COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Appalachian State enters with a 2-0 start, a two-game winning streak, and one of the stronger early-season offensive profiles in the data set. The Mountaineers are averaging 41.0 points, 521.0 total yards, and 5.4 yards per play, while their defense is allowing just 13.5 points and 333.5 yards per game. Charlotte is 0-2 and has been outscored badly, allowing 42.0 points and 410.0 yards per game. Offensively, the 49ers are at 25.0 points and 430.0 yards per game, but their 7.1 yards per play allowed points to trouble against a more balanced Appalachian State attack.
Appalachian State looks positioned to control this game with efficiency on offense and a defense that has been far sturdier than Charlotte’s. The Mountaineers should generate enough scoring chances to get into the high 30s, while Charlotte may have enough offense to keep the final total respectable but not enough to close the gap. My projection is Appalachian State 38, Charlotte 20, which supports the Appalachian State team total over 34.5 as the best value on the board.