Overview
- Kickoff is 2 p.m. ET on ESPN at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, the rivals’ first meeting at a neutral site.
- Georgia Southern is seeking its first bowl win under Clay Helton after four straight appearances without a victory.
- Appalachian State accepted the bid at 5-7 after multiple eligible teams declined invitations, highlighting this season’s altered bowl selection.
- Roster outlook: App State’s quarterbacks AJ Swann and JJ Kohl entered the transfer portal, leaving the starter unsettled, while Georgia Southern running back OJ Arnold is listed as questionable.
- Oddsmakers favor Georgia Southern by about 8.5 points with a total near 59.5, as Birmingham rolls out fan rewards through a CVB–Wunderfan partnership during bowl week.