Kennesaw State Owls vs Tennessee Volunteers Prediction, 9/19/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Kennesaw State Owls vs Tennessee Volunteers

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026

Location: Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN

TV: ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Volunteers (-35.5)

Total/Over-Under: 59

The Tennessee Volunteers (2-0) will compete against the Kennesaw State Owls (1-1) at Neyland Stadium on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Tennessee opens as 35.5-point favorites from Vegas oddsmakers. The over/under is 59.

The Kennesaw State Owls step onto the field holding a record of 1-1 for this season. In their last contest, the Owls took on the Georgia State Panthers and walked away from this one with a loss by a score of 31-17. Against the run, the Owls gave up 230 yds on 47 tries, which averages out to 4.9 yards per rush surrendered. Kennesaw State allowed 16 pass completions on 23 tries for 253 yds, and a completion rate of 69.6%. When the final whistle blew, they had 56 plays which gave them a total of 332 yards. The Kennesaw State Owls ended up rushing 21 times and tallied 72 yds, earning them an average of 3.4 yards per carry.

The Owls have earned 855 total yards this year. When it comes to getting in the endzone, Kennesaw State has earned 2 touchdowns through the air and 7 rushing touchdowns. They have surrendered the football 3 different times. Kennesaw State has accumulated 48 1st downs as an offense, and they have committed 11 infractions for 80 yards. As a team they're maintaining an average of 184.5 yards in the run game which has them sitting 54th in D-1. In terms of scoring points, the Kennesaw State Owls are averaging 32.0 points per game.

The Owls are sitting in 46th in D-1 in terms of their opponents scoring, allowing 15.5 points per game. They are allowing an average of 3.9 yards per tote and 139.5 yards on the ground per contest this year. Overall, they have given up 279 running yards through 2 games. When it comes to passing yards, the Owls have allowed 364 yards which has them ranked 54th in Division 1. They have surrendered 182.0 yards per game through the air and allowed a completion percentage of 63.3%. Overall, they are surrendering 321.5 yards per contest putting them 68th in D-1. They have given up no TD's by air as well as 3 touchdowns via the ground game.

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The Volunteers step onto the field holding a record of 2-0 for this season. The last time they took the gridiron, the Volunteers went home victorious with a score of 45-24 when they faced the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. The Volunteers finished the contest with a total of 447 yards while they ran 66 plays (6.8 yards per play). Tennessee rushed for 6.6 yds per attempt, totaling 299 yards on 45 attempts. Tennessee surrendered 31 attempts on the ground for 135 yds (4.4 yards per carry). The Volunteers passing defense allowed a completion rate of 65.0%, relinquishing 221 yards on 26 for 40 passing.

The Tennessee Volunteers have an average of 542.5 yards per game, which has them ranked 11th in Division 1. The Tennessee offense has compiled 202 yards of penalties on 21 violations, which is good for 8th in college football in terms of giving up free yards. They average 314.0 yards per game on the ground and have run for 628 yards for the year. They have given away no picks while allowing opponents to recover 2 fumbles and they have been able to earn 53 first downs. In relation to their scoring prowess, the Volunteers rank 13th in the nation with an average of 50.5 PPG. During the season to this point, the Volunteers have compiled 457 yards through the air in addition to an average of 228.5 passing yards per game, which has them ranked 69th in the nation.

The Volunteers are surrendering 16.5 PPG, which has them ranked 50th in the nation. Tennessee has surrendered a total of 312 yards rushing (156.0 yards/game) and 2 touchdowns via the rush for the campaign. They have allowed the opposition 1 touchdown via the pass and 132.0 yards/game, which has them in 19th in college football. The Volunteers defense has been on the field for 129 plays, which is good for 67th in college football. They have tallied no fumbles recovered and 2 picks on the campaign.

Who will win tonight's Owls/Volunteers college football game against the spread?

Tony's Pick: Take the Owls +35.5

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