The 2025 Birmingham Bowl features a much-anticipated rematch between Sun Belt Conference East Division rivals, the Georgia Southern Eagles and the Appalachian State Mountaineers. The game kicks off on Monday at 2 p.m. ET at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama.
Georgia Southern enters this matchup with some momentum, finishing the regular season with a 24-19 victory over Marshall on November 29. They wrapped up the season with a record of 6-6 overall and a fourth-place finish in their division with a 4-4 conference record. The Eagles have won three of their last four games, showcasing their competitive spirit as they look to make a statement in the bowl game.
In contrast, Appalachian State heads into the contest on a rough patch, having lost five of their last six games, settling for a 5-7 record and sixth place in the division at 2-6. Their qualification for postseason play has raised eyebrows, as they made it to the bowl despite not finishing at .500, largely due to a shortage of eligible teams.
As both teams prepare for the rematch, key player statuses are being assessed. Georgia Southern’s standout running back OJ Arnold is currently listed as questionable due to an injury, an uncertainty that could significantly impact their offensive strategy. Meanwhile, Appalachian State is facing uncertainties with their quarterback situation, as both AJ Swann and JJ Kohl are set to enter the transfer portal.
In their previous meeting on November 6, Georgia Southern narrowly edged out Appalachian State with a 25-23 victory, managing to cover as a 5.5-point underdog. This time, the Eagles are favored by 10 points in the current odds, while the over/under for total points is set at 57.5, a slight decrease from the opening line.
SportsLine’s Projection Model, which has achieved a commendable 31-19 record on top college football money-line picks since the start of the 2024 season, has run 10,000 simulations for the game. The model favors the outcome to go over 57.5 points and projects Georgia Southern’s quarterback J.C. French IV to pass for over 280 yards and three touchdowns. In contrast, Appalachian State’s run game is expected to see Rashod Dubinion rush for more than 85 yards and secure a touchdown. Overall, the simulation suggests that the teams may combine to score around 68 points, indicating a potential for a high-scoring affair.
For fans and punters eager to engage with the game, various promotional offers are available, including bonuses for new users from DraftKings and FanDuel.
As the bowl season progresses, the matchup promises excitement and the chance for both teams to prove their capabilities on a national stage, making it a must-watch event for college football enthusiasts.