Camellia Bowl Open Chat: Ohio carries the MAC flag first against App State

This is it. The season we've all been waiting for: Bowl season.

The action will start in earnest today, as there are five bowl games to kick off the festivities on this lovely Saturday morning (or afternoon, depending on where you are.) This #MACtion vs. #FunBelt matchup is one of many afternoon snacks for your eyes to munch on, and sure could be the one to smack your face with a bit of football flavor.

The Ohio Bobcats (8-4, 5-3 MAC) are the picture of consistency in the last decade, making nine bowls over the last ten seasons, and being bowl-eligible for seven straight years. Coach Frank Solich is to thank for those indomitable streaks, as he has put pride back into a program that was badly wounded prior to his arrival. The Bobcats rely on a stout defense to get them through games, and a running-heavy attack plan on offense, centered around stud power back AJ Ouelette. It is yet to be seen who will start at quarterback between JD Sprague and Derrius Vick, but whoever gets the nod will certainly affect the Mountaineer game plan.

The Appalachian State Mountaineers (10-2, 7-1 Sun Belt) simply dominated conference play, will be awarded with their first bowl appearance in the FBS, despite it being only their second full season. App State, like Ohio, has a keen defense. What sets them apart, however, is that the Mountaineers are 13th in the country in scoring defense, with big play ability thanks to Latrell Gibbs (6 interceptions, two return touchdowns). The offense is also something to be noted; the rushing offense averages 385 yards per game. Marcus Cox (1,245 yards, eight touchdowns) leads the way for the Mountaineers offense that averages 37.8 points per game.

The game is on ESPN at 5:30 p.m., and will be played at the Crampton Bowl in Montogomery, Alabama. The MAC is 1-0 all-time in the Camellia Bowl, thanks to a Bowling Green victory over South Alabama last season.

In Pick 'Em, out amateur prognosticators gave the Ohio Bobcats an edge despite most experts picking App State, with the final tally coming out 52% to 48%.

Remember: take a drink in the spirit of #MACtion, and don't be that guy in the comments section.