NEW ORLEANS BOWL -- These clubs combine to average 66 points per game and they should have solid production Saturday night. The total is conservative because both clubs have respectable scoring defenses, but they also rarely face opponents as potent as each other. MTSU should have some trouble with Appalachian State's powerful run game, while the Mountaineers will likely allow more than their averages against the Blue Raiders' up-tempo spread option. Factor an indoor turf and the Over looms as the value play.

Two high-powered offenses on a fast track indoors. Appalachian State averages close to 40 points per game and Middle Tennessee State is led by fifth-year senior quarterback Brent Stockstill.

NEW ORLEANS BOWL -- This selection is based partly on sentimentality as MTSU QB Brent Stockstill wraps up a stellar career playing for his father Rick, the head coach. Also, while App State has won three consecutive bowls outright, its coach, Scott Satterfield, recently departed, leaving an interim in charge. The underdog Blue Raiders lost five times straight-up but three were to SEC foes. They have covered in five of the past six outings.

NEW ORLEANS BOWL -- Great matchup between the Blue Raiders and Mountaineers. QB Brent Stockstill is one of the top passers in the country, and is MTSU's all-time leader in that category. Defensively, the Blue Raiders defend the pass really well. We're going to learn a lot about their run defense, as it will be tested by the Mountaineers, who have one of the best rushing attacks in the country. Look for Appalachian State to have the edge.

NEW ORLEANS BOWL -- Sun Belt champ Appalachian State (10-2) takes on C-USA member Middle Tennessee State University (8-5) in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Mountaineers have won five straight, while the Blue Raiders have lost two of their last three. In my simulations, Appalachian State projects to win by more than two touchdowns and the Mountaineers are covering 65 percent of the time. Lay the points.