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Kennesaw State vs. Wake Forest CFB Pick: August 29, 2025
The 2025 college football season continues on Friday, August 29 with Kennesaw State facing Wake Forest at 7:00 PM EST. With Wake Forest favored by 17.5 points and the total set at 53.5, this game presents a predictive challenge: can a rebuilding Kennesaw State keep it close against a Wake Forest team navigating its own transition?
Kennesaw State: Gritty Underdogs in Year Two of FBS
Kennesaw State enters its second FBS season after a 2-10 debut in 2024 (2-6 in CUSA). The Owls pulled off a stunning upset over Liberty but struggled against tougher foes, dropping five games by 20+ points. Past step-up games against Power Five teams were lopsided: a 63-10 loss to Cincinnati in 2022 and a 45-17 defeat to Georgia Tech in 2021.
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Significant changes define the program. Brian Bohannon, Kennesaw’s only head coach since its inception, was fired after a 1-8 start last season. A new coaching staff takes over, working with a roster returning just three offensive starters and seven on defense. While depth players provide some experience, the lack of starting continuity and new schemes suggest growing pains.
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Still, Kennesaw State has a golden opportunity. This matchup against Wake Forest, alongside a Week 2 game at Indiana, is one of their highest-profile contests of 2025. The Owls will be sky-high to prove they belong in FBS, and of their two early tests, this game feels more winnable than the Indiana matchup. Expect maximum effort, especially early, as they aim to make a statement.
Wake Forest: A New Chapter with Questions
Wake Forest is also in transition. After an 11-3 season in 2021 and an 8-5 campaign in 2022, the Demon Deacons slumped to consecutive 4-8 seasons (2-6 in the ACC). Longtime coach Dave Clawson resigned last year, and Jake Dickert, formerly of Washington State, steps in.
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Dickert brings several transfers, but with only two returning offensive starters and four on defense, cohesion could be an issue.The roster overhaul and new system introduce uncertainty. While Wake Forest’s ACC pedigree and talent edge make them the clear favorite, their lack of returning starters and adjustment to Dickert’s schemes could lead to a sluggish start. This creates a window for Kennesaw State to hang around, particularly in the first half.
Game Prediction and Betting Angle
With Wake Forest favored by 17.5 points and a total of 53.5, the spread reflects the talent gap but may overestimate Wake’s ability to dominate early given their roster turnover.
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Kennesaw State’s history of blowout losses against Power Five teams suggests Wake could pull away late, but the Owls’ motivation and Wake’s new-look roster point to a competitive first half.
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Kennesaw State’s best shot is to start strong, leaning on emotion and an aggressive game plan. Their upset of Liberty last season proves they can rise to big occasions, and as 17.5-point underdogs, they only need to keep the game within two touchdowns and a field goal to cover.
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Wake Forest, meanwhile, may take time to find rhythm, making the first half a prime betting spot.
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Recommended Bet: Kennesaw State + the points for the first half. The full-game spread is tempting, but Kennesaw’s depth issues could lead to a late fade. The first-half spread is the safer play, as the Owls should keep it close early.
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Also, consider the first-quarter line if available, as Kennesaw’s initial energy should make the game tight through the opening 15 minutes.
In order of preference:
Kennesaw State + for the 1st quarter
Kennesaw State + for the 1st half
Kennesaw State + 17.5 for the game
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