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Start Time: Saturday, September 9th, 2017, 3:30 PM EST
Stream: ESPN3
Radio: Appalachian IMG Sports Network. (97.3 WKBC Flagship)
Location: Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone North Carolina
Previous Meeting: Appalachian beat Savannah State 41-6 in 2011
Outlook
Appalachian State returns to “The Rock” in Week 2 to take on the Savannah State Tigers from the FCS ranks. Appalachian is coming off a Week 1 loss at the hands of national power Georgia, where the Apps were outplayed after UGA QB Jacob Eason was knocked out of the game. Penalties were the nail in the App State’s coffin and that is something the N’eers must clean up this week against Savannah State.
Look for App to flex their muscle against Savannah State as this is the best game to get back on track with. The Tigers have not had a winning season since 1998 when they were a member of the SIAC in Division II. Savannah State is coming off a rare week 1 bye so there is no current film to watch of the Tigers. Savannah State also struggles against FBS teams as the Tigers have given up 371 total points over the last three seasons against FBS teams.
The App State defense should really shine in this game and one should expect Savannah State to find it tough to score many points. The offense should also get back on track here too. Jalin Moore was shutdown at Georgia a week ago but against the Tigers Moore should find a lot more open space than what he saw in Athens. Hopefully the App State offense can be back healthy as Shaedon Meadors and Darrynton Evans were greatly missed against UGA.
Prediction
I certainly don’t think we will see a close game in this matchup. App State is head and shoulders better than Savannah State. App State just needs to clean up dumb penalties and things should be fine.
Expect Jalin Moore to be the big name in this game as he will want a strong bounce back game after his quiet night in Athens. Savannah State will find it hard to pass on the App State secondary and Clifton Duck may end up with a pick or two depending on how much they throw his way. Taylor Lamb wont see fourth quarter action in this one.