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Appalachian State vs. Old Dominion prediction and game preview. The Mountaineers and Monarchs face off at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Week 2.

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Appalachian State vs. Old Dominion Game Preview

The Monarchs are coming off of a season-opening 54-21 win over Hampton on Sunday. It had originally been scheduled for Saturday night but was shifted to avoid the most impact of the Hermine storm system. Meanwhile, the Mountaineers nearly stunned the college football world on the first Thursday of the season by almost knocking off Tennessee in Knoxville. It was a game that the ‘Neers should have won after having a ten-point halftime lead, which means they are salty and looking to get into the win column.

What To Know About Old Dominion

In the season opener, quarterback David Washington passed for 187 yards and four touchdowns. The Monarchs led just 31-21 over Hampton but scored the game’s final 23 points starting with a safety midway through the third quarter. Ray Lawry added 110 yards on the ground and 62 receiving yards and had two total touchdowns.

What to Know About Appalachian State

The Mountaineers gave college football fans a real treat when they nearly knocked off the SEC’s Vols. The ‘Neers displayed an offense that is deep at running back and features an athletic offensive line as well as a quarterback who really commands the offense. Most impressive was how they have multiple receivers get involved in the run game—it’s an offense that is very dynamic. App State never looked wide-eyed at any point in the game, except perhaps in the closing seconds of regulation when the ‘Neers were not aggressive and seemed to play for overtime.

Advantages

Offense: Appalachian State. It’s such a fun offense to watch—if you’re not an opposing defense, of course.

Defense: Appalachian State. It’s a spunky unit that has legit FBS talent.

Special Teams: Appalachian State. Senior punter Bentlee Critcher averaged 43.4 yards per punt last season.

Coaching: Appalachian State. Great coaching is what put the ‘Neers in position to beat the Vols.

Intangibles: Appalachian State. The ‘Neers have been waiting to get back onto the field for live action ever since returning to the locker room after the loss to the Vols.

Matchup To Watch

App State ground game vs. ODU front seven

The ‘Neers have depth in the backfield and a quarterback that can run as well. Marcus Cox rushed for 115 yards against the Vols, and signal-caller Taylor Lamb recorded a five-yard scoring run. Lamb even found Cox out of the backfield for a 33-yard touchdown. The O-Line was not pushed around buy the Vols, and Cox showed he can run against an FBS power. He now has 4,203 career rushing yards, which is second among all active FBS players behind San Diego State’s Donnel Pumphrey.

Betting Odds

Spread: App State -20

Over/Under: 58

Appalachian State vs. Old Dominion Prediction

The Mountaineers will not be looking ahead to the following week’s game at home against Miami (FL). They are too well-coached. Expect the offense to be clicking on all cylinders and a defense ready to hit and make big plays. The Monarchs can keep it close by not turning the ball over and controlling the clock, but App State’s ground game will wear out ODU.

Appalachian State vs. Old Dominion Score Prediction: Appalachian State 38, Old Dominion 17

MORE: Week 2 College Football Bowl Projections