BOONE – App State kicker Dominic De Freitas connected on a 23-yard field goal with 2:02 remaining to lift the Mountaineers past Marshall 26-24 on Saturday at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone, North Carolina.

The victory improved App State to 5-6 overall and 2-5 in conference play, while Marshall fell to 5-6 and 3-4. The game featured five lead changes and came down to a frantic final quarter that saw both teams commit costly turnovers.

App State's winning drive covered 35 yards in eight plays over 3:31, capitalizing on a Marshall fumble deep in Herd territory. Running back Jaquari Lewis carried the ball 33 times for 175 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Mountaineers' ground attack.

Marshall quarterback Carlos Del Rio-Wilson accounted for two rushing touchdowns and threw for 146 yards, while running back Joshon Barbie added 102 yards and a score on 10 carries. Despite outgaining App State 438-276 in total offense, the Herd could not overcome two lost fumbles in the fourth quarter.

The game turned in the fourth quarter after Marshall had taken a 24-23 lead on Lorcan Quinn's 25-yard field goal with 5:29 left in the third quarter. The Herd appeared poised to extend their advantage when they drove from their own 1-yard line to the App State 40 in a seven-play drive that consumed more than three minutes. But running back Michael Allen fumbled at the App State 42, and Colton Phares recovered for the Mountaineers at the 39 with 5:33 remaining.

App State methodically moved into field goal range, with Lewis gaining 13 yards on first down to the Marshall 9. After three more plays, De Freitas came on for the game-winning kick, his second successful field goal of the afternoon.

Marshall had one final chance after receiving the kickoff at their own 25 with 2:02 to play. The Herd moved the ball to the App State 39 before Allen fumbled again with less than a minute remaining, effectively ending Marshall's comeback hopes.

The first half belonged to Marshall's offense, particularly Del Rio-Wilson. After App State took a 3-0 lead on De Freitas's 32-yard field goal, Marshall answered with an eight-play, 41-yard touchdown drive capped by Barbie's 5-yard run.

App State regained the lead early in the second quarter when Lewis scored from 18 yards out to make it 9-7, but Marshall responded with two quick touchdowns. Del Rio-Wilson rushed for scores of 16 and 4 yards on consecutive possessions, giving the Herd a 21-9 advantage with 8:14 left in the half.

The Mountaineers cut into the deficit before halftime with a 75-yard drive that ended with J.J. Kohl's 19-yard touchdown pass to David Larkins with 53 seconds remaining. The score pulled App State within 21-16 at the break.

App State seized momentum to start the third quarter with a 12-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that consumed 5:33. Lewis capped the march with a 5-yard run, giving the Mountaineers their first lead since the opening quarter at 23-21.

Marshall's response came on a nine-play, 64-yard drive that stalled at the App State 7, forcing Quinn's field goal attempt. The successful kick put Marshall ahead 24-23, setting up the tense fourth quarter.

Wide receiver Demarcus Lacey led all receivers with 12 catches for 134 yards, consistently moving the chains for Marshall. Del Rio-Wilson completed 13 of 21 passes for his 146 yards, while backup Zion Turner added 54 yards on 8-of-9 passing.

For App State, Kohl finished 19-of-27 for 134 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. Sam Mbake caught seven passes for 39 yards, while Lewis added five receptions for 39 yards to complement his rushing performance.

Marshall's defense registered two sacks and five tackles for loss, led by linebacker Jayland Parker's 15 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks totaling 24 yards. App State's defense forced three turnovers, including the crucial fourth-quarter fumble recoveries, and recorded two sacks.

The statistics told a stark story: Marshall converted just 5 of 12 third-down attempts and averaged 6.3 yards per play compared to App State's 3.9. Marshall possessed the ball for 30:09 to App State's 29:51. But the Mountaineers scored three points off turnovers while Marshall managed none, proving decisive in the close contest.

Marshall's offensive balance was evident with 238 rushing yards and 200 passing yards, but the team went 0-for-2 in the red zone with field goal attempts, including a blocked kick in the fourth quarter. App State converted all five red zone opportunities into scores, including three touchdowns and two field goals.

The loss marked Marshall's third defeat in conference play and fourth in their last six games overall. App State snapped a three-game losing streak with the victory.

Top Performers:

• Jaquari Lewis (App State): 33 carries, 175 rushing yards, 2 TDs; 5 receptions, 39 yards
• Joshon Barbie (Marshall): 10 carries, 102 yards, 1 TD
• Demarcus Lacey (Marshall): 12 receptions, 134 yards
• Carlos Del Rio-Wilson (Marshall): 13-of-21 passing, 146 yards; 14 carries, 71 yards, 2 TDs
• Jayland Parker (Marshall): 15 tackles, 2 sacks, 2.5 TFL

BOONE – Joey Aguilar threw four touchdown passes to four different receivers as Appalachian State defeated Old Dominion 28-20 on Saturday at Kidd Brewer Stadium, overcoming a statistical disadvantage with timely defensive plays and efficient red zone execution.

Despite being outgained 498-396 in total yards, the Mountaineers (4-4, 2-3) capitalized on three Old Dominion fumbles to secure the victory in front of 34,954 fans. The win demonstrated App State's resilience in their return to Kidd Brewer Stadium, where they had played just one game in the previous 37 days due to Hurricane Helene's impact in September.

Aguilar completed 13 of 24 passes for 212 yards with one interception, connecting with his receivers for crucial scores throughout the game. Kaedin Robinson led App State's receivers with 78 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter that opened the scoring. The Mountaineers also got touchdown receptions from Dalton Stroman (46 yards), Kanen Hamlett (4 yards), and Max Drag (11 yards).

Old Dominion (4-5, 3-2) controlled much of the game statistically, with quarterback Colton Joseph throwing for 332 yards and two touchdowns on 27-of-38 passing. Isiah Paige had a standout performance with 13 catches for 205 yards and a touchdown, consistently finding open space and accumulating 157 yards after the catch. Running back Aaron Young added 110 yards rushing on 14 carries, averaging 7.9 yards per attempt.

The Monarchs jumped ahead 17-7 in the second quarter on touchdown passes from Joseph to Diante Vines (14 yards) and Paige (28 yards). However, App State responded quickly when Aguilar found Stroman for a 46-yard score just 79 seconds later, shifting momentum before halftime.

App State's defense made key plays in crucial moments, with Joshua Donald recording two sacks and forcing a fumble. Brendan Harrington led the defensive effort with nine tackles, while the Mountaineers' pass rush accumulated five sacks for 22 yards. The defense particularly excelled in the fourth quarter, holding Old Dominion scoreless while protecting their lead.

The Mountaineers' ground game was led by Ahmani Marshall, who rushed for 120 yards on 23 carries. Aguilar contributed to the rushing attack with 61 yards on seven carries, averaging 8.7 yards per attempt. The balanced offensive approach helped App State control the clock in key situations, particularly in the fourth quarter where they held possession for 11:38.

Old Dominion's offensive efficiency was evident in their 26 first downs and 6.7 yards per play, but turnovers proved costly. The Monarchs moved into App State territory multiple times but saw promising drives end with fumbles, including a critical turnover in the fourth quarter that led to the Mountaineers' final touchdown.

The red zone told the story of the game, with App State scoring touchdowns on all three of their visits inside the 20-yard line, while Old Dominion managed just one touchdown in four red zone trips, settling for two field goals from Ethan Sanchez.

During halftime, former App State quarterback Armanti Edwards was recognized for his upcoming induction into the 2024 College Football Hall of Fame class. Edwards will be officially inducted on December 10 in Las Vegas as part of the 2024 College Football Hall of Fame Class.

The victory keeps App State's bowl hopes alive as they look to build momentum in the final stretch of their season. For Old Dominion, the loss marks a missed opportunity to strengthen their position in the conference standings despite their statistical advantages in the game.

BOONE – In their first home game in 37 days, App State secured a crucial 33-26 victory over Georgia State on Saturday at Kidd Brewer Stadium, marking their first Sun Belt Conference win of the season.

The Mountaineers (3-4, 1-3) ended their conference drought in dramatic fashion, with quarterback Joey Aguilar connecting with Kanen Hamlett for a 4-yard touchdown pass with 1:51 remaining. Aguilar's subsequent two-point conversion run provided the final margin in front of 33,783 fans.

The afternoon featured seven lead changes, with neither team able to build more than a nine-point advantage. App State's offense generated 479 total yards, led by Aguilar's efficient passing performance. The quarterback completed 18 of 27 passes for 299 yards and three touchdowns without an interception.

Kaedin Robinson emerged as Aguilar's primary target, collecting five receptions for 121 yards, including a crucial 50-yard connection that set up a second-quarter touchdown. Makai Jackson added four catches for 67 yards and a touchdown, while Dalton Stroman and Hamlett each caught scoring passes.

On the ground, Ahmani Marshall paced the Mountaineers with 115 yards on 18 carries, including a 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter that gave App State its first offensive score of the day.

Georgia State (2-5, 0-4) showed resilience throughout, particularly in their rushing attack. Michel Dukes averaged 13.5 yards per carry, finishing with 81 yards and a touchdown on just six attempts. The Panthers' ground game totaled 194 yards, with quarterback Zach Gibson adding 192 yards through the air on 16-of-22 passing.

The game's opening points came via an unconventional route when App State recorded a safety at the 13:27 mark of the first quarter. Georgia State responded with Liam Rickman's 26-yard field goal early in the second quarter, establishing the pattern of alternating leads that would continue throughout the afternoon.

The second quarter proved particularly eventful, featuring 32 combined points. Ted Hurst's 4-yard touchdown reception from Gibson and Dukes' 9-yard scoring run highlighted Georgia State's offensive surge, but App State countered with Marshall's touchdown plunge and Jackson's 18-yard touchdown catch.

The Mountaineers' defense made crucial stops when needed most, recording three sacks and six tackles for loss. Santana Hopper led the defensive effort with two sacks, while Jordan Favors contributed 10 tackles.

The victory held additional significance for App State, coming after Hurricane Helene had forced the cancellation of their September 28 home game against Liberty. The win also marked their first Saturday home game since their August 31 season opener, a span of 56 days.

Georgia State's defense forced one turnover and repeatedly challenged the Mountaineers in the red zone, holding them to four scores in seven attempts inside the 20-yard line. Jeremiah Johnson led all defenders with 10 tackles, while the Panthers' front seven generated consistent pressure with five quarterback hurries.

Up Next

App State looks for a second straight Sun Belt Conference win, hosting East Division rival on Saturday afternoon while Georgia State plays a non-conference game against UConn on Friday night.

BOONE - In a coming-out party for new head coach Major Applewhite’s squad, the South Alabama Jaguars overwhelmed the Appalachian State Mountaineers 48-14 in their Sun Belt Conference opener on Thursday night. The game, televised on ESPN, drew a sellout crowd of 34,133 to Kidd Brewer Stadium, marking the seventh consecutive capacity attendance for App State.

South Alabama (2-2, 1-0 Sun Belt) set the tone early, scoring on their opening drive and never looking back. The Jaguars, fresh off an 87-point performance the previous week, continued their offensive onslaught, building a 28-0 lead before halftime.

App State (2-2, 0-1 Sun Belt) struggled to find rhythm, ending their nine-game winning streak in Sun Belt openers. The Mountaineers’ only first-half points came on a 47-yard Hail Mary pass from Joey Aguilar to Dalton Stroman as time expired in the second quarter.

The Jaguars’ ground game proved unstoppable, with two players surpassing the 100-yard mark - a first in App State’s history as a defensive victim. Fluff Bothwell led the charge with 116 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Gio Lopez added 105 yards and a score on the ground.

Photo Credit: Scott Donaldson | South Alabama Athletics

Lopez also shone through the air, completing 16 of 24 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns. His primary target, Jamaal Pritchett, hauled in six receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown.

For App State, Aguilar threw for 266 yards and a touchdown, but also suffered a crucial interception near the goal line that resulted in a 96-yard return by South Alabama’s Jordan Scruggs. This pivotal play late in the second quarter shifted momentum decisively in the Jaguars’ favor.

Defensively, South Alabama’s Blayne Myrick led all tacklers with nine, while App State’s DJ Burks recorded a game-high and career-best 14 tackles in his first start at safety.

The loss marks App State’s most lopsided defeat to a conference opponent in a regulation game since 2017. The Mountaineers will have a few extra days to regroup before hosting Liberty on September 28th.

GREENVILLE – In a back-and-forth affair that featured over 800 yards of combined offense, the App State Mountaineers outlasted the East Carolina Pirates 21-19 on Saturday at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.

App State’s quarterback, Joey Aguilar, had a stellar day, completing 32 of 47 passes for 424 yards and two touchdowns. However, his performance was not without flaws, as he threw two interceptions that kept the Pirates in contention. East Carolina’s signal-caller, Jack Garcia, held his own with 18 completions on 28 attempts for 226 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

The game began with East Carolina seizing early control. Wide receiver Wyatt Wright Jr. electrified the home crowd with a 65-yard touchdown reception from Garcia just 31 seconds into the contest. The Pirates extended their lead to 16-0 in the first quarter, capitalizing on a field goal and a 50-yard pick-six by Shavon Revel, Jr.

Facing a significant deficit, the Mountaineers rallied in the second quarter. Aguilar connected with E. Wilson for a 6-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful two-point conversion. Kicker Michael Hughes added two field goals before halftime, narrowing the gap to 16-14.

The Mountaineers took their first lead late in the third quarter when Aguilar found Milan Jackson for a 36-yard touchdown strike. East Carolina responded with a field goal early in the fourth, but App State’s defense held firm for the remainder of the game.

Despite the loss, East Carolina’s ground game showed promise, with Rahjai Harris gaining 87 yards on 18 carries. App State’s rushing attack was less effective, managing only 81 net yards on 36 attempts.

The Mountaineers’ receiving corps had a field day, with Kaedin Robinson leading the way with 7 catches for 129 yards. Christian Horn added 5 receptions for 108 yards, while Jackson’s game-changing touchdown was part of his 6-catch, 86-yard performance.

Defensively, East Carolina linebacker Zachary Barker was a standout with 13 total tackles, including 1.5 for loss. For App State, Chandler Sullivan led the team with 9 tackles.

While slipping by on the scoreboard, the Mountaineers greatly controlled the clock, holding possession for 39 minutes compared to the Pirates’ 21 minutes.

Up Next

App State hosts South Alabama on Thursday night in Boone while East Carolina travels to take on Liberty.

CLEMSON – The 22nd-ranked Clemson Tigers made a resounding statement against Appalachian State, known for its power-conference upsets, with a commanding 66-20 victory at Memorial Stadium on Saturday night. This lopsided win came as a stark contrast to Clemson's season-opening 34-3 loss to top-ranked Georgia, where they had trailed 6-0 at halftime.

Clemson's offense was nearly unstoppable, particularly in the first half. The Tigers scored touchdowns on all eight of their first-half possessions, building an insurmountable 56-13 lead by halftime. Quarterback Cade Klubnik orchestrated the offensive onslaught with near-perfect execution, completing an impressive 24 of 26 passes for 378 yards and five touchdowns.

The fireworks started early for Clemson. On just the third play of the game, Klubnik connected with Bryant Wesco Jr. for a 76-yard touchdown pass on a third-and-11 situation. This explosive play set the tone for the rest of the game, as the Tigers' offense continued to fire on all cylinders.

Clemson's ground game was equally effective, with running back Phil Mafah leading the charge. Mafah rushed for 118 yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries, including a spectacular 83-yard touchdown run. The Tigers' balanced attack kept the Appalachian State defense off-balance throughout the game.

Jake Briningstool was Klubnik's favorite target, hauling in seven receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Bryant Wesco Jr., despite having only three catches, made the most of his opportunities with 130 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Appalachian State's offense, which had shown promise in their previous outings against power-conference opponents, struggled to find rhythm against Clemson's stifling defense. Quarterback Joey Aguilar managed to throw for 213 yards and one touchdown but couldn't generate enough consistent offense to keep pace with Clemson's scoring barrage.

The Mountaineers' ground game, typically a strength, was largely contained. Anderson Castle led Appalachian State's rushing attack with 80 yards and a touchdown on seven carries, providing a rare bright spot for the visitors' offense.

Appalachian State showed signs of life in the second quarter when Castle scored on a 4-yard touchdown run, cutting into the deficit at 42-7. Kicker Michael Hughes added two field goals before halftime, extending his streak of consecutive made field goals to 14. However, these efforts proved insufficient against Clemson's relentless offense.

The Mountaineers opened the second half with a touchdown drive, capped by Aguilar's 17-yard touchdown pass to Makai Jackson. This reduced the deficit to 56-20, but it was too little, too late against the Tigers' overwhelming lead.

This loss drops Appalachian State to a 1-1 record for the season. It also breaks their recent trend of close games against power-conference opponents, as their previous eight such matchups had all been decided by seven points or less.

For Clemson, this victory evens their record at 1-1 and serves as a confidence booster after their disappointing season opener. The Tigers' dominant performance showcases their potential and sets a positive tone as they move forward in their campaign.

Appalachian State will look to rebound from this defeat as they prepare for their next game, an in-state matchup at East Carolina (2-0) scheduled for 4 p.m. in Greenville.