Watchability Index: Ranking all bowl games by interest level
By Zach Bigalke
32. New Orleans Bowl: Appalachian State vs. Middle Tennessee (Dec. 15)
Appalachian State won the inaugural Sun Belt championship game on their home field, as they survived resilient Sun Belt West winner Louisiana in a 30-19 victory. The Mountaineers racked up only 300 total yards of offense against the Ragin’ Cajuns, but two takeaways tilted the scales in favor of the hosts.
The reward for winning the Sun Belt is always a trip to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome for the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, at least until the conference wins its first-ever trip to a New Year’s Six game. A 10-win Mountaineers side will face Middle Tennessee, the vanquished finalists from the Conference USA championship game.
The Blue Raiders earned the right to host the C-USA title game this year after beating UAB in the regular-season finale, but the rematch against the Blazers didn’t go quite the same way a week later. Despite the loss at home for the league crown, Middle Tennessee still boasts a solid passing attack led by Brent Stockstill.
As far as the opening day of the bowl season goes, there is no real reason not to tune in and watch the action. This is among the better games that should take place that day, as App State shoots for an 11-win season.