Overview
- Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. ET at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, with national TV coverage on ESPN and Taylor Zarzour, Matt Stinchcomb and Alyssa Lang on the call.
- The matchup is the programs’ first postseason meeting since joining the Sun Belt and their first neutral-site game, following Georgia Southern’s 25-23 win on Nov. 6.
- Head coach Clay Helton leads Georgia Southern to a fourth straight bowl appearance as the Eagles look to break an 0-3 bowl record under his tenure.
- Reports cite Appalachian State roster absences, including quarterbacks, influencing expectations, with BetMGM listing Georgia Southern as an 8.5-point favorite as of Sunday.
- Birmingham organizers are offering an "Attend to Earn" fan experience through a partnership between the local CVB and engagement platform Wunderfan during bowl week.