Kennesaw State vs Wake Forest prediction and analysis

Matchup Overview

The 2025 college football season kicks off with the Kennesaw State Owls visiting the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on August 29th at 7:00 PM EDT. Wake Forest enters this contest as a significant favorite with a -17.5 point line, and the game total set at 51.5 points. This non-conference opener pits a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) team against a Power Five FBS opponent, creating an intriguing contrast in competition levels.

Team Profiles and Recent Trends

• Wake Forest Demon Deacons: Wake Forest has a strong tradition in season openers, having won nine of their last 10 opening games. Historically, they control the first quarter and half against non-conference foes at home, winning the first quarter in 11 of their last 14 such games and the first half in 10 of the last 12 at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium.
• However, the home team has struggled recently at this venue overall, as Wake Forest has lost their last six home games here, and has failed to cover the spread in their last nine home games. Road teams have excelled at this stadium, winning nine of Wake Forest’s last 11 games and covering the spread in eight of the last 10.
• Kennesaw State Owls: The Owls enter this contest as an underdog road team, a scenario that has historically been challenging for them since they’ve failed to cover the spread in four of their last five away games. Offensively, Kennesaw State ranked near the bottom of FBS teams last season, with 250.9 yards per game and only 164 first downs, indicating offensive struggles. Defensively and in terms of game tempo, their last four contests against non-conference opponents have all gone UNDER the projected totals.

Statistical Insights

• Wake Forest ranked 133rd in FBS for first downs (305) last year, revealing a possible challenge in sustaining drives.
• Their fourth-quarter performance was also subpar, ranking 131st with a -5.1 average point differential, suggesting late-game vulnerabilities.
• Kennesaw State’s meager offensive yardage and first down totals indicate they may struggle to penetrate Wake Forest’s defensive schemes.
• Recent trends show Kennesaw State games leaning toward lower scoring affairs, while Wake Forest’s home August games against unranked teams have tended to go OVER the total points line.

Prediction Summary

Despite Wake Forest’s recent home struggles and failure to cover the spread, the Demon Deacons hold a distinct talent and depth advantage over Kennesaw State. Given Wake Forest’s strong performances in season openers and their historical success in the opening quarters and halves against non-conference opponents, it is expected they will establish dominance early.

Kennesaw State’s offensive limitations and difficulties covering spreads on the road make it unlikely they can keep pace or stay within the double-digit margin. Even with Wake Forest’s recent issues covering the spread at home, the magnitude of the talent gap points to a comfortable Demon Deacons victory.

While the point total is somewhat uncertain due to contrasting trends, expect a moderately high scoring game given Wake Forest’s tendencies in early season home contests.

Final Prediction

Wake Forest to win by 20 points or more, covering the -17.5 spread.