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Date: Saturday, December 17
Game Time: 5:30 pm
Venue: Cranton Bowl, Montgomery, AL
Network: ESPN
Spread: -1 Toledo
Appalachian State will attempt to become back-to-back Camellia Bowl champs taking on Toledo in Montgomery, Alabama tomorrow night. Both teams are 9-3, but Toledo has a leg up in bowl experience this will be their 16th time appearance. Don’t let that fool you though, App State is the defending Camellia Bowl champs and it’s going to take more than experience to stop them from taking home the title.
App State Season in Review
The Mountaineers has been a defensive powerhouse this season, giving up only three touchdown passes in the last eight games and 10 touchdowns total. Rivals have a tough time gaining yards on the ground so if Toledo wants to score their best bet is to get the ball in the air.
The very first game of the season against Tennessee left App State fans hopeful for a knockout season. The excitement began to die down around game three against Miami when the Mountaineers lost 45-10. Not quite sure what happened to the defense that game, but they bounced back in the best way for a six game winning streak only losing again to Troy in November. App State finished as Sun Belt co-champions with Arkansas State, both teams going 7-1 in conference play.
Toledo Season in Review
Toledo’s offense has quietly worked their way up to the top tier this season. The Rockets’ star quarterback, Logan Woodside is ranked second in the nation in passing yards following Baker Mayfield. Woodside has made 43 touchdowns for 3,882 yards this season and he is the driving force behind this offense. Toledo also converts on third downs at a crazy 52%, third best in the nation.
The Rockets are on the hunt for a 10-win season and their third straight bowl victory. They are ranked second in the MAC and beat Sun Belt co-champ Arkansas State in their first game of the season.
Mountaineers Defense vs Toledo Offense
This game is going to be a close one, even the oddsmakers had a hard time predicting with the opening line started at -1. Both teams have talented running backs and seasoned quarterbacks. Toledo’s Kareem Hunt has rushed for 1,355 yards this season and App State’s running back, Marcus Cox holds the school’s rushing record.
If Toledo can continuously move the chains and convert on third downs then a win looks promising.
Predicted score: Appalachian State: 32 Toledo: 30