After a disappointing setback to Furman that saw the Mountaineers convert 6 trips inside the Paladins' 25-yard line into only 10 points, Appalachian looks to rebound against long-time rival Western Carolina. Last weekend in Greenville, the ASU offense could not get out of their own way as they turned the ball over 4 times and committed 7 penalties for 60 yards. However, points should be easier to come by this weekend for Jamal Jackson and the Mountaineer offense against the league's worst defensive unit.
The Catamounts enter the 2011 Battle for the Old Mountain Jug allowing a staggering 45.7 points per game. At 1-8 overall and 0-7 in SoCon play, WCU is still without a Division I win. Their sole victory came at home against Division II Mars Hill, who managed to put up 31 points in a losing effort.
The Mountaineers should be anxious to get back into the win column as they recover from a disheartening loss that put their playoff hopes in jeopardy. With only 6 Division I wins, Appalachian needs to finish the season strong in order to secure a postseason bid. This sense of urgency combined with the confidence that comes along with facing a winless rival could be prove to be fatal for Western Carolina.
No conference opponent should be taken for granted and ASU must come to play on Saturday, but this match-up has the potential to get ugly. If Western is unable to force some early turnovers and make big plays in the passing game, an angry Appalachian team with their backs against the wall should make quick work of the Catamounts. With all that is on the line, I expect an ASU onslaught that will put this one away early.
My prediction:
Appalachian State 52
Western Carolina 17
*Photo from GoASU.com
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