Appalachian State Mountaineers vs Georgia Southern Eagles Picks and Predictions December 29th 2025

Appalachian State Mountaineers vs Georgia Southern Eagles Betting Preview

Appalachian State Mountaineers enter the Birmingham Bowl at 5-7 thanks to APR eligibility, while Georgia Southern Eagles arrive at 6-6 after securing bowl eligibility with a rivalry win. This matchup continues the “Deeper Than Hate” rivalry, now on neutral ground for the first time.

Line Movement and Odds

Georgia Southern opened as a -2.5 favorite, with market support steady. Public lean favors the Eagles’ passing attack, but Appalachian State’s resilience as an underdog has drawn sharp interest.

• Georgia Southern Spread: -2.5 (-112)
• Appalachian State Spread: +2.5 (-110)
• Georgia Southern MoneyLine: -131
• Appalachian State MoneyLine: +110
• Total: 59.5 (-110)

For broader market context, check the latest college football odds page.

Matchup Breakdown

Georgia Southern Outlook

QB JC French IV leads the Eagles with over 3,000 passing yards, supported by WR Camden Brown’s 1,049 receiving yards and RB OJ Arnold’s 885 rushing yards. Defensively, Georgia Southern ranks top-10 in interceptions, giving them disruptive ability. Their balanced offense and turnover creation provide a path to victory.

Appalachian State Outlook

QB AJ Swann and RB Rashod Dubinion headline the Mountaineers’ offense, with Dubinion adding 868 rushing yards. WR Jaden Barnes contributes 600+ receiving yards, while the defense ranks top-10 in fumble recoveries. App State’s ability to sustain drives and generate turnovers is their key to staying competitive.

Key Matchup / Path to Victory

The game hinges on Georgia Southern’s passing attack against App State’s secondary. If the Eagles establish rhythm early, they control tempo. App State must lean on its rushing game and turnover margin to stay inside the number.

Injuries / Availability

Georgia Southern lists multiple starters questionable, including RB OJ Arnold and OL Caelan Williams.

Appalachian State has several starters questionable, including QB AJ Swann and WR Jaden Barnes, while RB Kanye Roberts is out.

Environment

Protective Stadium provides a neutral-site setting, though rivalry intensity ensures playoff-like energy. Georgia Southern’s balanced offense and App State’s resilience add intrigue. Weather conditions are stable, keeping execution clean.

Best Bets and Prediction

Projected Final Score: Georgia Southern 31, Appalachian State 27

• Georgia Southern -2.5 → Best Bet. Strong ATS record as favorite and passing efficiency give them the edge.
• Over 59.5 → Playable. Both offenses rank top-50 nationally, and rivalry intensity tilts toward points.

Expect a competitive game with Georgia Southern’s passing attack providing the difference, but App State’s resilience keeping it close. The projected score supports the favorite and a lean to the over.

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