Those backing the first half under of 31.5 in South Alabama vs. Appalachian State were feeling pretty good as the second quarter neared a close.
The Jaguars may have scored four first-half touchdowns, but those scores accounted for all the points as the Mountaineers couldn’t muster a thing. They’d been shut out all half and punted on four of their five possessions. The only drive in which they had any momentum had ended in an interception.
Now, here they were on their own 25-yard line with only 39 seconds left. At best, you figured they’d try to get into field goal range, but a 28-3 South Alabama lead wouldn’t do any damage.
Unfortunately, it ended in heartbreak for those bettors as Appalachian State’s Hail Mary prayers were answered on Joey Aguilar’s 47-yard heave with no time left on the clock.
The quarterback dropped back with nine seconds left in the half near midfield. South Alabama must have assumed the Mountaineers were trying to get a quick chunk of yards to try a long field goal, as they were in a regular defensive formation. However, Aguilar drifted back, crept to his left and directed his wide receiver where to go. Then, with a quick pat of the ball, he launched it toward the goal line, where Dalton Stroman rose between a pair of defenders to haul in the unlikely touchdown.
And, just like that, the half ended in heartbreak for those backing the over and jubilation for those who hit the miracle first-half over.
