The Appalachian State Mountaineers are returning home on Saturday afternoon in a much-needed matchup against the 1-6 Southern Miss Golden Eagles. After losing three of their past four games, coach Shawn Clark and his App State team have now lost four games this year by less than eight points. A get-right home game against a weaker opponent is exactly what App State needs right now.
Meanwhile, the Golden Eagles are searching for their first victory since a Week 1 home win over Alcorn St. They have allowed three opponents to generate over 50 points and have surrendered 38.1 points-per-game on average (132nd in the country); the Eagles’ comprehensive struggles came to a head in a 55-3 loss to South Alabama.
The Game
Southern Miss at Appalachian State
Boone, NC
Saturday, 3:30 p.m., ESPN+
Records
App State: 3-4 (1-2 Sun Belt)
Southern Miss: 1-6 (0-4 Sun Belt)
Head-to-head
The Golden Eagles lead series 2-0; they defeated the Mountaineers 21-20 in Hattiesburg, MS, in 2014.
Players to Watch
App State running back Kanye Roberts — Filling in for an injured Nate Noel (ankle) last week, the freshman assumed the lead back role with ease as he totaled 109 yards. Although Noel is expected to return for this matchup against Southern Miss, Roberts has shown the Mountaineers that he can be a solid Plan B to provide the team a competent rushing threat and complement Noel’s efforts.
Southern Miss running back Kenyon Clay — The freshman from Union, MS, had a breakout performance last week where he led the Golden Eagles in rushing and averaged six yards with every run. As neither Frank Gore Jr. and Rodrigues Clark have claimed a bell-cow role in the team’s running back depth chart, Clay can now double-down on his progress as he faces a Mountaineer defense that is vulnerable to the run.
Odds
Betonline.ag: App State -6.5, over/under 54
