How App State Can Win:

The Mountaineers are in for a rough SoCon battle against the red hot Samford Bulldogs at home. And, for the third week in a row, defense is the difference-maker.

One of the most glaring issues against The Citadel and Charleston Southern was the Mountaineers’ inability to get off the field. Third and fourth down conversions have killed the Mountaineers and worn out the defense far too quickly.

Compared to the rest of SoCon, as a team App State isn’t doing well. However, sophomore quarterback Kameron Bryant is leading the conference in pass efficiency at 170.3, a full 16.3 points higher than the No. 2 spot, which coincidently, is held by Samford’s quarterback Andy Summerlin.

How Samford Can Win:

Samford is coming off a great win over Georgia Southern and will look to continue their high-powered offense.

They’re currently second in the SoCon in scoring offense behind Georgia Southern at 36 points per game. The Bulldogs are also second to them in total yards at 449.5 yards per game.

The only team to have more yards from the quarterback position than App State in the SoCon is Samford with 313 per game, but only by 26 yards.

The Bottom Line:

Both teams have great aerial attacks and neither team has a defense that’s exactly winning awards, so expect a high-scoring game with upward of 380 yards passing for each team being a real possibility.

Samford is coming off a big win, App State is coming off three losses. What will be the difference maker is which team will bring their best defensive game and who will be able to create momentum.

Final Score: 35-31 App State

Story: ANDREW CLAUSEN, Sports Editor