Louisiana Tech and Kennesaw State are both teams that have surprised some people up until this point.
In Jerry Mack’s first season as head coach, the Owls are 3-2 in their second season in the FBS. After losing to two Power Four opponents – though losing just 10-9 at Wake Forest – KSU has won its last three contests. The Owls defeated FCS Merrimack 27-13 and Arkansas State 28-21, and then they kicked off Conference USA play with another narrow win, 24-16 against Middle Tennessee.
For Louisiana Tech, head coach Sonny Cumbie entered this season on the hot seat, but the Bulldogs are playing like the best team in CUSA right now. They’re 4-1 overall with their only loss being at LSU, 23-7.
LA Tech is on a three-game winning streak and are 2-0 in CUSA play. They’ve defeated New Mexico State, Southern Miss, and UTEP by a collective margin of 109-45.
Louisiana Tech vs. Kennesaw State Spread & Betting Odds
Kennesaw State is a +6 college football betting odds underdog against Louisiana Tech, with the Over/Under being 46.5 as of this writing.
The moneyline for Louisiana Tech is -225, while it’s +185 for Kennesaw State.
Louisiana Tech vs. Kennesaw State On TV
The matchup between Louisiana Tech and Kennesaw State will be televised on ESPNU.
The game will kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, Oct. 9. The contest is taking place at Fifth Third Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia.
Louisiana Tech vs. Kennesaw State Prediction
I predict Louisiana Tech will win and cover the six-point spread. I also project the game will go Under 46.5 total points.
Quarterback Blake Baker and Louisiana Tech’s offense will need to step up to the challenge in this contest. Kennesaw State is fourth in Conference USA in scoring defense with 23.2 points per game allowed.
Baker has thrown for 603 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception on a 62% completion rate while rushing for 135 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Eli Finley is a player to watch in this game, as he leads LA Tech with 231 yards on 14 catches.
The running game is LA Tech’s strength, as Clay Thevenin (230 yards and three TDs) and Omiri Wiggins (158 yards and two TDs) lead the Bulldogs on the ground.
But led by linebacker Kolbe Fields, who has a team-best 39 tackles to go with two sacks and two interceptions, I think LA Tech’s defense will be the reason the Bulldogs win this game. They lead CUSA in scoring defense, allowing just 13.6 points per contest, and are second in total defense with 346.2 yards per game allowed while ranking first in rushing defense with 105.8 yards per game allowed.
I don’t think this is an easy matchup for the Owls. I expect LA Tech to go on the road and win by about 10 points.
