Liberty Flames (4-0) vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers (2-2)
September 28, 2024 3:30 pm EDT
The Line: Appalachian State Mountaineers +3.5 / Liberty Flames -3.5; Over/Under: +61.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Liberty Flames and Appalachian State Mountaineers meet Saturday in week 5 college football action at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Here’s a App State vs Liberty Prediction. This article will include a App State vs Liberty Pick.
Liberty Flames Betting Preview
The Liberty Flames just beat UTEP and East Carolina, and they play Florida International next. The Liberty Flames look for back to back 5-0 starts. Kaidon Salter is completing 64.1 percent of his passes for 949 yards, 7 touchdowns and 1 interception. Treon Sibley and Tyson Mobley have combined for 496 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, while Reese Smith has 9 receptions.
The Liberty Flames ground game is averaging 216.5 yards per contest, and Quinton Cooley leads the way with 371 yards and 4 touchdowns. Defensively, Liberty is allowing 20.5 points and 312.8 yards per game. Joseph Carter leads the Liberty Flames with 26 tackles, TJ Bush Jr. has 4.5 sacks and Dexter Ricks Jr. has 2 interceptions.
Appalachian State Mountaineers Betting Preview
The Appalachian State Mountaineers beat East Carolina, lost to South Alabama, and they play Marshall next. Appalachian State has won 4 of its last 5 home games. Joey Aguilar is completing 56.7 percent of his passes for 1,230 yards, 6 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Kaedin Robinson and Christian Horn have combined for 666 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, while Makai Jackson has 16 receptions.
The Appalachian State Mountaineers ground game is averaging 130.8 yards per contest, and Anderson Castle leads the way with 184 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Appalachian State is allowing 35.8 points and 453.8 yards per game. DJ Burks leads the Appalachian State Mountaineers with 30 tackles, Santana Hopper has 2 sacks and Seth Robertson has 1 interception.
Why the Liberty Flames will win
- Liberty has won each of its last 17 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Appalachian State has failed to cover the spread in nine of its last 10 September games at Kidd Brewer Stadium.
- Liberty has covered the spread in three of its last four road games in September.
- Liberty has won the first quarter in seven of its last eight games against non-conference opponents.
- Liberty has won the first half in eight of its last nine games against opponents from the Sun Belt Conference.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of Appalachian State’s last nine September games at Kidd Brewer Stadium have gone OVER the total points line.
- Four of Liberty’s last five games against opponents from the Sun Belt Conference have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Appalachian State ranks 133rd among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (16.3).
- Appalachian State ranks 133rd among FBS teams for H1 opponent points per game this season (26.8).
- Liberty ranks T3rd among FBS teams for Q4 points per game this season (14.0).
- Liberty ranks T9th among FBS teams for H2 points per game this season (21.8).
App State vs Liberty Prediction
The Appalachian State Mountaineers are supposed to be better than what they’ve shown, as they were pegged a contender in the Sun Belt before the season. The problem is Appalachian State can’t finish drives offensively and has been a disaster defensively. Appalachian State nearly lost to East Carolina and got rocked by South Alabama as 7.5 point favorites. I want nothing to do with Appalachian State. The Liberty Flames have just two covers in their last eight games, but they’re a balanced squad and the team to beat in the CUSA. Liberty should remain undefeated.
Give me the Flames by a touchdown or two on the road.
