By james art Liberty will play just its second game in the month of October after a bye last week to host unseeded Kennesaw State.
As for the Flames, the team will look to continue their pursuit of a second straight Conference USA title after a close game against Florida International before the off week. With quarterback Kaiden Salter under center, Liberty will look to beat an inconsistent opponent in Kennesaw State that looks to be in over its head at the FBS level.
Here’s our betting preview for Wednesday’s conference matchup.
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Money line
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Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Freedom
Kayden Salter: The dual-threat junior hasn’t been as explosive as he was last season for the Liberty, but remains as efficient as quarterbacks come in the conference. Salter completed 63 percent of his passes with nine total touchdowns and one interception. After a quiet effort against FIU in which he completed just nine passes, can he improve on his stats against Kennesaw State?
Kennesaw State
Halib Johnson: Johnson is next in the revolving door of Owl quarterbacks. He completed just five of his 17 pass attempts in last week’s 14-5 loss at Middle Tennessee with two interceptions.
That’s as big a mismatch as you’ll see in Conference USA.
Despite erratic progress this season for the Liberty, the undefeated Flames still rank 17th in net EPA/Play behind a potent offense in both the air and on the ground, top 50 in both.
The team will face a Kennesaw State team that is at the bottom of the nation in most of the key metrics, including EPA/Offensive Play and Defense.
The Owls have allowed 30 or more to the three opponents they face in 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 in this one as well as a Flames defensive line that is top 50 in mayhem percentage to create turnovers to set up five touchdown drives in this one.
PICK: Liberty Team Total OVER 34.5
Game odds are updated periodically and are subject to change.
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