Appalachian State vs Idaho: Preview & Prediction

Game Time: 5:00 PM EST, Saturday October 14th 2017

TV: ESPN3

Radio: Appalachian IMG Sports Network

Location: Kibbie Dome, Moscow, Idaho

Spread: Appalachian State -12.5

Previous Meeting: Appalachian State topped Idaho 37-19 last season in Boone.

Series Record: Appalachian State leads 3-0 all time against Idaho

Outlook

Appalachian State was battle tested last Saturday against a very game New Mexico State squad, pulling out a 45-31 victory. Appalachian State rolled out 28 unanswered in the 4th to ride the wave to a 2-0 start in Sun Belt play and will now look for 3-0 as they travel to take on the Idaho Vandals inside the Kibbie Dome. Idaho is coming off a 21-16 loss to ULL at home a week ago.

Idaho has been one of those Jekyll & Hyde teams here in 2017. The Vandals seem to play much better on the road than they do inside the confines of the Kibbie Dome. In three home games this season Idaho has looked lethargic on the offensive side of the football. Idaho has managed just 60 total points in three home games in 2017 while they have given up 71 total points at home this year. The Vandals average around 23 points per game while the App State D only allows 20 points per game.

The QB and RB battles will be interesting to watch as both teams boast known commodities at each position. Taylor Lamb is coming off his worst game of the season against NMSU, as he threw two picks and had just 48 yards passing. However, App nation finally saw the emergence of Jalin Moore who exploded for 241 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Matt Linehan is coming off 149 yard passing performance against a less than stellar ULL defense. Idaho running back Aaron Duckworth managed only 62 yards on 14 carries.

Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images

Prediction

Appalachian State was awoken after sleepwalking through three quarters of the game against NMSU a week ago and I see this team riding Jalin Moore to victory. Clifton Duck and Tae Hayes combined for all six interceptions a week ago and will look to do the same type of damage to what’s been an inconsistent Vandal passing offense. Take Appalachian and the -12.5 in this one.

Appalachian State 36-17