Boca Raton Bowl Betting Prediction
The RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl will kick off at 11:00 a.m. ET to start Saturday’s bowl schedule. Will Appalachian State knock off Western Kentucky as a small favorite or is there a better bet on the board?
Game Snapshot
206 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (+2.5) vs. 205 Appalachian State (-2.5); o/u 67
11:00 a.m. ET, Saturday, December 18, 2021
FAU Stadium, Boca Raton, FL
TV: ESPN
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Game Notes
Western Kentucky redshirt senior QB Bailey Zappe has been named Conference USA’s MVP for the 2021 season. Zappe’s (6’1/220) spectacular 2021 season was recognized on Tuesday when. he was named to the All-Conference USA First team. Now he can add Conference USA MVP to his resume, as the transfer out of Houston Baptist has enjoyed a season to remember. Zappe could add to his Western Kentucky legend in the team’s bowl game on December 18th, as he needs just five touchdown passes to set the FBS record for most touchdown passes in a season. Zappe has thrown for 5,545 yards and 56 touchdowns on the season. And while five touchdowns in a bowl game against Appalachian State feels like a tough hill to climb, Zappe has thrown for five or more touchdowns in five games this season.
Appalachian State Mountaineers Game Notes
Appalachian State redshirt senior WR Corey Sutton (upper body) will not play in the upcoming Boca Raton Bowl against Western Kentucky. Sutton (6’3/205) started every game this season, leading the Mountaineers with 61 receptions for 901 yards, a 64 percent catch rate, 14.8 YPC and seven touchdowns in 2021. The accomplished wideout ranks third in Mountaineer history with 24 career touchdown receptions. It’s an unfortunate end to a productive career, as Sutton was injured making a reception against Louisiana in the Sun Belt Conference championship game. His strong 83.6 receiving grade according to PFF shows he was one of the top wideouts in the nation and has the potential to make an impact in the NFL.
Western Kentucky vs. Appalachian State Betting Prediction
The over is 4-1 in the Hilltoppers’ last five games overall, is 5-0 in their last five games as an underdog and is 5-0 in their last five non-conference games. On the other side, the over is 4-1 in the Mountaineers’ last five games coming off a loss, is 5-2-1 in their last eight games against Conference USA opponents and is 3-1-1 in their last five bowl games when favored.
BOCA RATON BOWL PREDICTION: WESTERN KENTUCKY/APP STATE OVER 67
