How App State Can Win:
The Mountaineers shouldn’t have to do too much different in their game plan if they are going to beat Western Carolina.

Compared to the rest of the SoCon, the only statistic that App State has to worry about is their pass defense.

The Catamounts are ranked third behind App State and will apply pressure in the secondary.

The good news for App State is that sophomore Kameron Bryant is still No. 1 in the SoCon in pass efficiency (148.5) and he will need to continue his great play if the Mountaineers are going to win and keep the Old Mountain Jug.

How WCU Can Win:
If Western Carolina is going to come into Kidd Brewer Stadium and get a win, they are going to need to step up almost every aspect of their game.

The Catamounts are one of the few teams the Mountaineers can claim to have a better record than, and it shows statistically.

Aside from their top 3 secondary protecting against the pass, they aren’t ranked in the Top 5 in any category.

Their biggest concern is going to be with App State’s offense. If they can somehow manage to keep them off the field, they stand a small chance of pulling off the upset on the road.

The Bottom Line:
This time around, “The Battle for the Old Mountain Jug” is more than just two teams playing football on the mountain; it’s about the end of an era.

This will be App State’s final contest as a member of the Southern Conference and it will be one of the last games against Western Carolina.

While they will likely play in a non-conference matchup later down the road, it will not be as simple as it is now for the Jug to change hands.

Whoever comes away with the prize this time, holds it for a while.

Story: ANDREW CLAUSEN, Sports Editor