Overview
- Kickoff is 2 p.m. ET at Protective Stadium in Birmingham for a neutral-site meeting of conference foes.
- Georgia Southern is an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 59.5, and the SportsLine model projects the Over.
- Appalachian State’s quarterback plans are unsettled with AJ Swann and JJ Kohl in the transfer portal, and Eagles running back OJ Arnold is listed as questionable.
- The Mountaineers reached the postseason at 5-7 after eligible teams declined bids, including confirmed opt-outs by Notre Dame, Iowa State and Kansas State.
- Additional programs reportedly declined invitations before App State was approached, including Florida State, Auburn, UCF, Baylor, Rutgers, Temple and Kansas, and Georgia Southern won the Nov. 6 matchup 25-23.