(photo credit: David Jensen)
By: Luke Moehle
The Western Michigan Broncos (10-4) jumped out to a fast start and cruised to a 41-6 victory over the Kennesaw State Owls (10-4) in the 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl Presented by Engine at Brooks Stadium.
Western Michigan scored four touchdowns in the opening quarter and built a commanding lead that proved too much for Kennesaw State to overcome. The Broncos opened the scoring just 10 seconds into the game when Jalen Buckley broke free for a 65-yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage. On Kennesaw State’s next possession, Western Michigan capitalized on a turnover, as Kershawn Fisher scooped up a fumble and returned it 47 yards for a touchdown to make it 14-0.
“Our team showed up today ready to play from the first snap. I’m really just proud of how we played as a team”, said WMU head coach Lance Taylor. “I think you saw different guys take advantage of their opportunities, make plays offensively, defensively and on special teams.”
WMU quarterback Broc Lowry continued the first-quarter surge by leading an eight-play, 60-yard drive that ended with a four-yard touchdown pass to Mareyohn Hrabowski. Later in the quarter, Lowry capped a six-play, 76-yard drive with a three-yard touchdown pass to Blake Bosma, pushing the Broncos’ advantage to 27-0 before the end of the opening period.
Western Michigan added to its lead early in the second quarter, as Devin Miles punched in a two-yard rushing touchdown to extend the margin to 34-0.
The Broncos struck again early in the third quarter when Joey Pope stepped in front of a pass and returned the interception 75 yards for a touchdown, making it 41-0.
Kennesaw State finally got on the scoreboard midway through the third quarter. Quarterback Amari Odom found Javon Rogers streaking downfield for an 82-yard touchdown pass, capping a four-play, 94-yard drive that brought the score to its final resting place at 41-6.
“Great team win, to be MAC Champions and then bowl champions for the first time in WMU history, this a really special team and one of the best ever in our history and for that I’m proud”, said Taylor.
Buckley led the Broncos’ ground attack with 174 rushing yards, while Lowry finished 12-of-19 passing for 120 yards and two touchdowns. For Kennesaw State, Odom threw for 209 yards, and Chase Belcher provided a bright spot in the run game with 148 rushing yards. Despite those efforts, turnovers and early deficits proved too much to overcome as Western Michigan closed the season with a decisive bowl victory.
