A title for App State or a bowl game for the Cajuns? Preview

Location: Kidd-Brewer Stadium, Boone, NC

Date: Saturday, December 2nd

Time: 2:30 PM ET

TV/Stream: ESPN3

Records: Ragin’ Cajuns 5-6 (4-3); Mountaineers 7-4 (6-1)

*Spread: Mountaineers -14.5

*Over/Under: 58.5

All-Time Series: Mountaineers 3-0

Last Meeting: Mountaineers won 24-0 (10/12/2016)

*As of Friday, 12/1 at 11 am PT

Appalachian State Outlook

Appalachian State is one win away from completing the ring quest that they started all the way back in week one. App State will welcome the Cajuns to Boone this weekend in the final regular season game of 2017. Appalachian allowed themselves to control their own destiny with a huge 31-10 win at Georgia State a week ago.

Jalin Moore played “Jalin Moore” football last week, racking up 239 yards on the ground and a score. Ike Lewis also continued to show he is Appalachian State’s number one playmaking receiver with a receiving touchdown. Appalachian finally did what fans have wanted to see all year — play a complete game. For many games it has only been one side of the ball excelling, but it was a full team effort in Atlanta.

If Appalachian State comes out on senior day and puts together a team effort like they did at Georgia State, it will be a tough outing for Louisiana-Lafayette. The Cajuns give up close to 40 points per game and with the playmaking ability of Taylor Lamb and Jalin Moore, App State could put up 40 plus. The App State defense needs to get after Jordan Davis and force him into bad throws while capitalizing at every point in order to ride recent momentum to a victory.

Ragin’ Cajun Outlook

The Ragin’ Cajuns look to become bowl eligible for the 6th time in Mark Hudspeth’s 7th season as head coach. They face a tough task in an App State team that is coming off two solid victories and is looking to secure a share of the Sun Belt regular season title. The Cajuns are also predicted to lose by more than two touchdowns, which begs the question: how can they upset App State?

1. Force a shootout. Consistency has not been the name of the game for the Ragin’ Cajuns this season, but they have proven that they can put points on the board if they find an early rhythm. Keeping up on the scoreboard is priority number one.
2. Stop Slow Down Jalin Moore. Who are we kidding? Moore has the potential to have a field day against this Cajun defense. The Cajuns need to focus on small victories in run defense: tackles for loss, shedding blocks, keeping outside contain, etc. If they can stop the big plays, they may be able to shorten the game in their favor.
3. Get the offensive playmakers involved. Players like Ryheem Malone, Trey Ragas, and Ja’Marcus Bradly need to be involved and have the opportunity to make some plays. This Cajun skill group is extremely talented, but quarterback play has dampened their ability to get into the open field and make things happen.

If the Cajuns can make some plays on defense and slow down the constant spinning of their quarterback carousel, they have a shot to stay in this game. The Mountaineers present a tough challenge, and a lot of things have to go right in order for the Cajuns to pull off the upset.

Prediction: App State 41-20