Miami-OH at Appalachian State Prediction
The Appalachian State Mountaineers and thr Miami (OH) RedHawks will head down to Orlando and meet in this year’s Cure Bowl this Saturday afternoon on ABC. This will mark the first time these two schools face off, and App State comes in as 6.5-point favorites, with the total currently sitting at 43. Stay tuned for our Miami (OH) vs Appalachian State Mountaineers Prediction.
Miami (OH) RedHawks Preview
Miami closed the regular season at 11-2 after defeating Toledo in the MAC Championship game, 23-14. The RedHawks upset the Rockets with a stingy effort, and they’ll attempt to cap things off here in Disney World. The Miami offense is scoring 27.3 ppg, while passing for 174.8 ypg, rushing for 156.2 ypg, and converting 36.5% of their third downs.
Miami Player Notes
• Aveon Smith replaced Brett Gabbert down the stretch, and he quarterbacked Miami to five straight victories and a MAC Championship title. The sophomore QB hasn’t been asked to do much with his arm, but he’s been able to affect games with his legs, and he’ll look to close the season strong here against App State. Smith has passed for 638 yards, with two touchdowns to two interceptions, and he’s rushed for 280 yards and a score through six starts.
• Sophomore back Rashad Amos has scored multiple touchdowns in three of the last four games, and he leads the RedHawks in rushing with 895 yards on 177 carries.
• Junior wideout Gage Larvadain leads Miami in receptions (38) and receiving yards (643).
• The Miami defense has allowed 16.1 points per game
Appalachian State Mountaineers Preview
Appalachian State fell to 8-5 after losing to Troy in the Sun Belt title game, 49-23. The Mountaineers let the Trojans blow things open down the stretch, and they’ll look to regroup here in their final contest. The App State offense is scoring 34.3 ppg, while passing for 278.4 ypg, rushing for 173.2 ypg, and converting 42.6% of their third downs.
App State Player Notes
• Joey Aguilar had a tough time with a stiff Troy defense, absorbing five sacks, while failing to toss a touchdown for just the second time this season. The junior quarterback was very sharp down the stretch behind center, leading the Mountaineers to five straight victories, including a road win over JMU, and he’ll attempt to bounce back this weekend. Aguilar has passed for 3.546 yards, with 33 touchdowns to nine interceptions thru 13 starts.
• Junior back Nate Noel totaled 58 points in the loss to Troy, and he leads App State in rushing with 834 yards on 173 touches.
• Third-year wideout Kaedin Robinson caught a touchdown pass in four of the final five games, and he leads the Mountaineers in receptions (59) and receiving yards (787).
• The App State defense is allowing 26.3 points per game.
Miami (OH) vs App St. Trends
• MIA is 10-3 against the spread, with a 5-8 O/U record.
• APP is 6-6-1 ATS, with a 7-6 over/under record.
Miami (OH) vs Appalachian State Free Pick
Miami was able to catch fire and rely on their defense down the stretch in the brisk midwestern weather conditions, but that won’t be the case this weekend, and I think Appalachian State may be able to capitalize. The Mountaineers bounced back from a slow start to win their final five games to earn a Sun Belt title game bid, and after dropping the conference championship, you can bet this experienced group will come out to play. Miami’s defense may allow them to keep things close, but let’s back App State to win the 2023 Cure Bowl, and tilt the margin in your favor.
