App State Vs Coastal Carolina: Preview & Prediction

Game Time: 5PM, Saturday November 3rd 2018

Location: Brooks Stadium, Conway SC

Spread: App State -14.5

TV: ESPN+

Radio: Appalachian IMG Sports Network, Coastal Carolina Sports Network

Previous Meeting: App State won 37-29

All Time: App State is 4-0 vs. Coastal Carolina

Outlook

Lets start by remembering how awesome one week of being ranked was for the App State faithful. Within a three hour span it all came crashing down last Thursday night at the hands of Georgia Southern, as the Eagles wiped out the Mountaineers’ perfect conference record with a 34-14 win in Statesboro.

Anything that could go wrong went wrong for Appalachian State, starting with the worst case scenario when QB Zac Thomas was knocked out of the game in the early going with a concussion. Then linebacker Jordan Fher was ejected for targeting and, as a cherry on top of the cake, backup QB Peyton Derrick stepped in and had a rough night to say the least, going 3-12 passing with 2 interceptions.

Per Ethan Joyce of the Winston Salem Journal: “The Appalachian State starting quarterback is still listed as day-to-day for the Mountaineers’ game against Coastal Carolina on Saturday”.

A story-line to watch is Peyton Derrick’s homecoming. The redshirt freshman is from Conway and has a chance to start his first career game in his hometown if Thomas is unable to play Saturday evening.

Coastal comes into this game with momentum on its side after walking out of Atlanta last week with a 37-34 victory over Georgia State. Freshman Fred Payton got the start in the ever-rotating carousel that is the starting QB spot for Coastal. Payton went 12/17 for 222 yards and a score. CJ Marabel led the team in rushing with 128 yards on 12 carries and a score.

Coastal Carolina’s defense is still the subject to watch in this game because the Chants give up 32 points and 448 yards per game.

Prediction

My thoughts on this game has shifted as far as the closeness but not the outcome. Homecoming in Conway will add to a boost for the Chanticleer team but App State knows they must stay focused and not have their confidence destroyed at the hands of another opponent early in the contest.

I believe it will be a close game but look for the App State defense to step back up this week on the road to officially make the Mountaineers bowl eligible.

App State 37-24

* I will also be live on the pregame show with Joe Cashion, the voice of the Chanticleers, to talk all things App State. You can listen HERE