Kennesaw State squares off against Missouri State in CUSA play

Kennesaw State faces Missouri State in the first annual CUSA play on October 14 at 7:30 p.m. EDT. Kennesaw State enters the matchup with a 1-4 record, while Missouri State is at 1-4 as well. The game's opening line shows Kennesaw State favored by 3 points, with the spread marking Kennesaw State at 4-1 and Missouri State at 2-3. Missouri State's defense ranks poorly against the spread, allowing opponents to convert 47.8% of third downs at a 129th ranking in the FBS.

Kennesaw State, on the other hand, ranks 51st in the FBS with 74.4 penalty yards per game and 135th in red zone defense, permitting opponents to score on 100.0% of trips. Missouri State's average time of possession stands at 26:10. The quarterback for Kennesaw State, Rickie Collins, has thrown for 1,027 yards, scored three touchdowns, and thrown three interceptions.

He has also contributed 246 rushing yards with four touchdowns. Collins' rushing stats are complemented by Brayden Munroe's 299 receiving yards on 19 catches and zero touchdowns. For Missouri State, Skyler Locklear has thrown for 788 yards, scored four touchdowns, and thrown two interceptions, while Jambres Dubar has rushed for 233 yards and two touchdowns on 42 carries.

Isaiah Myers has added 419 receiving yards on 20 catches and a touchdown for Missouri State. Notably, Kennesaw State suffered a close 27-26 defeat against Jacksonville State on October 7. Collins led the team with 293 passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, along with 61 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Alan Woods III contributed 37 rushing yards and five receiving yards.

Brayden Munroe amassed 159 receiving yards. Missouri State's loss came at the hands of Western Kentucky with a 34-13 score on October 8. Henry Belin IV led the team with 115 passing yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions. Locklear added 76 rushing yards on eight carries, while Myers recorded 77 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Kennesaw State is set to host Liberty on October 22, while Missouri State will play at Delaware on the same date.