Kennesaw State vs Missouri State Picks and Prediction for Wednesday October 14 2026
In week seven college football action, the Kennesaw State Owls will travel to Robert W. Plaster Stadium to face the Missouri State Bears. Kick off is scheduled for Wednesday October, 14 2026 at 7:30 pm EST. CBS Sports Network will broadcast this Conference USA game. Kennesaw State has been installed as a three-point road favorite and the total is 50.5. Be sure to check out our free college football picks for more NCAAF predictions throughout the season.
Kennesaw State Needs a Win
The Kennesaw State Owls defeated Jacksonville State in last season’s Conference USA Championship Game, but have struggled to gain traction. The Owls (1-4) only victory came against FCS West Georgia in the season opener and they have scored more than 20 points just once against FBS opponents. On Wednesday, Kennesaw State committed 15 penalties for 137 yards during a 27-26 home loss versus Jacksonville State.
Kennesaw State took a 23-14 lead late in the third quarter on a Latrelle Murrell four-yard touchdown run. Junior QB Rickie Collins threw for 293 yards and a touchdown, but was intercepted on the team’s final possession. Collins added a team-high 61 rushing yards and a score for the Owls.
Kennesaw State ranks fourth in Conference USA in total offense (376.4 ypg) and averages 22.6 points per game. The Owls rank 55th in red zone scoring and do a good job taking care of the ball. Kennesaw State is a middle of the pack defensive unit and gives up 23.4 points on average.
Missouri State a Mess on Both Sides of the Ball
The Missouri State Bears are in their second year of FBS football and won seven games a season ago. Head coach Ryan Beard moved onto Coastal Carolina and the Bears moved quickly to hire former SMU offensive coordinator Casey Woods as his replacement. On Thursday, Missouri State trailed by 15 points at halftime during a 34-13 road loss against Western Kentucky.
Missouri State’s only touchdown came on a 36-yard pass from Henry Belin IV to Isaiah Myers. Starting QB Skyler Locklear rushed for a team-high 76 yards before being replaced by Belin IV. Senior LB Jared Lloyd recorded 15 tackles (7 solo) for the Bears, who gave up 464 yards of total offense.
Missouri State struggles on both sides of the ball. The Bears rank second worst in Conference USA in total offense (344.2 ypg) and are scoring a shade above 21 points per game. Missouri State owns the worst defense in the conference and surrenders 32.4 points on average.
Kennesaw State vs Missouri State Picks and Prediction
Pick: Missouri State +3
Kennesaw State opened as a 4.5 point favorite, but early money came in on Missouri State. QB Rickie Collins has thrown for just three touchdowns and has been picked off three times for the Owls. The Bears have not been impressive, but were surprisingly competitive in a ten-point road loss against a ranked SMU squad. Take Missouri State to win as a small home underdog.
Pick: Over 50.5
In four losses against FBS opponents, Missouri State has surrendered 148 points total. Kennesaw State has been better on the defensive side of the ball, but could be deflated after losing their conference opener at home. This will turn into a shoot out, so the over is the play.