Texas State vs. Appalachian State Prediction, Game Preview


Texas State vs. Appalachian State prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the game between the Bobcats and Mountaineers.


Texas State at Appalachian State Game Preview

When: Saturday, November 5 – 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone, NC
Broadcast: ESPN3

Appalachian State continued its charge toward a Sun Belt showdown with Troy next week, disposing of Georgia Southern on the road for a fifth consecutive win. Before battling the Trojans, though, the Mountaineers will have to keep their eye on the ball this weekend as sliding Texas State comes to Kidd Brewer Stadium. The Bobcats, who were idle last weekend, have lost three games in a row. And they haven’t defeated an FBS opponent since the opener with Ohio, a 56-54 slugfest that makes less and less sense as this season unfolds.

What To Know About Texas State

Everett Withers is attempting to lay a foundation in San Marcos, but it’s going to take time. More time than is available in just one season. It’s essentially been all downhill since that opening day win over the other Bobcats, a collaborative collapse on both sides of the ball. The defense was always going to be a problem in 2016. Offensive stumbles and the regression of senior quarterback Tyler Jones have been disappointing. Texas State’s scoring and yards per play are down, and Jones is no longer the running threat he was in 2015, when he ran for 10 scores.

What to Know About Appalachian State

Defense and the running game. It’s a blueprint that’s working for Scott Satterfield. The D is pacing the conference, giving up only five yards a play. Plus, rookie CB Clifton Duck has five of the team’s 15 interceptions, meaning Jones isn’t likely to get back on track in Week 10. More bad news for the Bobcats? Star Appalachian State running back Marcus Cox is finally healthy again, rushing for 115 yards on 18 carries last week. He rejoined Jalin Moore, who has come off the bench to rush for at least 100 yards in the past five games. Toss in the shiftiness of quarterback Taylor Lamb, and it’ll be another long afternoon for the Texas State front seven.

Advantages

Offense: Appalachian State. The passing game in Boone has not been prolific in 2016, but this isn’t the week it catches up with the Mountaineers.

Defense: Appalachian State. The Mountaineers boast one of the better Group of Five defenses, let alone the Sun Belt Conference.

Special Teams: Appalachian State. The Bobcats are below average, while the Mountaineers are just average, especially when placekicker Michael Rubino is forced to attempt field goals beyond 40 yards.

Coaching: Appalachian State. The 43-year-old Satterfield is 24-9 since the start of 2014, which could earn him some Power Five looks this winter.

Intangibles: Appalachian State. The Mountaineers are home and streaking. The Bobcats are playing out the string at this stage of the season.

Matchup To Watch

Cox and Moore vs. Texas State ILB Bryan London

The Mountaineer running backs won’t have a ton to worry about or sidestep this week against the Bobcats. London is one of the potential exceptions. The redshirt freshman has played well in his first season of action, posting a team-high 73 tackles, four for minus yards.

Texas State at Appalachian State Betting Odds

Spread: No line as of post
Over/Under: No line as of post

Texas State at Appalachian State Prediction

Is there a chance the Mountaineers will look past Texas State to Troy? Sure. Would it have an impact on the outcome? No. Appalachian State is markedly better than the Bobcats in all phases. It’ll run the ball at will with Cox and Moore, setting up Lamb on play-action. And it’ll toy with a front wall that’s allowed 25 sacks this season. The Mountaineers will tap the brakes a little this week, but only after a comfortable lead is forged and the starters make way for the backups.

Texas State at Appalachian State Score Prediction: Appalachian State 42, Texas State 10

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