Appalachian State earned its first taste of FBS fame when it beat Michigan in the Big House back in 2007. Now, it can take the next step forward in its football evolution by winning the first bowl in program history.
Ohio vs. Appalachian State, 2015 Camellia Bowl: Time, TV schedule, live stream and 3 things to know
Appalachian State can make its FBS arrival official by winning its first bowl game on Saturday.
Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
The 10-2 Mountaineers will take on 8-4 Ohio in the 2015 Camellia Bowl on Dec. 19. App State rolled through a stellar season in just its second year in college football’s premier division. The team rolled through its opponents in 2015; nine of its wins came by 18 points or more. Its only losses came against No. 1 Clemson and eventual Sun Belt champions Arkansas State.
The Mountaineers face an Ohio team that has rallied through injuries to finish 8-4. The Bobcats roared out to a 5-1 start while holding opponents to only 15.7 points per game. Then, linebacker Quentin Poling got hurt and the Bobcats gave up more than 50 points per contest in a three-game swoon that dropped them from the MAC title race. The defense recovered in time to right the ship and finish with three straight wins, including a key victory over MAC West champion Northern Illinois, to earn a spot in the postseason.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: Dec. 19, 5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. Dave Neal and Anthony Becht will have the call.
Radio: Appalachian State, Ohio
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Spread: Appalachian State is favored by eight points.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Underdog Dynasty (for Appalachian State fans) and Hustle Belt (for Ohio fans).
Three big things to know
1. Appalachian State’s game plan is simple; run all over you, and then lock you down with a defense that allowed only 17.3 points per game this fall. Its rushing offense churned up 269 yards per game (sixth in the FBS) behind junior Marcus Cox. On Saturday, he’ll go up against an Ohio defense that allowed opposing runners to gain more than 4.8 yards per carry.
2. The Bobcats will turn to a pair of quarterbacks in the Camellia Bowl. Derrius Vick and JD Sprague are both slated to play after battling through injuries in 2015. Vick brings senior leadership to the table, but also just a 10-to-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Sprague is more of a big play QB -- he’s averaging nine yards per pass attempt -- and the ‘Cats are 5-1 in the games he’s appeared in this fall. Expect Sprague, if he’s healthy enough, to get a bulk of the action if Vick struggles against ASU.
3. Oddsmakers have set the spread on this game at eight points, which works with the S&P+ prediction of a 32-25 Appalachian State victory. Expect the Mountaineers to have a big advantage with their defensive line, and that pressure up front could keep the Ohio offense stuck in neutral.
See More:
