This isn’t a typical Games To Watch game. It’s the one and only preview matchup of the day.
So one day I went to work and was checking the spread on sports matchups. That’s before I came across this matchup and Louisiana was favored by about a field goal or less. It then shifted down to about -1.5 in favor of Louisiana, and now it’s down to -1 in favor of Louisiana. I couldn’t grasp the understanding, but I talked with my coworker before talking myself into this reasoning. So here’s my take.
Obviously, Appalachian State is my pick because they’re my underrated pick. They’re currently 4-0 and won a big game at North Carolina. They have the offense to gain yardage and score, and they could potentially finish this season undefeated. But if any of you have read my Sun Belt Underrated Team posting, their defense could be their only setback to their undefeated run. After allowing only seven points in their first game, they’ve allowed 36.3 points per game in their last three games. If Appalachian State wants to succeed in the conference again, they must solid some of their weak spots on defense, especially against the pass.
Louisiana’s slowly but surely making a run of their own this season and prove that their 2018 season wasn’t a fluke. The Ragin’ Cajuns looked formidable in their first game against Mississippi State. They lost, but their defense gave them fits most of the game and slowed down their pace. The return of linebacker Joe Dillon was big for the defense’s improvement. They’re currently #1 in the Sun Belt in scoring defense and #2 against the pass. What I’m more impressed with was the improvement on offense with nine starters returning on that side, including quarterback Levi Lewis. What could hurt them in this matchup is their run defense and hopefully taking a week off solved those issues.
Louisiana steadily improved against App State in the last two meetings, despite still losing by two touchdowns per meeting. They’re more competitive and their defense went from allowing 34 points per game in 2018 to around 21 points per game this season. After Mississippi State, they’ve proven that they can slow down anybody. Louisiana’s defensive improvement, scoring offense, and hosting on a Wednesday night is all the more reason they’re favored. Appalachian State had a slightly tougher schedule and won a key road game against an FBS opponent, but their defense will be something to watch in how this whole thing plays out. Louisiana’s goal is to slow down Appalachian State’s run game, given that App State’s passing game isn’t that good. It gives the Cajuns an opportunity to force some stops, keep them out of the endzone, and force turnovers. Achieving most of those goals will nab them their first win against Appalachian State all-time after starting 0-6, making them a viable threat in the Sun Belt this season.
The Wolf's Cave 
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