A big Sun Belt showdown takes center stage Thursday, October 22, 2020, when the Arkansas State Red Wolves (3-2, 1-1) visit the Appalachian State Mountaineers (2-1, 0-0). Arkansas State is coming off a fun midweek game and Appalachian State is back in action for the first time since September 26th. This game will air live on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. EST.
Arkansas State has been involved in high scoring affairs all season as the offense is averaging 38.2 points per game and 496.0 yards per game, 384.2 through the air and 111.8 on the ground. Defensively, the Red Wolves are allowing 39.8 points and 481.8 yards, 306.4 passing and 175.4 rushing.
Appalachian State has been much more balanced this season as the offense is averaging 31.3 points per game and 470.3 yards per game, 201.0 through the air and 269.3 on the ground. Defensively, the Mountaineers are allowing just 19.3 points and 321.0 yards, 163.7 passing and 157.3 rushing.
Below is my pick for the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Appalachian State Mountaineers. All odds are from BetMGM Sportsbook.
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Odds: Arkansas State Red Wolves at Appalachian State Mountaineers (-10.5): O/U 64.5 (-106/-114)
Arkansas State is coming off a midweek thriller that saw the Red Wolves come away with a 59-52 home win over the Georgia State Panthers. This was the definition of a back and forth game as there were six lead changes and neither team had a lead larger than seven points. Some of the offensive numbers are ridiculous as Arkansas State totaled 609 yards, with 551 of those yards coming through the air. It was a double threat at quarterback as Layne Hatcher went 21/28 for 332 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Logan Bonner also played at QB and went 18/28 for 197 yards, three touchdowns, and no picks. The most important passing line of the night came from wide receiver Roshauud Paul who threw the game winning 22-yard touchdown pass. Just a bonkers game in the Fun Belt.
Appalachian State has been decimated from COVID-19, but the Mountaineers did win their last game 52-21 over the Campbell Fighting Camels. The Mountaineers did trail 13-7 early in the second quarter, but then reeled off 45 straight points to completely take control of this game. Running back Daetrich Harrington ran 32 times for 211 yards and four touchdowns on the night. Fellow back Nate Noel added 14 rushes for 131 yards and one more touchdown. Overall, App State had six rushing touchdowns against the Fighting Camels.
Series History: Appalachian State won these two teams last meeting, back in 2018, and took a 2-1 all-time lead.
Football Predictions: I like App State to win, but I am going to back Arkansas State +10.5.
2020 CFB Picks Results: 18-10