BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Interstat) — A pair of Sun Belt rivals will close their seasons with a rematch when Georgia Southern faces Appalachian State on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, at Protective Stadium. The Eagles (6-6) and Mountaineers (5-7) met just over seven weeks ago, with Georgia Southern escaping with a 25-23 road victory on Nov. 6. That result will be fresh in the minds of both squads as they seek to finish their campaigns on a high note in Birmingham. Georgia Southern enters with momentum after a 24-19 road win at Marshall last Saturday. The Eagles’ offense was powered by a dual-quarterback system. JC French IV passed for 313 yards and two touchdowns while adding 51 rushing yards. Backup Weston Bryan was efficient in relief, completing both his passes for 42 yards and a score. Running back Taeo Todd provided balance with 60 rushing yards. Appalachian State, however, is looking to rebound from a heartbreaking 30-29 home loss to Arkansas State. The Mountaineers’ offense found production behind quarterback JJ Kohl, who threw for 271 yards and two touchdowns, and running back Jaquari Lewis, who rushed for 108 yards. The defense will be tasked with containing a Georgia Southern attack that has averaged 35 points in its last two outings. Historically, these programs have played close games, and the betting markets expect another shootout. Appalachian State has been installed as an 8.5-point favorite by oddsmakers. The over/under total is set at 58.5 points. National Statistical’s game simulator projects a 41-33 victory for the Mountaineers. Both teams have experienced up-and-down seasons. Georgia Southern’s path to .500 included a dramatic 45-40 win over Coastal Carolina but also a 45-10 loss to Old Dominion. Appalachian State’s season featured a ranked win over Oregon State but also several narrow defeats in conference play. The neutral-site setting in Birmingham adds an unusual chapter to this fierce regional series. With pride and a winning record at stake for the Eagles, and a chance for the Mountaineers to exact revenge and avoid a losing season, Monday’s clash promises high stakes and offensive firepower.