Appalachian State vs. South Alabama Prediction, Game Preview

It’s the Game of the Week in the Sun Belt. If Arkansas State loses, Appalachian State (9-2) can win at least a piece of the Sun Belt title. South Alabama (5-6) is fighting for a bowl bid – the Sun Belt would LOVE that. Check out the Appalachian State vs. South Alabama prediction and game preview.

Appalachian State vs. South Alabama Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, December 5
Game Time: 7:30 pm
Venue: Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, AL

Network: ESPN3

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Why Appalachian State Will Win

While it was better against Louisiana-Lafayette and Georgia State, South Alabama can’t stop the run. Georgia Southern isn’t a good litmus test, but it ran for close to 500 yards last week with six scores. Teams that can run the ball haven’t had any sorts of problems against the Jaguar defensive front, and Appalachian State can run on just about anyone. The Mountaineers have scored two rushing touchdowns or more in every game but three, going 8-0 when doing that. USA has allowed two scores or more in each of the last six games.

Why South Alabama Will Win

Can desperation lead to a big win and a bowl appearance? Appalachian State might be playing for a part of the Sun Belt championship, but USA is playing to keep playing. The running game worked at times over the second half of the season, going on a nice three-game run when sophomore back Xavier Johnson got hot, and that’s going to have to be what happens again. USA has to hang rushing punch for rushing punch with ASU.

What’s Going To Happen?

The Mountaineers have lost two games this year – one to No. 1 Clemson, and the other to an Arkansas State team that’s probably going to win the Sun Belt title. South Alabama’s hopes of going bowling will get steamrolled over.