Liberty vs. Kennesaw State Prediction, Odds and Key Players to Watch for College Football Week 9

Reed Wallach | Oct 21, 2024

Jan 1, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA;Liberty Flames quarterback Kaidon Salter (7) throws against the Oregon Ducks during the first quarter of the 2024 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Liberty will play only its second game in the month of October after a BYE last week, set to host winless Kennesaw State. 

For the Flames, the team will try to continue its pursuit of a second straight Conference USA title after a close call against Florida International prior to the week off. With quarterback Kaidon Salter under center, Liberty will try to overwhelm an out-matched opponent in Kennesaw State, who looks to be in over its head at the FBS level. 

Here’s our betting preview for Wednesday’s conference matchup. 

Liberty vs. Kennesaw State Odds, Spread and Total

Spread

• Liberty: -23.5 (-110)
• Kennesaw State: +23.5 (-110)

Moneyline

• Liberty: -4000
• Kennesaw State: +1400

Total:

• 45.5 (Over -105/Under -115)

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Liberty vs. Kennesaw State How to Watch

• Date: Wednesday, October 23rd
• Game Time: 7:30 PM EST
• Venue: Fifth Third Stadium
• How to Watch (TV): CBS Sports Network
• Liberty Record: 5-0
• Kennesaw State: 0-6

Liberty vs. Kennesaw State Key Players to Watch

Liberty

Kaidon Salter: The dual-threat junior hasn’t been as explosive as last season for Liberty, but remains as efficient as quarterbacks come in the conference. Salter is completing 63% of his passes with nine total touchdowns and one interception. After a quiet effort against FIU in which he only completed nine passes, can he pad his stats against Kennesaw State? 

Kennesaw State

Khalib Johnson: Johnson is next up on a revolving door of Owls’ quarterbacks. He completed only five of his 17 pass attempts in last week’s 14-5 loss to Middle Tennessee with two interceptions. 

Liberty vs. Kennesaw State Prediction and Pick

This is as big of a mismatch as you’ll see in Conference USA.

Despite what’s been a shaky go so far this season for Liberty, the undefeated Flames still rank 17th in net EPA/Play behind a potent attack both through the air and on the ground, top 50 in both. 

The team will face a Kennesaw State team that is bottom of the country in most of the key metrics, including both EPA/Play on offense and defense. 

The Owls have allowed 30 or more to all three opponents its faced inside the top third of the country in EPA/Play – Louisiana (34 points), San Jose State (31) and Jacksonville State (63). There are enough explosive plays to be had in this one, as well as a Flames’ defensive line that is top 50 in havoc rate to create turnovers, to set up five touchdown drives in this one. 

PICK: Liberty Team Total OVER 34.5

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Follow Reed on Twitter @ReedWallach and get all his college football bets on betstamp @rw33

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