Appalachian State: The Mountaineers joined the Sun Belt in 2014 and opened their third season (2016) in the league having gone 13-3 in league games the previous two years. Appalachian State beat Ohio U 31-29 in last year's Camellia Bowl and came into this season having won 17 of its previous 19 games. The Mountaineers almost defeated Tennessee in it season opener (lost 20-13 in OT) but fell big time 45-10 against Miami at home in Boone, N.C. The team comes in 3-2 overall and now 1-0 in SBC play after a 17-3 home win over Georgia State. Appalachian State is led by a very solid defense, allowing 226 PPG (38th). QB Taylor Lamb completes 61.7% and the rushing attack is good, averaging 213.0 YPG (36th), led by RB Moore (554 yards on 5.0 YPC).

UL-Lafayette: ULL is coming off a 4-8 season in 2015 after going 9-4 each season from 2011 through 2014, ending all four seasons with a bowl victory. The Ragin' Cajuns are 2-3 (1-1 in SBC play) and looking for some way to get back in the Sun Belt race. A win on Wednesday night would certainly help coach Mark Hudspeth's team inch closer to a bowl berth in 2016. ULL scores better than Appalachian State averaging 27.6 PPG but also allows 11 points more at 33.6 PPG (105th). The rushing game averages 179.8 YPG but QB Anthony Jennings needs more consistency. The LSU graduate transfer has completed 60.7 percent of his throws but has throw six picks. He was benched in the last game against New Mexico State., replaced by Jalen Nixon but he suffered a season-ending injury. The starting job is now clearly Jennings' hands.

The pick: Appalachian State's record in SBC play speaks for itself but after throwing 31 TD passes last season, QB Lamb has just six TD passes through five games, as he's working with a revamped group of receivers. ULL lost 41-39 in four OTs at Tulane on September 24 and then in two OTs 37-31 at New Mexico St. on October 1. This is a "circle the wagons" game for the home team and I'm ‘biting' on this big home dog. ULL is an 8* play.