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Miami vs. Appalachian State prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the game between the Hurricanes and Mountaineers.

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Miami vs. Appalachian State Game Preview

In a rare occurrence, a Power Five team will travel to a Group of Five school and play a game that should be very entertaining, especially because of how the Mountaineers played in the season opener against Tennessee. We saw the ‘Neers knock off Michigan at the Big House in 2007, and we almost saw them do it at Neyland Stadium in the opener. The Mountaineers went 11-2 last year—the most wins ever by a team in its first year of FBS bowl eligibility after transitioning from FCS. They also beat Ohio in the Camellia Bowl, which made them the first team to win a bowl in its first bowl-eligible FBS year. This will be the first time hosting a Power Five squad. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes possess one of the best rushing attacks in the country as well as quarterback Brad Kaaya, who is projected to be a high NFL first-round draft pick. But the Mountaineers have won 18 of their last 21 games, and Kidd Brewer Stadium will be rocking.

What To Know About Miami

Mark Richt is enjoying the Hurricanes’ 2-0 start behind the arm of one of the nation’s best quarterbacks, Brad Kaaya, and a deep pool of running backs, led by Mark Walton and Joseph Yearby. Walton rushed for career highs of 155 yards and four touchdowns in the 38-10 win over Florida Atlantic, while Yearby ran for 121 yards and a score. Miami outgained FAU 470-214 and forced nine punts, as the ‘Canes set a school record with 108 points in the season’s first two games. Defensively, the ‘Canes did allow the Owls to get into their territory five times in the first half, but they only allowed three points.

What to Know About Appalachian State

Head coach Scott Satterfield, who is a former Mountaineers signal-caller, runs a spread offense directed by junior quarterback Taylor Lamb. Joining him in the backfield is running back Marcus Cox, who entered the new campaign with 4,088 career rushing yards and 43 touchdowns. And he’s a real threat out of the backfield as a receiver as well. He has 248 yards and three scores on the ground in ’16, and keep in mind that he found running room last year against a great Clemson defense (25 rushes for 103 yards). This offensive line will give the Miami front all it can handle.

Advantages

Offense: Even. While the Hurricanes have the better athletes and more firepower, that ground-based Appalachian State attack is a joy to watch when it is clicking on all cylinders.

Defense: Even. The ‘Canes have switched to a 4-3 scheme under new coordinator Manny Diaz, and he is looking to mold a more explosive unit.

Special Teams: Even. Miami missed a field goal for the second straight week, and the ‘Canes were also called for a roughing the punter. However, the ‘Neers missed an extra point and a 42-yard field goal against Tennessee.

Coaching: Even. Richt is one of the best coaches in the nation, but Satterfield deserves a ton of recognition for what he has put together with the ‘Neers.

Intangibles: Appalachian State. Playing in front of a rowdy crowd will provide a tough environment for the ‘Canes.

Matchup To Watch

Miami’s ground game vs. Appalachian State’s front seven

The Mountaineers held Josh Dobbs, Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara to just under 3.0 yards per carry in the opener. However, Old Dominion was able to rush for 5.0 yards per carry and a rushing score last week. What 3-4 unit, which returned eight starters, will show up against the ‘Canes?

Miami vs. Appalachian State Betting Odds

Spread: Miami -3.5

Over/Under: N/A

Miami vs. Appalachian State Prediction

This is essentially the biggest football game in the history of Boone, NC. The Mountaineer faithful have had this game circled on the calendars all offseason, and we saw just how close the ‘Neers were to an upset in Week 1. App State will be able to move the chains, pick up chunks of yardage with a few big plays and score points against this Hurricanes defense. Ultimately, though, it is too much Kaaya and Miami offense. A few big plays by the Hurricanes in the fourth quarter allow them to escape Sun Belt country with a victory.

Miami vs. Appalachian State Score Prediction: Miami 37, Appalachian State 29

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