Let Cox lead the way
The Mountaineers have been dominating offensively during the current two-game winning streak, outscoring its two opponents 97-14.
A large part of that offensive surge has been the running game and, specifically, sophomore running back Marcus Cox.
Cox was named Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for a career-high 250 yards and a team-high three touchdowns against Georgia State last week.
Cox also compiled 373 rushing yards and six touchdowns in his last two games.
Cox is helping to take the pressure off redshirt freshman quarterback Taylor Lamb and the rest of the App State passing game, which is helping the Mountaineers control the clock and wear opponents down.
If Cox can have another good performance, it will be a big boost at home for App State.
Warhawk road woes
ULM has had trouble winning on the road this season, as they are 0-4 away from home.
The Warhawks have visited some tough opponents and are coming off of a narrow 21-16 loss to Texas A&M last week.
ULM also traveled to face two other SEC squads in LSU and Kentucky.
The road opponents have been tough, and coming into Kidd Brewer Stadium won’t be any easier as the squad seeks its first win in hostile territory.
App State should look to take the momentum early and tire the Warhawks, letting the home crowd help rattle the visiting team.
Don’t let records fool you
Both of these teams are 3-5, but that doesn’t tell the whole story.
App State seems to be playing its best football of the season, coming off two dominating performances over Sun Belt opponents.
The Mountaineers defense has been stifling and the running game has been overpowering.
On the same note, ULM shouldn’t be taken lightly despite being under .500.
In its most recent performance, the Warhawks played very well at Texas A&M, out-gaining the Aggies 347-243, holding the advantage in first downs 19 to 16 and forcing two turnovers to Texas A&M’s one in the 21-16 loss.
The Warhawks are likely to be a confident team after being edged by the Aggies, so this game turns into one that shouldn’t be missed, despite the respective records.
Defensive clash
Saturday’s matchup is also a clash of the Sun Belt’s top two defenses, which should make for a close, physical game.
The Warhawks lead the conference in total defense, allowing 349.5 yards per game while App State is close behind, ranking second allowing 366.6 yards per game.
Points will be at a premium in another chilly November game at The Rock, so scoring early and often will be very beneficial.
Home sweet home
In fact, the Mountaineers love the chilly November games.
App State’s win over Georgia State moved the team to 21-1 in its last 22 November games at home.
Georgia State appeared completely unprepared for the cold, snowy conditions at and fell behind quickly. While there might not be snow for this one, the temperatures should still be crisp and the Mountaineers are used to that.
The rowdy home crowd should help make up for the lack of precipitation, however. The fans will look to push the Mountaineers for the win.
Story: Cory Spiers, Sports Editor