- Matchup: Georgia Southern Eagles vs Appalachian State Mountaineers
- Date: December 29, 2025
- Venue: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL
- Broadcast: ESPN
- Betting Odds/Point Spread: Mountaineers (+7.5)
- Total Points Over/Under: 60
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In the JLab Birmingham Bowl, the Appalachian State Mountaineers (5-7) will challenge the Georgia Southern Eagles (6-6) at Protective Stadium on December 29, 2025. Georgia Southern comes in as 7.5-point favorites according to Las Vegas odds, with a total points line set at 60.
The Georgia Southern Eagles enter this game with a season record of 6-6. In their recent outing, they secured a victory against the Marshall Thundering Herd with a score of 24-19. The Eagles executed 48 rushing plays, accumulating 173 yards with an average of 3.6 yards per carry. Their offense ran a total of 87 plays and gained 528 yards. Defensively, Georgia Southern allowed 22 completions on 35 attempts, yielding 308 passing yards, which translates to a completion rate of 62.9%. On the ground, they permitted 64 rushing yards on 16 attempts, averaging 4.0 yards per carry allowed.
Throughout the season, the Eagles have amassed 4,807 total offensive yards. When it comes to touchdowns, Georgia Southern has scored 25 through the air and 16 on the ground, with 12 turnovers noted. The Eagles garnered 265 first downs and were flagged for 65 penalties amounting to 613 yards. Their ground game averages 146.8 yards per game, positioning them at 79th in college football, while their scoring average stands at 27.8 points per game.
On the defensive side, Georgia Southern ranks 129th in Division 1 for points allowed, giving up 34.2 PPG. The rushing defense allows an average of 5.7 yards per carry and 220.7 rushing yards per game, having permitted a total of 2,648 rushing yards this season. In passing defense, they have conceded 2,934 passing yards, ranking 106th nationally, with 244.5 yards allowed per game and a completion percentage against of 64.3%. Overall, they allow an average of 465.2 total yards per game, placing them at 134th. They have given up 16 passing touchdowns and 34 rushing touchdowns.
The Mountaineers arrive at this game with a 5-7 record for the season. In their latest game, they were narrowly defeated by the Arkansas State Red Wolves, finishing 30-29. In that match, they conceded 34 rushing attempts for just 85 yards (2.5 yards per carry) while allowing a completion percentage of 68.1% through the air, yielding 363 yards on 32 of 47 attempts. Overall, Appalachian State finished the game with 453 total yards from 75 plays, averaging 6.0 yards per play, and rushed for 182 yards on 36 carries at an average of 5.1 yards per carry.
On offense, the Mountaineers score an average of 25.3 points per game, placing them 84th in college football. Their average of 383.8 total yards per game ranks them 71st nationally. With 766 yards marked off due to 82 penalties, they are ranked 42nd for penalties in the nation. They have thrown 11 interceptions and lost 7 fumbles, but have achieved 253 first downs this season. So far, the Mountaineers have posted a total of 3,144 passing yards and average 262.0 passing yards per game, placing them 33rd in Division 1. Rushing-wise, they accumulate 121.8 yards per game for a season total of 1,462 yards.
Defensively, Appalachian State has allowed 1,667 rushing yards (138.9 yards per game) along with 22 rushing touchdowns this season. In terms of passing, they have surrendered 22 touchdowns and 276.0 yards per game, ranking them 134th in Division 1. Overall, they have allowed 358 points this year and have recovered 6 fumbles while making 12 interceptions. The Mountaineers defense has participated in 874 plays, placing them 115th in Division 1, while allowing an average of 29.8 points per game, which ranks them 104th.
Who will emerge victorious in this college football matchup between the Eagles and the Mountaineers?
Prediction: Bet on the Mountaineers +7.5
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