Appalachian State is in a good position to halt its two-game skid and get its Sun Belt season back on track Friday night in Conway.

The Mountaineers’ 10-3 loss to Old Dominion last weekend came in torrential rain and strong winds associated with Hurricane Isaias, conditions that severely limited an offense that had been producing explosive plays throughout the opening weeks.

Before that setback, quarterback Malachi Singleton was completing 72.7% of his passes and averaging 301.5 passing yards per game. App State also had been generating big plays consistently, ranking among the national leaders in explosive offensive gains. The key concern is Singleton’s availability after he injured his ankle against Old Dominion and was listed as questionable in the midweek report.

If he can play effectively, the Mountaineers have a substantial advantage in offensive rhythm and playmaking; if not, Henry Hasselbeck will need to provide stability. Either way, last week’s weather-affected performance should not erase what this offense showed earlier in the season.

Coastal Carolina’s 27-21 victory at Marshall looks less convincing when the six turnovers committed by the Thundering Herd are taken into account. The Chanticleers were outgained by 197 yards, yet managed to escape with the win after building a 27-0 lead.

Quarterback Deuce Bailey has shown promise, throwing 13 touchdown passes against three interceptions, and running back Dominic Lee-Knicely broke loose for 169 rushing yards against Marshall. However, Coastal’s defense has allowed 189.7 rushing yards per game, giving App State an opportunity to establish its ground attack and open up the passing game.

The Mountaineers also have a dangerous defense of their own, ranking sixth nationally with eight interceptions.

Coastal has won the last four meetings, including last season’s 45-37 shootout, so the series trend is a legitimate obstacle, but the Mountaineers appear poised to end the four game series slide tonight on the road.

Coastal’s home-field advantage and recent dominance in this rivalry deserve respect, but the Chanticleers have yet to demonstrate consistent defensive resistance, and their victory at Marshall depended heavily on takeaways. 

App State has the more encouraging offensive profile when conditions are normal, while its defense has shown an ability to create turnovers and pressure opposing quarterbacks.

The quarterback injury remains the biggest variable, but if Singleton is available - or Hasselbeck can provide competent play - the Mountaineers should be able to move the ball more effectively than they did in last week’s storm. 

Take Appalachian State to win and cover the short road number.