Appalachian State vs New Mexico State: Preview & Prediction

Game Time: 3:30 PM, EST Saturday, October 7th 2017

TV: ESPN3

Radio: Appalachian IMG Sports Network

Location: Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone, North Carolina

Line: Appalachian State -10.5 O/U 55.5

Previous Meeting: App State won at NMSU last season 37-7

App State Outlook

Appalachian State has now had time to shake off the heartbreaking loss two weeks ago to Wake Forest, and now have their sights set on the Aggies of New Mexico State. Its homecoming Saturday at “The Rock” and it looks to be a good matchup against a much improved New Mexico State squad.

The App State defense will need to have a big game in this one as their ability to stop Larry Rose and get to quarterback Tyler Rogers will make or break this game. The App defense comes into this matchup only allowing 17.8 points per game compared to the 29.6 NMSU gives up. Appalachian is giving up just over 300 yards per game compared to the Aggies giving up just over 400.

Offense has been an up and down issue for Appalachian this season as they are playing true freshmen at receiver, as injuries have kept Shaedon Meadors and Darrynton Evans sidelined. Thomas Hennigan has been a big addition to the Mountaineer offense as he leads the team in receiving with 17 receptions for 176 yards as he also handles punt return duty for the Apps. Jalin Moore has been obsolete in 2017 as it would not surprise me at all if Terrence Upshaw now becomes RB1 for Appalachian. Upshaw leads the team in rushing with 46 carries for 249 yards.

Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

NMSU Aggies Outlook

The Aggies come into the Appalachian State game off a loss to SEC foe Arkansas. This game against Appalachian State will be the second away game in a row, with another coming next week before a bye. If that doesn’t sound brutal enough, this week’s game will be tough game #6 of seven in a row.

Thanks SBC.

To make things worse, the Aggies had to fly into Winston-Salem on Friday and then take an hour bus ride to Hickory. Then on Saturday, NMSU has to take ANOTHER hour long bus ride to Boone. Their focus will definitely be tested.

Good thing this team is tough.

Tyler Rogers will lead the Aggies offense in what should be a battle of two of the conference’s best passers. Rogers currently sits fifth in the nation with 351.4 passing yard per game, while also completing 64% of his passes (second in the country).

The offensive line has done an incredible job only allowing nine sacks on 241 attempts.

A lot of that is thanks to Larry Rose III. The former All-American has not had a typical year, only passing 100 yards rushing once this season, against UTEP. However, that’s because most offenses are accounting for him on most plays.

Jaleel Scott is the big man in the receiving corps, literally, standing at 6’6”. He has become Roger’s favorite target catching 35 passes for 543 yards and five touchdowns.

Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

The defense has been led by linebacker Dalton Herrington (53 tackles, 9.0 tfl, 3.5 sacks) but will be motivated by Terril Hanks who was offered a scholarship to App State and committing before having it rescinded his senior year of high school.

Look for Hanks to be flying around showing the people in Boone what could have been theirs.

Prediction:

Aikman Chambers: ASU-38 NMSU-17

Adopted Aggie: Travel will test the Aggies but they will come to play and prove they’re one of SBC’s top teams. I’m calling for the upset.

Aggies 38, App State 35