3 things to know for the Raycom Media Camellia Bowl
Need a brief primer before you attempt to watch all 40 bowl games this season? We’ve got you covered. Here are three things you need to know about the Raycom Media Camellia Bowl.
RAYCOM MEDIA CAMELLIA BOWL
Appalachian State (9-3) vs. Toledo (9-3)
Dec. 17, 5:30 p.m. ET
ESPN
– Watching the Toledo offense against the Mountaineers defense will be a treat for any fan. Toledo has a dynamic offense led by quarterback Logan Woodside and star running back Kareem Hunt. Half man-half laser cannon, Woodside has been sneakily great (3,882 yards, 43 TDs) and has the second highest passer rating in FBS behind Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield. Hunt has garnered the attention of national media and NFL teams by piling up 1,355 yards and eight scores on the ground. Toledo converts on third downs at a 52 percent clip. Will this prolific offense continue on Saturday? Appalachian State’s defense can be fierce, especially the back end (only 10 passing TDs allowed all season).
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– Although an awful football cliche, the turnover battle could prove costly if Toledo cannot hold onto the ball. Look for Toledo to use its ground game as Appalachian State’s defense snagged 20 interceptions this season. Appalachian State has lost the turnover battle only twice this season. The Mountaineers offense does not score often in explosive fashion, but it will ride running back tandem Jalin Moore and Marcus Cox (2,221 yards, 18 TDs combined) to move the chains consistently.
– The Camellia Bowl has included two fun, close games in its two year existence, including a game-winning field goal from Appalachian State to top Ohio 31-29 last year. The Mountaineers look to repeat with a victory and establish themselves as back-to-back Camellia Bowl champions.
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Mascot fight prediction: This fight will more or less coincide with the plot “October Sky”, starring Jake Gyllenhaal. Mountain folk are innately fearful of rockets. Rockets can soar and explode. Sportsbooks across Las Vegas give the Mountaineer very poor odds.
Real predictions:
Graham Watson: Toledo 28, Appalachian State 17
Nick Bromberg: Toledo 41, Appalachian State 31
Sam Cooper: Appalachian State 27, Toledo 24
Chris Herbert: Toledo 31, Appalachian State 24
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