The debate over whether or not Elon University’s final scheduled football clash with Appalachian State University is the end of a rivalry continues to rage. Regardless of stance on the rivalry status of the 42nd meeting between the Phoenix (1-2, 0-0) and Mountaineers (0-2, 0-0), fans from both sides can agree on one thing: their team needs this game.

Thanks to a scheduling quirk, both teams are coming off of losses to North Carolina A&T State University, as Appalachian State suffered a 24-21 defeat on Sept. 7 and Elon fell 23-10 on Sept. 14.

Both teams have embarrassing losses aside from their setbacks against A&T — Elon’s 70-0 pasting at the hands of Georgia Tech and Appalachian State’s 30-6 beatdown at the University of Montana.

Nether squad has beaten a Division I team this year.

LAST TIME OUT: Offense struggles as Elon falls to North Carolina A&T

On paper, the teams have had similar seasons. Even though it scored only 10 points in two losses, Elon’s offense averages more first downs, rushing yards, passing yards and overall yards per game than Appalachian State.

Let’s get to the keys:

Elon Offensive X-factor: Receiving Corps

Through three games, one thing is for certain: junior quarterback Mike Quinn has the goods. He has tossed four touchdowns and gone his last two games without an interception. In the North Carolina A&T game, Quinn had three receivers catch five passes.

Redshirt freshman wide receiver Justin Osborne stepped up last week to lead the team with 89 receiving yards.  The ability to spread the ball around to a large group of skill players and stretch the Appalachian State defense will keep Elon in the game.

Appalachian State Offensive X-factor: Quarterback play

Ahh, a good old-fashioned quarterback controversy. Senior Jamal Londry-Jackson has started both games for the Mountaineers so far. However, Appalachian State had scored a grand total of 12 points in three halves when a change was made. Sophomore Kameron Bryant earned the nod from first-year coach Scott Satterfield for the second half against North Carolina A&T, and nearly orchestrated a comeback. The official Mountaineers depth chart does not list a true starter for the Elon game, so the Appalachian quarterback situation remains a mystery.

MORE: Is Elon/Appalachian State a rivalry game?

Elon Defensive X-factor: Secondary

Appalachian State has thrown three interceptions in its first two games. The Elon defense has yet to obtain an interception in 2013. One of these patterns will change on Saturday, and it would greatly benefit Elon to force turnovers. This kept A&T in the game against the Mountaineers, and giving Elon more possessions will result in extra chances to gain momentum.

Appalachian State Defensive X-factor: Pass defense

Even in an upset win, North Carolina A&T only passed for 144 yards against the Appalachian State defense. Passing is Elon’s bread and butter. If the offense struggles to get going like it did last week, it will be a long day for Elon. The Appalachian pass defense has the ability to set the tone early.

Prediction:

Elon has yet to prove itself this season. The Phoenix were unable to capitalize on chances in a close game last week, and the Mountaineers will be more than hungry to rebound after their disappointing start.

That being said, a win this week would flip the script on Elon’s season in a hurry. Do I believe it can be done? Yes. Does my gut tell me it will? No.

Appalachian State 24, Elon 14