How App State can win:

For the Mountaineers to be able to even the series at 2-2 and win their first game at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, they will have to find someone to fill Sean Price’s offensive performance from last year. Luckily, wide receivers Malachi Jones, Tony Washington, Andrew Peacock and Simms McElfresh all have the potential to match Price’s key 103-yard receiving game.

On the defensive side, this will be the first real test for defensive coordinator Nate Woody’s new 3-4 scheme. Woody’s defense will have to be just as explosive as it was at Wofford to be able to contend with Montana’s offense, ranked first in the Big Sky in total offense last year, according to bigskyconf.com.

How Montana can win:

The Grizzlies have the home-field advantage in Missoula, where they have never lost to App State. Last year, they had a balanced attack on offense that slowly took its toll on their opponents. The main objective for them, however, will simply be to take care of the football. In their loss to the Mountaineers last season, Montana threw three interceptions. With a down-to-the-wire game, those turned out to be the nails in the coffin and ruined any kind of momentum they tried to get going.

They will also have to limit App State quarterback Jamal Londry-Jackson’s time in the pocket without allowing him to use his legs to make a big play. Linebackers Jordan Tripp and J.P. Kanongata lead the Grizzlies in tackles-for-loss and will be a threat Saturday.

The bottom line:

This is going to be a close, back-and-forth game between two FCS powerhouses. Both teams are battling for pride and history. Last season came down to the final seconds, and this one should too. Airing on ESPN3 adds national attention to a game where both teams are itching to play one another. The only thing left is to actually get out there and go.

Final score: 27-24, App State.

Story: Andrew Clausen, Sports Editor