notable milestone for Kennesaw State as it makes its first-ever bowl appearance, while Western Michigan looks to cap its successful season with a bowl victory.
Myrtle Beach, SC —
MAC Champs Western Michigan Battle Kennesaw State in Myrtle Beach Bowl
College football season culminates for two champions in a Friday morning showdown, bringing national attention to the South Carolina coast and showcasing the competitive spirit of collegiate athletics. The Myrtle Beach Bowl, set for today, December 19, features a compelling matchup between the Mid-American Conference (MAC) champions, Western Michigan, and the Conference USA (CUSA) champions, Kennesaw State. This contest not only provides a platform for athletic excellence but also delivers significant economic benefits to the Grand Strand region, reinforcing the value of community-supported sporting events and private enterprise in fostering regional prosperity.
For both programs, this bowl appearance marks a significant achievement. Western Michigan (9-4, 7-1 MAC) aims to cap a historic season after securing the 2025 MAC Championship title. Kennesaw State (10-3, 7-1 CUSA), making its first-ever bowl appearance, celebrates a remarkable inaugural season in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) by claiming the CUSA crown. This inaugural meeting between the Broncos and the Owls at Brooks Stadium in Conway, S.C., promises a unique and competitive spectacle for college football enthusiasts.
Coastal Economy Benefits from National Sporting Events
Attracting Visitors and Investment
The Myrtle Beach Bowl serves as a powerful engine for the local economy, attracting thousands of visitors, including fans, media, and university staff, to the Grand Strand during what might otherwise be a slower period. College football in Myrtle Beach brings an estimated over $4 million in outside money to the region, directly supporting the hospitality sector and numerous local businesses. This influx of tourism and spending generates crucial tax revenue, which in turn contributes to local community services and infrastructure, demonstrating the positive ripple effect of private and public sector collaboration in sports tourism. The annual event has become a cherished holiday tradition, reinforcing the significance of sports and education in South Carolina.
The Spirit of Competition: Western Michigan’s Historic Season
MAC Championship and Coaching Acclaim
Western Michigan arrives at the Myrtle Beach Bowl with a 9-4 overall record, having surged late in the season to capture the 2025 Mid-American Conference title with a 23-13 victory over Miami (Ohio). Led by third-year head coach Lance Taylor, who was recognized as the MAC Coach of the Year, the Broncos have showcased resilience and strategic development. Their success has been significantly powered by a resurgent ground game, featuring redshirt junior Jalen Buckley, who earned Offensive MVP honors in the MAC Championship Game with 193 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Broc Lowry has also contributed a dynamic rushing element, entering the bowl game needing just 60 more yards to become the program’s first 1,000-yard rushing quarterback. A victory today would mark the Broncos’ third bowl win and establish this squad as the first in program history to claim both a conference championship and a bowl victory in the same season.
Kennesaw State’s Ascendance and FBS Debut
Conference USA Title and New Division Challenges
Kennesaw State’s journey to the Myrtle Beach Bowl is a testament to initiative and rapid progress, marking their first-ever bowl appearance in NCAA history. The Owls boast an impressive 10-3 overall record, including a 7-1 mark in Conference USA, which culminated in them winning the CUSA crown. Under first-year head coach Jerry Mack, Kennesaw State has achieved one of the most dramatic turnarounds in the FBS, capturing the CUSA title in only their second bowl-eligible season. The team features an explosive, pass-driven offense, led by quarterback Amari Odom, who has thrown for 2,385 yards with an 18-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Wideout Gabriel Benyard, with 898 yards and nine touchdowns, provides a significant vertical threat. Kennesaw State’s success in transitioning to the FBS and immediately contending for a conference championship highlights the potential for new programs to achieve rapid success through strategic planning and dedicated effort.
The Inaugural Matchup: A Showcase of Collegiate Athletics
The Value of Collegiate Rivalry
The Myrtle Beach Bowl presents the first-ever meeting between Western Michigan and Kennesaw State, a rare occurrence featuring two conference champions. This matchup highlights the distinct playing styles of both teams: Western Michigan’s physical rushing attack and strong defense against Kennesaw State’s more explosive, pass-oriented offense. Such unique confrontations underscore the competitive diversity and excitement that college football in Myrtle Beach brings to fans. The game provides a valuable national stage for these student-athletes to demonstrate their skills, discipline, and the culmination of their season’s perseverance, contributing to the broader narrative of Myrtle Beach SC sports.
Community Engagement and Private Sponsorship Drive Bowl Success
Engine’s Role in the Myrtle Beach Bowl
The continued success of events like the Myrtle Beach Bowl is a clear example of how private investment and community engagement can elevate local initiatives. The bowl game, presented by Engine, exemplifies the impact of corporate sponsorship in creating significant sporting events that benefit both participants and the host community. Beyond the direct economic influx, these events foster a sense of community pride and provide entertainment, demonstrating how responsible growth and self-reliance at the local level can lead to substantial positive outcomes. The collaborative effort between event organizers, sponsors, and local authorities ensures a well-executed event that reinforces Myrtle Beach’s reputation as a premier destination for sports tourism.
As Western Michigan and Kennesaw State prepare to clash in the Myrtle Beach Bowl, the Grand Strand stands ready to host another memorable chapter in collegiate football. This contest not only crowns a bowl champion but also underscores the vital role of individual initiative, strategic university program development, and robust community support in driving athletic and economic success. We encourage all residents and visitors to engage with local sporting events and continue supporting student athletics, strengthening the vibrant sports landscape of South Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What teams are playing in the Myrtle Beach Bowl?
Western Michigan, the MAC Champion, will face Kennesaw State, the Conference USA Champion, in the Myrtle Beach Bowl.
When is the Myrtle Beach Bowl game?
The Myrtle Beach Bowl game is on Friday, December 19.
Where is the Myrtle Beach Bowl being held?
The Myrtle Beach Bowl is being held at Brooks Stadium in Conway, S.C.
What is Western Michigan’s record?
Western Michigan has a record of 9-4 overall and 7-1 in the MAC.
What is Kennesaw State’s record?
Kennesaw State has a record of 10-3 overall and 7-1 in CUSA.
Is this the first time these two teams have played each other?
Yes, this will be the first meeting between Western Michigan and Kennesaw State.
What is the estimated economic impact of the Myrtle Beach Bowl on the local community?
The Myrtle Beach Bowl is estimated to bring in over $4 million in outside money to the Grand Strand region.
Who is the head coach for Western Michigan?
Lance Taylor is the head coach for Western Michigan.
Who is the head coach for Kennesaw State?
Jerry Mack is the head coach for Kennesaw State.
How many bowl appearances has Western Michigan made?
Western Michigan is making its 13th bowl appearance.
Is this Kennesaw State’s first bowl appearance?
Yes, this is Kennesaw State’s first-ever bowl appearance in NCAA history.
Myrtle Beach Bowl 2025: Team & Game Highlights
| Category | Western Michigan Broncos | Kennesaw State Owls |
|---|---|---|
| Conference | MAC (Mid-American Conference) | CUSA (Conference USA) |
| Overall Record | 9-4 | 10-3 |
| Conference Record | 7-1 | 7-1 |
| Head Coach | Lance Taylor | Jerry Mack |
| Bowl Appearance | 13th | 1st (FBS History) |
| Date | Friday, December 19 | |
| Location | Brooks Stadium, Conway, S.C. | |
| Economic Impact on Grand Strand | Estimated over $4 million | |
Now Happening on X
- @MBBowlGame (2025-12-07): The matchup is set for the Myrtle Beach Bowl with Conference USA champs Kennesaw State facing MAC champs Western Michigan on Friday, Dec. 19 at 11 AM ET on ESPN at Brooks Stadium. View on X
- @ConferenceUSA (2025-12-07): Kennesaw State is bowl-bound and will face Western Michigan in the Myrtle Beach Bowl on Friday, Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. CT at Brooks Stadium, airing on ESPN. View on X
- @ThreeTechPod (2025-12-19): Previewing the Myrtle Beach Bowl between Kennesaw State (10-3) and Western Michigan (9-4) at 10am CT, predicting a Western Michigan win with clutch defensive stops in what could be the best bowl game of the season. View on X
- @broncovoice (2025-12-19): MAC Champ Western Michigan meets C-USA Champ Kennesaw State in the 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl, featuring interviews with QB Broc Lowry, DC Chris O’Leary, OC Walt Bell, and Head Coach Lance Taylor on the pregame show at 10:30 am on 106.5 Jack FM. View on X
- @Alakazam_428 (2025-12-19): Early in the Myrtle Beach Bowl, Western Michigan quickly scores a touchdown on their first offensive play and adds a sack fumble for another TD, as Kennesaw State struggles to keep up. View on X
- @GamblerGazette (2025-12-18): Previewing the Myrtle Beach Bowl matchup between Kennesaw State and Western Michigan at 11:00a ET on ESPN, noting it as a coin flip despite pricing favoring the established team, with a QB edge to Kennesaw State. View on X
- @gameonpaper (2025-12-19): Football starts in an hour for the Myrtle Beach Bowl: Kennesaw State vs Western Michigan at 11:00 AM EST on ESPN, with game previews for both teams. View on X
- @jovan_deeb (2025-12-19): Bowl picks for the Myrtle Beach Bowl, predicting both teams will run the ball heavily, with Kennesaw State’s Coleman getting loose against Western Michigan’s defense; bowl record 4-0-1. View on X
- @CFBHome (2025-12-13): Myrtle Beach Bowl prediction: Western Michigan 37, Kennesaw State 30. View on X
- @Winsipedia (2025-12-19): This is the first-ever matchup between Kennesaw State and Western Michigan, and the first Myrtle Beach Bowl appearance for both; Kennesaw State’s program debut in a bowl, with Western Michigan’s last win in 2021. View on X
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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.
