Free College Football Picks Today: Appalachian State Mountaineers vs Old Dominion Monarchs 11/19/22

The Old Dominion University Monarchs (3-7, 2-4 SBC) head to take on the Appalachian State University Mountaineers (5-5, 2-4 SBC) at Kidd Brewer Stadium on Saturday for a matchup that pits one of the Sun Belt Conference’s best rush defenses against one of its most potent ground offenses.

The Mountaineers are 16-point favorites, and the total is 51. Old Dominion is coming off a tough 37-3 loss at the hands of James Madison at Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium last Saturday, their fourth straight defeat. Hayden Wolff threw for 112 yards and two interceptions.

He also ran nine times for 27 yards. Ahmarian Granger caught four passes for 46 yards. Appalachian State lost 28-21 to Marshall at Joan C. Edwards Stadium last Saturday. Chase Brice was 15 of 34 for 177 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Nate Noel carried 18 times for 72 yards. Christan Horn had four receptions for 66 yards.

TALE OF THE TAPE

The Monarchs are averaging 20.0 points per game for the season, 113th in FBS, and they are facing a Mountaineers defense that has surrendered 25.6 PPG (62nd). Meanwhile, Appalachian State has scored 34.4 points a game this season, 26th in the nation, and Old Dominion is allowing 26.5 PPG (71st).

The Monarchs rank as one of the nation’s worst teams in rushing yards per game (92.8, 123rd), while they are 59th in passing yards (237.3). The Mountaineers are 27th in passing yards allowed per game (193.9) and 49th against the run (137.1).

Appalachian State is 50th in the country in passing yards per game (246.7) and 38th in rushing (187.0). Old Dominion’s defense has been most beatable on the ground, as the Monarchs are 116th in the country in rushing yards allowed per game (196.3). Against the pass, the Monarchs are 91st (245.0).

TOP PERFORMERS

Through 10 games, Hayden Wolff has thrown for 14 touchdowns (6 INT) and 231.5 yards per game to lead Old Dominion in passing. In four away games this season, he has nine TDs (2 INT) and an average of 237.8 yards passing. Blake Watson leads the team in rushing with an average of 81.9 yards a game over nine games. He has five touchdowns on the ground.

Ali Jennings III is the Monarchs’ leading receiver with 106.6 yards a game and nine TDs.Chase Brice has 25 passing touchdowns (6 INT) with 237.7 yards per game through 10 games to lead Appalachian State. In six home games this season, he has thrown for 18 TDs (3 INT) and an average of 232.0 yards.

Camerun Peoples has been the home team’s leading performer on the ground, averaging 65.9 yards a game through nine games. He has five touchdowns. Christan Horn has been a key target in the Mountaineers’ passing game. He has four touchdowns and a 59.7 yard per game average through nine appearances.