Gambling odds according to WynnBET
- Spread: Texas A&M -18.5
- Over/Under: 54.5
- Moneyline: Texas A&M -1100; Appalachian State +700
Although the SEC has an epic round of noon games, it starts to taper off in the afternoon toward the evening. Still, this is an SEC vs. Group of Five afternoon matchup that is as interesting as such a matchup could be, so it’ll certainly be worth watching. Last week suggests that at least.
The Appalachian State Mountaineers come into this game after almost pulling off a Week 1 upset, losing to the North Carolina Tar Heels in an insane 63-61 shootout. Tennessee football knows how dangerous this program is in an opener due to 2016, and of course the Michigan Wolverines know more than anybody due to 2007, but UNC is now part of that group.
While that was a shootout, the Texas A&M Aggies, ranked No. 6 in both polls won their matchup vs. an FCS team with a dominant defense. They shut out the Sam Houston Bearkats 31-0. Jimbo Fisher’s offense did fail to score on six different possessions, which was a concern, but they’ll be looking to win this game in a similar fashion, but shutting down the opposing team’s offense.
Prediction
Haynes King can only get better after his first start, even if a better team is coming to town. Appalachian State, meanwhile, has a much better offense. That combination is why this game hits the over. Also, Texas A&M still looks too complete, so they’ll cover the spread. Don’t read too much into UNC struggling with Appalachian State.
Texas A&M: 41 Appalachian State: 20 (Texas A&M -18.5; Over 54.5)