WHAT: Coastal Carolina (8-4, 6-2 Sun Belt) at Troy (10-2, 7-1)

WHEN: 3 p.m., Saturday

WHERE: Veterans Memorial Stadium, Troy

SERIES: Appalachian State leads 8-3

TV: ESPN

LINE: Troy by 5

THIS GAME WILL DETERMINE: If Troy can win its second straight Sun Belt championship and keep its nine-game winning streak alive.

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THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR

1. Will the Trojans be able to get off to a fast start?

Troy has been a second half team all year, but appeared lethargic early in games the last two weeks vs. Louisiana and Southern Miss. It’s unlikely the Trojans can afford to get off to a slow start against the Mountaineers, who are second in the Sun Belt in both scoring offense and total offense this season.

2. Can Troy continue its sack parade?

The Trojans have 20 sacks in their last three games and 39 for the season, which ranks second in the Sun Belt. The Mountaineers have allowed just 15 sacks this season, tied for fewest in the Sun Belt. How well App State is able to protect quarterback Joey Aguilar — the Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year — will go a long way toward deciding this game.

3. Will App State continue its hold over Troy?

The Mountaineers are one of the few Sun Belt Conference teams that has historically dominated the Trojans, including victories in each of the last five seasons. Last year’s Hail Mary victory in Boone still stings for Troy, which last beat App State in 2016. The Mountaineers have won five straight games this season, and are the only team to beat James Madison, which won at Troy in September.

KEY MATCHUP

Appalachian State offensive line vs. Troy front seven — The Mountaineers have two first-team All-Sun Belt linemen in center Isaiah Helms and right guard Bucky Williams. The Trojans have sack machines Richard Jibunor and Javon Solomon up front, in addition to tough interior defenders T.J. Jackson and Buddha Jones.

BY THE NUMBERS

21-2 — Troy’s record since a 32-28 loss to Appalachian State on Sept. 17, 2022. The Trojans won the final 11 games of last season and have won nine straight since starting 1-2 in 2023.