The Appalachian State Mountaineers (4-1) are looking to extend their three-game winning streak as they travel to play the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks (1-4). The SBC’s top passer, Garrett Smith (1,113 yards, 9 TDs), will have a major impact on this matchup. It will begin Saturday, Oct 17 at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Louisiana-Monroe was defeated by Tulsa 34-24 last week. Ajalen Holley had an outstanding performance in the loss, totaling 11 receptions for 113 yards and one TD. DeVontae McNeal finished with 63 rushing yards and a TD on six attempts. Appalachian State is hoping for another victory like last week’s performance, when it blew out Georgia State 37-3. Taylor Lamb had a big game throwing the ball for the Mountaineers, completing 18 of 24 passes for 291 yards, three TDs and one interception. He added 53 yards on four rush attempts. Malachi Jones had a big game as well, totaling 102 receiving yards on three receptions.
The Warhawks, an eight-point underdog, will be looking to defend their home field when Appalachian State comes to town.
The Warhawks enter the game with records of 1-4 Straight Up (SU) and 2-2-1 Against The Spread (ATS) this season. The Warhawks utilize their passing attack frequently. They pass 38.8 times per game, which is the 21st-most in the nation. Transitioning to the Louisiana-Monroe defense, there are some things to keep in mind when it is on the field. The Warhawks have the 18th-best pass defense in the nation and give up 169.6 yards per game through the air.
On the other side, the Mountaineers have a record of 3-2 ATS and 4-1 SU. If earlier games are any indication, the Mountaineers will run the ball aggressively. They average 264.2 rushing yards per game, good enough for 11th in Division I. Switching gears to the Appalachian State defense, it has some favorable matchups that it may be able to take advantage of as well. Appalachian State’s 11th-ranked run defense has given its competition headaches. Opponents have only run for 99 yards per game against this horrifying unit. The Warhawks need to hold on to the ball if they want a shot against the turnover-minded Mountaineers. The Appalachian State defense generates 2.4 turnovers per game, 14th in the country. The Mountaineers usually get a boost in the second quarter, when they average 11.8 points this year.
Predictions: SU Winner – Appalachian State, ATS Winner – Appalachian State
Notes
Louisiana-Monroe is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Louisiana-Monroe’s last 7 games.
Louisiana-Monroe is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Appalachian State’s last 5 games on the road.
Appalachian State is 4-0 SU when leading at the start of the 4th quarter this season. Louisiana-Monroe is 1-1 SU when carrying a lead into the fourth quarter.
The Louisiana-Monroe passing attack is ranked only 69th in the nation, while the Appalachian State pass defense is ranked 17th. The Mountaineers passing game is ranked just 94th, compared to the 18th-ranked pass defense of the Warhawks.
