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(All odds via PointsBet Sportsbook)
One of the early bowl games we get to watch this season, the Boca Raton Bowl features the high-powered offense of Western Kentucky led by FBS-passing leader Bailey Zappe. They’ll travel to Florida to take on another great offense in Sun Belt runner-up Appalachian State.
Here’s a look at which parts of the matchup to watch, along with the best bet if you’re looking to win some money to buy those last-minute holiday gifts.
What: Boca Raton Bowl
Who: Western Kentucky (8-5, Conference USA 7-1) vs. Appalachian State (10-3, Sun Belt 7-1)
Where: FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, FL
When: Saturday, December 18 at 11 a.m. ET (ESPN)
Opening line: Appalachian State -2.5 (O/U 67.5)
Current line: Appalachian State -3 (O/U 67.5)
Most recent bowl result: Western Kentucky lost to Georgia State 31-29 in the 2020 LendingTree Bowl. Appalachian State beat North Texas 56-28 in the 2020 Myrtle Beach Bowl.
Western Kentucky at a glance: If you haven’t had a chance to watch this Hilltoppers offense, you’re in for a treat. Bailey Zappe led the FBS with 5,545 passing yards and 56 touchdowns to help WKU finish as the No. 2 scoring offense (43.1 PPG). Zappe’s former Houston Baptist teammate Jerreth Sterns, who both transferred to the program in 2021, continued their chemistry as they connected for an FBS-high 1,718 receiving yards along with 17 touchdowns. They definitely know how to bring the firepower.
Appalachian State at a glance: The Mountaineers can certainly put up points themselves, as they were the second-best scoring offense in the Sun Belt and 23rd in the country (34.2 PPG). They’ve displayed a well-balanced offense thanks to Duke transfer quarterback Chase Brice throwing for 3,020 passing yards, along with running backs Nate Noel and Camerun Peoples, who were among the best backfield duos in the country.
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Key to the matchup: Which offense will put up more points? The focus of this game is clearly on one side of the ball. Both teams know how to light up the scoreboard and possess the weapons to make big plays at any time. This will be one of those games where the stat sheet could display some crazy numbers on each side.
Best Bet: Over 67.5. You might think this is a high number to go after the over, but if you look back at these teams’ past performances, you’ll think again. This year, Western Kentucky had no problem putting up 40 points as they’ve done it in nine of 13 games this season. App State has done it four times, but they’re going against a Hilltoppers defense that was 90th in points allowed this season. The Mountaineers have the players to attack from both the ground and air, so get ready for the fireworks.
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