Troy head football coach Jon Sumrall is a cool guy – young and blunt with his words. He seems like that neighbor whose garage is festooned with every tool imaginable. He’s a Bad Boy Lawnmower with a clipboard and whistle. He has a face carved for Oakley sunglasses.

Appalachian State head coach Shawn Clark is a burning hot commodity – though five weeks ago, his seat was the only hot thing about him. Having lost consecutive games to Coastal Carolina and Old Dominion, it appeared that the affable Clark was about to be unceremoniously booted from Boone. Five straight wins later, Clark leads the SBC East champions to a title match. He wears an “aw shucks” expression when speaking in public. He seems the kind of man who would change your engine oil without making you feel like a doofus for not changing it yourself.

Sumrall and Clark face off in Troy this Saturday to determine who wears the Sun Belt crown. The Trojans are 10-2 with a loss to James Madison. The Mountaineers are 8-4 with a win over James Madison. Both bear ball-slinging quarterbacks in Gunner Watson (Troy) and Joey Aguilar (Appalachian State). Both universities are set in rural towns for which their football programs unite the community. It’ll be an eyeblack kind of game. A tightly taped wrist kind of game. A game that litters the gridiron with bloody mouth guards.

The Troy Trojans are a cold machine – Skynet in shoulder pads. They haven’t lost a game since dropping a 16-14 trench war with James Madison in Week 3. The team hasn’t really been challenged since winning by three against Western Kentucky in Week 4. The Trojans field the 12th toughest total defense in the nation, but their 41st-ranked offense doesn’t get enough credit. Wide receiver Chris Lewis (9 touchdowns) is a bully in the end zone. Running back Kimani Vidal (1,349 yards, 9 rushing TDs) may be the most powerful offensive force in the Sun Belt.

The Appalachian State Mountaineers are an engine in the red zone – and they like it. Since that humbling loss to the Monarchs (who specialized in humbling losses this year), the Mountaineers crushed their remainder of their opponents by double digit scores – excluding JMU, who they outlasted in overtime. Aguilar this season has throw 3,271 yards and 33 touchdowns. The Mountaineers bruising running back, Nate Noel, isn’t even the most efficient runner on the team. That distinction belongs to freshman Kanye Roberts, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. The Mountaineers total offense is 15th best in the nation.

Troy versus Appalachian State is as old school as it comes. The line of scrimmage will be the de facto plaque commemorating the battles. The over may not break 40 points. Extra ice will be choppered to Troy to reduce the swelling. Whoever wins may not be conscious to enjoy it.

Photo Credits: Me and Sun Belt Media