The Birmingham Bowl showcases a Sun Belt Conference rivalry as Georgia Southern faces Appalachian State at Protective Stadium. The December 29 matchup features two programs that genuinely dislike each other, turning this bowl game into more than just another postseason contest.
Georgia Southern enters averaging 27.8 points per game while Appalachian State counters with 28 points per contest. The Eagles bring a 44.64% third-down conversion rate and a +3 turnover differential under coach Clay Helton.
The Mountaineers respond with 62.2% red zone efficiency under coach Dowell Loggains.
This matchup pits two productive offenses with different strengths against each other. The rivalry element adds intensity to what’s already a compelling on-field battle.
Game Details and Betting Lines
Kickoff: Monday, December 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET
Location: Protective Stadium, Birmingham
Current Odds:
• Moneyline: Georgia Southern (-375) | Appalachian State (+295)
• Spread: Georgia Southern -10 (-110) | Appalachian State +10 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 57.5 points
The betting market heavily favors Georgia Southern at -375 on the moneyline. The 10-point spread reflects this confidence, while the 57.5-point total suggests an offensive showcase.
Statistical Comparison
Georgia Southern holds the edge in total offense, averaging 400.6 yards per game compared to Appalachian State’s 384.7 yards. The Eagles lean on their running game with 1,762 total rushing yards.
Appalachian State counters with a balanced attack, posting 3,144 total passing yards.
Recent form shows Georgia Southern’s potential. They put up 528 yards in a win over Marshall, demonstrating their offensive ceiling.
Appalachian State generated 453 yards in their last game, a 30-29 loss to Arkansas State.
The Eagles’ defense has recorded 12 sacks and 20 takeaways. Georgia Southern’s ball security will be tested against a Mountaineers defense that’s shown it can create pressure.
Prediction and Best Bet
Georgia Southern deserves its favorite status, but this rivalry creates conditions for a closer game than the 10-point spread suggests. The Eagles bring real advantages – that 44.3% third-down conversion rate and +2 turnover margin typically lead to sustained drives and clock control.
Appalachian State has the tools to stay competitive, though.
The Mountaineers have recorded 28.0 sacks this season, showing they can disrupt opposing offenses. If they generate pressure on Georgia Southern, it’ll neutralize much of the Eagles’ third-down success. More importantly, Appalachian State converts 91.1% of their red zone opportunities – exactly the kind of efficiency an underdog needs.
Georgia Southern should control the game’s flow, but the Mountaineers’ pass rush and red zone execution will keep them within striking distance. In a rivalry game on neutral ground, that 10-point margin feels too generous.
Best Bet: Appalachian State +10 (-110)
