Toledo vs. Appalachian State Prediction, Camellia Bowl Preview
Toledo vs. Appalachian State prediction and Camellia Bowl preview. Projecting who wins between the Rockets and Mountaineers in Alabama.
Toledo vs. Appalachian State prediction and Camellia Bowl preview. Projecting who wins between the Rockets and Mountaineers in Alabama.
Toledo vs. Appalachian State Camellia Bowl Preview
When: Saturday, Dec. 17 – 5:30 p.m. ET
Where: Crampton Bowl, Montgomery, Ala.
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Toledo came within a victory of playing for the MAC championship and had a solid 9-3 season under first-year coach Jason Candle, who was promoted from offensive coordinator. Logan Woodside’s familiarity with the offense played a role in him being one of the nation’s most underrated quarterbacks as the Rockets has one of the best units in the nation.
They’re going to be tested against Appalachian State, though. The Mountaineers lived off of defense and also finished 9-3 while sharing the Sun Belt championship. They’ve won eight of their last nine games heading into a second straight bowl appearance in just their third season in FBS.
What To Know About Toledo
Woodside led the nation with 43 touchdown passes and threw only nine interceptions, putting up stellar stats after redshirting last year. He also ranked second in the nation in passer rating while finishing fourth with a 69.1 completion percentage. Woodside did have a rough performance his last time out, though, tossing two interceptions in a 20-point loss to Western Michigan.
Still, the Rockets finished fourth in the nation in total yards per game and move the ball with efficiency. Woodside doesn’t do it alone, as Kareem Hunt, who rushed for 200 yards against the Broncos, is one of the MAC’s best running backs.
What To Know About Appalachian State
The Rockets are in for a test, though. Appalachian State allows 4.86 yards per play, which is the fewest in the Sun Belt and tied for 13th in the nation. It allowed 20 points or fewer nine times, and two of its defeats came against Tennessee and Miami, which both were ranked in the AP Top 25 at the time. The Mountaineers took the Vols to overtime in the first game of the season.
Appalachian State is no slouch offensively, either. It led the Sun Belt in yards per play at 6.23 and finished second in total yards per game. Jalin Moore is the Mountaineers standout and ran for a conference-best 1,367 yards and 10 touchdowns on just 18.42 rushing attempts per game.
Advantages
Offense: Toledo – This would be even if it wasn’t for Woodside having a clear edge over Taylor Lamb.
Defense: Appalachian State – The Mountaineers might have the toughest defense Toledo has faced this year.
Special Teams: Even – These teams missed a combined nine field goals.
Coaching: Appalachian State – Scott Satterfield has guided it to a 31-18 record since making the move from the FCS.
Intangibles: Even – Both teams possess talent on each side of the ball.
Matchup To Watch
Woodside vs. Appalachian State’s secondary
Woodside is very accurate and doesn’t make many mistakes. But the Mountaineers finished third in the nation with 20 interceptions, led by freshman Clifton Duck’s five.
Betting Odds
Spread: No line as of post
Over/Under: No line as of post
Toledo vs. Appalachian State Prediction
This is going to be a heck of a game. Woodside throws three touchdowns but also is picked off twice. Moore and Hunt each finish with 150 yards in the shootout that Toledo wins with a late touchdown.
Toledo vs. Appalachian State Final Score Prediction: Toledo 48, Appalachian State 42
Campus Insiders Staff Picks
Brian Stultz: App State
Jeff Bartl: Toledo
Rich Cirminiello: Toledo
Robert Judin: App State
Pete Fiutak: App State
