Kennesaw St vs Liberty: Road to Conference Championship

Kennesaw State Aims for Conference Title Showdown Against Liberty

All eyes are on Saturday's crucial matchup as the Kennesaw State Owls (8-3, 6-1 CUSA) travel to face the Liberty Flames (4-7, 3-4 CUSA) in a game that could seal Kennesaw State's spot in the Conference USA championship. Scheduled for November 29 at 3:30 p.m. ET in Lynchburg, Virginia's Williams Stadium, this contest carries massive implications for both teams' futures.

The Stakes: One Win Away from Glory

A victory for Kennesaw State would not only secure their first-ever berth in the CUSA championship game but also make them the only team in the conference without a loss. The Owls currently sit atop the East Division standings, and a win would set up a title showdown against the winner of the Western Kentucky vs. Jacksonville State game on December 5. Coach Jerry Mack has emphasized the team's focus: "We understand what this opportunity means. Every game is a championship game, and this one puts us within reach of something special."

Amari Odom: The Game-Changing Quarterback

At the heart of Kennesaw State's success is sophomore quarterback Amari Odom, who has transformed from a backup to an elite playmaker this season. Odom has been instrumental in the Owls' late-season surge, orchestrating dramatic wins like the recent 41-34 thriller against Missouri State. In that game, he delivered a go-ahead touchdown pass with just 27 seconds remaining, showcasing his clutch ability. With stats like 429 passing yards and four touchdowns in recent outings, Odom has proven his worth under pressure. "He's progressed from a backup to a starter to now a player who can lead us to a championship," noted Jerry Mack.

Liberty's Challenge: Spoiling the Party

While Kennesaw State rides high, Liberty enters the matchup with a 4-7 record, seeking to play the spoiler role. The Flames have shown flashes of competitiveness in conference play, but their inconsistent season makes them an unpredictable opponent. Head Coach Hugh Freeze will undoubtedly scheme to pressure Odom and exploit defensive gaps. However, the Owls' momentum and Odom's recent form give them a significant edge. Liberty's defense will need to be at its best to contain Kennesaw State's high-powered offense.

Where to Watch: Broadcast Details

Fans can catch all the action live on CBS Sports Network, with play-by-play from John Sadak and analysis from Adam Breneman and Patrick Peterson. On the radio, the KSU Owl Network provides coverage through the KSU Owls App, TuneIn, and SiriusXM 988, with Nolan Alexander and Caleb O'Neal calling the game.

What's Next for the Owls?

Regardless of Saturday's outcome, Kennesaw State has already secured its most successful season as an FBS program. But a win against Liberty would cement their legacy and set the stage for a historic championship run. As Stan Awtrey of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution notes, "The Owls are on the verge of something remarkable, and Odom's emergence is the driving force."

"Every game is a championship game, and this one puts us within reach of something special." - Jerry Mack, Kennesaw State Head Coach

Final Thoughts

The Kennesaw State vs. Liberty game is more than just a regular-season finale; it's a chance to etch a program-defining moment. With Amari Odom leading the charge and a championship berth on the line, the Owls are poised to seize their opportunity. Tune in on Saturday to witness whether Kennesaw State will punch their ticket to the Conference USA title game.