App State vs. Western Kentucky: Boca Raton Bowl predictions, picks, odds, live stream, watch online, TV channels

A pair of teams vying for this season’s collegiate titles will meet in the first game of an action-packed day when… Appalachian State and Western Kentucky meet at Boca Raton Bowl on Saturday

Both teams have won their respective leagues this year but have lost their collegiate championship games, with both conceding eight points. Appalachian State lost 24-16 first Louisiana in the Sun Belt Championship Game while Western Kentucky lost in a horror movie 49-41 first UTSA in the Conference USA championship game.

Midfielder of Western Kentucky Bailey Zappe was the man of the match, as he continued to enter the record books with one of the best single-season performances in FBS history with 5,545 passes and 56 touchdowns. Graduated transfer from Houston Baptist That’s four touches down from Joe Burrow’s record of 60 touches and less than 300 yards from BJ Symons’ passing record of 5,833.

If Zappe has a game that matches his statistical average – 426.5 points per game and 4.3 touchdowns per game – he will make FBS history in two main ways in the game Bowl.

There is, of course, a strong Appalachian State defense on the other side that is hoping to keep Zappe below his average and give the Climbers a chance to improve to 7-0 all the time. in bad matches. Appalachian State Coach Shawn Clark is 2-0 in bowl games so far, leading the team to victory at the New Orleans Bowl following the departure of Scott Satterfield at the end of the 2019 season and a dominating victory at the Myrtle Beach Bowl in 2020.

Application Status vs WKU: Need to Know

Climber is one of the most winning FBS shows since 2014: Appalachian State is one of the most successful programs at the FCS level and started operating after it fully transitioned to FBS. Since 2014, when the program officially joined as a member of the Sun Belt, Climbers have had an 80-23 record. It was the sixth most wins among FBS teams in that period, second only to Alabama (103-9), Clemson (98-13), Ohio State (92-11), Oklahoma (85-19) and Georgia (84-21).

Zappe isn’t the only one to hit records: WKU . wide receiver Jerreth Sterns has been a big benefactor of the Hilltoppers’ new offense, and although it will take a historic performance to break the record, he will be well positioned to improve his place on the list. all-time singles season. Sterns’ 137 receptions are 21 catching errors of the former ECU wide receiver Zay Joneshis one-season record and his 1,718 yards are 342 yards less than before Nevada Trevor Insley’s record wide since 1999. While his 22-yard catch will be much higher than his average – still leading FBS by 132.2 yards and 10.5 next. ball every game – will have the opportunity to add on what has been one of the best fall in show history at WKU.

The Appalachian State’s defense was well prepared for the WKU’s offensive attack: Led by Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year D’Marco Jackson, the climbers’ defense ranks as one of the best in the country. Appalachian State ranks 2nd nationally in terms of saves and ranks in the top 20 for scoring in defense (19.3 points), total defense (325.5 yards), defensive effectiveness (114.7) and interception (15), defense (No. 6, four), red zone defense (15, 73.7%) and rush defense (number 19, 118, 8)

How to watch Boca Raton Bowl live

Game: Boca Raton Bowl
Day: Saturday, December 18 | Time: 11 a.m. ET
Location: FAU Stadium – Boca Raton, Florida
TELEVISION: ESPN | Direct: fuboTV (Try free)

Boca Raton Bowl predictions, picks

Featured game | Appalachian State Climber vs Western Kentucky Hill Climber

How can I choose a program that has never lost a bowling game? While the show’s post-season dominance makes for a great storyline, the real reason I like the Climbers is that they’re a more all-round team with better pass and defense balance. a little bit. Western Kentucky does a great job (passing) but climbers have more ways to beat their opponents. Prediction: Appalachian State (-3)

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