Week 3 • September 13, 2025, 10:00 PM UTC
Merrimack @ Kennesaw State
0-0
FCS
Power Rank: -30.4
13 FINAL 27
0-2
CUSA
Power Rank: -4.1
Merrimack @ Kennesaw State Preview

General Information

Week: Week 3
Kick Off (at stadium): 06:00 PM EDT
Stadium: Fifth Third Stadium
Capacity: 10,200
Elevation: 1096 ft
HFA Rating: 2.2
Playing Surface: Hybrid

Betting Information

Spread -
Total (O/U) -
Expected Score -
Power Rank Implied Line Kennesaw State +26.3
Prediction Markets Kennesaw State 50% Win Chance (Kalshi)

Weather Conditions

Forecast for: February 02, 2026
Partly Cloudy

Partly Cloudy

30.5°F

Wind Chill: 25.3°F
Wind: 4.9 mph WSW
Gusts: 10.3 mph
Precipitation: 0.0"
Humidity: 52%
Rain Chance: 0%
Snow Chance: 0%

Travel & Rest

Merrimack (Away)

This Week: 940.5 miles
Last Week: No Game
Season Total: 3892.9 miles
Body Clock Time: 18:00
Rest Days: 7

Kennesaw State (Home)

This Week: 2.8 miles
Last Week: 742.2 miles
Season Total: 1447.9 miles
Body Clock Time: 18:00
Rest Days: 7

⚡ Line Value Calculator

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Betting Information
Current Line None None
Total Points --
Blue Chip Analytics Power Rating
Merrimack -30.4
Kennesaw State -4.1
✈️ Travel Impact
Away Team Travel 941 mi
Home Team Travel 3 mi
Rest Even
🏟️ HFA: Fifth Third Stadium
Capacity 10,200
Elevation 1096 ft
🌤️ Weather: Partly Cloudy
Temperature 30.5°F
Wind Speed 4.9 mph
Your Line Kennesaw State +26.3
💰 Implied Value --

College Football Lines - Factors and Insights

Merrimack

Late-Game Collapse

Merrimack took its first lead with 5:40 remaining on a 45-yard field goal, only to immediately surrender a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown on the ensuing play. This devastating special teams breakdown erased the lead and ultimately cost them the game.

Offensive Momentum Stalled

After falling behind 14-3, the offense rallied with touchdowns on three of four possessions to tie the game and later take the lead. However, a critical turnover and a failed 4th-down conversion at the Kent State 41-yard line with 1:42 left ended their final chance to respond to the kickoff return.

Dual-Threat QB Performance

Quarterback Ayden Pereira was a bright spot, accounting for 279 total yards. He threw for 176 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 103 yards. His playmaking ability kept Merrimack in the game and will be a key asset moving forward.

Defensive Vulnerability to Big Plays

The defense allowed two long touchdown passes (30 and 79 yards) and the decisive 100-yard kickoff return. Containing explosive plays, both defensively and on special teams, will be a major point of emphasis after this loss.

Inability to Close Against Struggling Opponent

This was a missed opportunity against a Kent State team that had lost 21 consecutive games. Failing to secure a win after taking a late lead against such an opponent is a significant psychological setback that the team must overcome.