Raycom Media Camellia Bowl NCAAF Betting Odds & Preview

The Bobcats of Ohio University and the Mountaineers of Appalachian State meet in the Camellia Bowl in Lafayette, Louisiana, this Saturday at 5:30pm Eastern time. Appalachian State is favored by 10.5 points, and the over/under total for this game is 55 points.

The @AppState_FB cheer & dance teams warming up #AppNation for the Marching Mountaineers. pic.twitter.com/2zM02aXFB5

— Raycom Camellia Bowl (@CamelliaBowl) December 19, 2015

View full TV schedule here.

Why should you pick Ohio U. (+10.5)?

Ohio got off to a 5-1 start during the first half of the regular season, losing only to Minnesota on a touchdown near the end of the game. However, a three-game losing streak sent them out of contending in the MAC’s Eastern Division. They did win their last three games, including a 26-21 road upset of Northern Illinois, who had won the MAC West, giving them an 8-4 finish (5-3 MAC). Ohio outgained Northern Illinois on the ground, 230-73, winning the time of possession battle by 11 minutes. If Ohio hadn’t had to settle for three chip-shot field goals, the margin of victory could have been even greater.

Why should you pick Appalachian State (-10.5)?

Appalachian State opened 7-1, losing at Clemson but beating all of their other first eight opponents. Then came a disappointing home loss to Arkansas State which kept them from winning the Sun Belt title. They finished with three wins in a row, finishing with a 34-27 win over South Alabama to gain a 10-2 record (7-1 Sun Belt). This is why the Mountaineers are appearing in a bowl in just their second FBS season. They have outrushed six of their last eight opponents, and for the season they are outrushing opponents by 136 yards per game.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

Appalachian State should be rife with enthusiasm after making their first bowl game. I like them to win, and to win big. I’m predicting a 31-10 victory for the Mountaineers.