Eric Boggs 
South Alabama celebrates in the end zone.
Thursday night’s matchup between the South Alabama Jaguars and Appalachian State Mountaineers promises to be an exciting Sun Belt opener for both teams. Fresh off a record-breaking performance, South Alabama (1-2) enters the game on the heels of an 87-10 thrashing of Northwestern State, a result that set school and conference records. On the other side, Appalachian State (2-1) is coming off a narrow 21-19 victory over East Carolina, looking to build momentum as conference play begins.
Game Details:
- Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET at Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone, N.C.
- Series Record: Appalachian State leads 4-1, including a 31-7 win in 2021.
- Odds: Appalachian State -7, Over/Under 64 points.
Why South Alabama Can Win
Despite their 1-2 record, the Jaguars have shown they can light up the scoreboard. Redshirt freshman quarterback Gio Lopez has been impressive, throwing for 689 yards and seven touchdowns in just two games. He has plenty of weapons, including standout wide receiver Jamaal Pritchett, who has caught a touchdown in all three games this season. Pritchett’s 20 receptions for 287 yards and three scores make him a key target for Lopez, while the ground game is anchored by Fluff Bothwell and Kentrel Bullock.
South Alabama’s defense, while inconsistent, has shown the ability to stifle the run, allowing just 3.5 yards per carry. If they can slow down Appalachian State’s rushing attack, Lopez and the Jaguars’ offense could put pressure on the Mountaineers to keep up.
Why Appalachian State Can Win
Appalachian State, with a 2-1 start, looks like a more balanced team. Quarterback Joey Aguilar has thrown for 964 yards and five touchdowns, showcasing his ability to spread the ball to a deep group of receivers, including Kaedin Robinson and Makai Jackson. While the Mountaineers’ rushing attack hasn’t been explosive, the trio of Anderson Castle, Kanye Roberts, and Ahmani Marshall can grind out tough yards when needed.
Defensively, Appalachian State’s numbers have been skewed by a blowout loss to Clemson, but they were projected to have one of the top defenses in the Sun Belt. Their ability to make key stops, especially late in the game, could be the difference in a high-scoring affair.
Final Analysis
This game will provide valuable insight into both teams’ trajectory in 2024. South Alabama’s offensive firepower is undeniable, but Appalachian State’s balance and defensive potential give them a slight edge. Expect plenty of points in Boone, but the Mountaineers’ experience and ability to get key stops in the second half could secure them the win.
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