Both teams are struggling with their defense, especially Southern Mississippi. SMU is giving up on average 38 plus points per game, while App. ST is giving up on average 29 plus points per game. Appalacian State is not the same team as last season as they are losing games they used to win. Their offense however, is the only bright spot in this rebuilding year. SMU has been terrible this season with a 1-6 record, but have shown some bright spots as they almost beat Arkansas State, they hung in with Texas State and had a really close game against ODU. They are also off of a bye so hopefully they have worked out a few things to get right in this spot. This may be too many points for this SMU team that can put up some offense against App. State's weak defense, SMU has a chance to cover this game. The last time these two teams played each other, the game was within 10 points or less.

Appalachian State are 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 games. Appalachian State are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games against an opponent in the Sun Belt conference. APP. ST is 3-13 ATS as a favorite over the last 2 seasons. SMU in the second half of the season are 9-4 ATS in the last three seasons. App. St as a favorite of 10.5 to 21 points are 0-1 ATS this season and 0-4 ATS in the last three seasons.

Best bet: take the points with Southern Mississippi.