BOONE – App State wasted little time showing what its revamped roster could be capable of Saturday.

The Mountaineers overwhelmed Maine on both sides of the ball, piling up 647 yards of offense and forcing two turnovers in a 55-3 victory before 33,664 fans at Kidd Brewer Stadium.

Quarterback Malachi Singleton led the way for App State, completing 22 of 24 passes for 291 yards and three touchdowns as the Mountaineers built a 31-0 halftime lead and never allowed the Black Bears to make the game competitive. App State finished with 348 passing yards and 299 rushing yards while averaging 9 yards per offensive play.

Maine, meanwhile, managed 250 total yards and 12 first downs. Quarterback Eddie Buehler completed 18 of 32 passes for 198 yards but was intercepted twice, while the Black Bears were held to 52 rushing yards on 28 attempts.

App State's first possession ended with a turnover deep in Maine territory, but that proved to be one of the few opportunities the Mountaineers failed to capitalize on.

Treyaun Webb opened the scoring midway through the first quarter with a 2-yard touchdown run that capped a four-play, 78-yard drive. James London then extended the lead to 10-0 with a 31-yard field goal early in the second quarter.

From there, Singleton took control.

He found tight end Darrin Fugitt for a 5-yard touchdown with 9:32 remaining in the second quarter, pushing the advantage to 17-0. Less than six minutes later, Singleton connected with Samuel Pickett III for a 14-yard touchdown. Pickett struck again just before halftime, hauling in a 7-yard scoring pass with seven seconds left to send App State into the locker room with a 31-point cushion.

That final first-half score was set up by one of the game's biggest defensive plays.

Maine had moved into App State territory late in the second quarter before Buehler was intercepted by Caleb Pitts at the App State 30. Pitts returned the interception 15 yards to the 45, giving the Mountaineers enough time to add another touchdown before the break.

The pressure continued after halftime. Colton Phares intercepted Buehler on Maine's opening possession of the third quarter after pressure from Dre Walker, and App State answered with a seven-play, 69-yard drive. Jaquari Lewis finished it with a 12-yard touchdown run for a 38-0 lead with 9:14 remaining in the period.

Maine finally broke through with 51 seconds left in the third quarter when Samuel Tremblay converted a 40-yard field goal, completing an 18-play, 52-yard possession and cutting the deficit to 38-3. It would be the Black Bears' only scoring drive of the afternoon.

App State's reserves kept the offense moving in the fourth.

Henry Hasselbeck helped direct a 75-yard drive that ended with receiver Nate Branch racing 36 yards for a touchdown, increasing the lead to 45-3. Three minutes later, Jackson Grier broke loose for a 28-yard touchdown run to make it 52-3. London added a 32-yard field goal with 2:12 remaining to complete the scoring.

Pickett finished with five receptions for 76 yards and two touchdowns, while Fugitt caught four passes for 47 yards and a score. Branch contributed 55 receiving yards and 44 rushing yards, including his touchdown.

App State spread its rushing production throughout the lineup. Lewis led the Mountaineers with 69 yards on 11 carries, while Ja'Quez Cross added 66 yards and Hasselbeck rushed for 53. The Mountaineers scored four times on the ground and three times through the air.

For Maine, Rashawn Marshall led the rushing attack with 37 yards on 13 carries. The Black Bears' longest offensive gain came on a 47-yard Buehler completion to Corey Rideout in the fourth quarter, but the possession ended on downs.

The result gave App State a convincing opening victory in its second season under head coach Dowell Loggains, while Maine fell to 1-1.

BIRMINGHAM, AL – Georgia Southern scored 16 unanswered points in the third quarter to break open a tight game and defeat App State 29-10 in the JLab Birmingham Bowl on Monday at Protective Stadium.

The Eagles (7-6) led just 13-7 at halftime before exploding for two quick touchdowns in a span of less than five minutes early in the third quarter. Georgia Southern's offense totaled 413 yards and converted 5 of 11 third-down attempts, while the defense forced four interceptions to stifle the Mountaineers' comeback hopes.

App State (5-8) played without numerous regulars but remained competitive through two quarters before Georgia Southern's offensive burst proved too much to overcome. The Mountaineers advanced inside the Eagles' 40-yard line on seven possessions but managed just one touchdown, with four interceptions and a missed field goal ending promising drives.

Redshirt freshman Matt Wilson made his collegiate debut for App State and delivered a memorable performance, completing 12 of 22 passes for 128 yards while rushing for 110 yards on 12 carries. Wilson's 110 rushing yards marked just the fourth 100-yard rushing game by an App State quarterback in the FBS era. His 6-yard touchdown run with 1:51 remaining in the first half brought the Mountaineers within 10-7, capping a seven-play, 53-yard drive.

True freshman Noah Gillon made his first career start at quarterback for App State, completing 4 of 7 passes for 64 yards. His 34-yard completion to senior Dalton Stroman set up Wilson's touchdown before halftime. Stroman finished with three catches for 96 yards in his final game, ending his career atop the program's all-time yards-per-catch list.

Georgia Southern answered Wilson's touchdown with a 36-yard field goal from Tripp Bryant as time expired in the first half, extending the lead to 13-7. The Eagles then seized control with two lightning-quick scoring drives to open the third quarter.

Running back OJ Arnold broke loose for a 58-yard gain on the first play of the second half, setting up a 3-yard touchdown run by Weston Bryan 82 seconds into the quarter. The two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving Georgia Southern ahead 19-7.

The Eagles forced an interception on the Mountaineers' next possession, and quarterback JC French IV immediately capitalized. French connected with Marcus Sanders Jr. for a 20-yard gain, then found him again for a 32-yard touchdown strike just 89 seconds after the previous score. Bryant's extra point made it 26-7 with 8:50 left in the third quarter.

App State responded with a methodical nine-play, 66-yard drive that consumed nearly five minutes. Wilson connected with Stroman for 42 yards on the drive's key play, and Dominic De Freitas kicked a 27-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 26-10 with 3:46 remaining in the third quarter.

The Mountaineers' defense came up with a crucial stop when cornerback Ethan Johnson intercepted French on Georgia Southern's next possession. However, App State's offense stalled and punted from its own 45 early in the fourth quarter.

Georgia Southern put the game away with a grinding 17-play, 81-yard drive that consumed 10 minutes and 2 seconds. The Eagles converted three third downs on the march, including a 10-yard completion from French to Terrance Gibbs on third-and-8 from the Georgia Southern 46. Bryant capped the drive with a 27-yard field goal with 3:57 remaining, extending the lead to 29-10.

App State's final possession ended when Georgia Southern's Devin Collier intercepted Wilson at the 2-yard line with 59 seconds remaining.

French completed 18 of 27 passes for 171 yards, one touchdown and one interception for Georgia Southern. Arnold rushed 11 times for 152 yards, averaging 13.8 yards per carry. Sanders Jr. caught five passes for 72 yards and a touchdown.

Jaquari Lewis led the Mountaineers with 16 carries for 55 yards and added five catches for 35 yards. Linebacker Colton Phares paced the defense with 12 tackles, capping a season in which he recorded 101 stops.

Georgia Southern controlled possession for 30 minutes and 35 seconds and outgained App State 242-187 on the ground. The Eagles went 5-for-5 in the red zone, scoring two touchdowns and three field goals. Bryant converted all three field goal attempts, connecting from 23, 36 and 27 yards.

The Mountaineers went 3-for-10 on third down and turned the ball over four times via interception. Defensive back Dorrian Smith recorded two of Georgia Southern's four interceptions.

App State played with approximately 65 available players, including numerous athletes who returned to campus after initially entering the transfer portal. Five fifth-year seniors started for the Mountaineers alongside Johnson, a fourth-year senior, in what proved to be their final college game.

The loss snapped App State's three-game bowl winning streak and marked the program's ninth bowl appearance at the FBS level. Georgia Southern won its second bowl game in three seasons.

BOONE - Appalachian State was seconds away from securing bowl eligibility, but a late penalty erased a would-be game-clinching touchdown and opened the door for Arkansas State’s 30-29 comeback win Saturday at Kidd Brewer Stadium.

Leading 26-23 with under two minutes to play, App State appeared to seal the game when J.J. Kohl delivered a fourth-and-one touchdown strike to Dillon Galloway from the Arkansas State 6. Kidd Brewer Stadium erupted – until an illegal-formation flag wiped the score off the board. Backed up to the 11, the Mountaineers settled for a 29-yard Dominic De Freitas field goal with 1:34 left, extending the lead to six instead of ten.

That margin proved fatal.

Arkansas State (6-6, 5-3 Sun Belt) raced 75 yards in seven plays, with quarterback Jaylen Raynor completing five straight passes in a rapid 52-second march. His 34-yard strike to Corey Rucker put the Red Wolves on the doorstep, and Kenyon Clay scored from a yard out with 42 seconds remaining. The extra point gave Arkansas State its first lead since early in the fourth quarter.

App State (5-7, 2-6) still had a final chance, but De Freitas’ 45-yard field goal attempt on the last snap fell short, ending the Mountaineers’ bowl hopes in the first season under head coach Dowell Loggains.

Before the chaotic finish, App State had turned the game around after trailing 16-13 at halftime. Kohl opened the third quarter with a sharp seven-play, 66-yard scoring drive capped by a 16-yard touchdown pass to Sam Mbake, part of a strong day for the sophomore quarterback. He finished 26-for-39 for 271 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions.

Mbake caught nine passes for 68 yards, while Jaquari Lewis paced the ground game with 108 rushing yards on 22 carries.

De Freitas kept the Mountaineers in front for much of the second half, hitting five field goals from 48, 45, 43, 38 and 29 yards. His only misses were the desperation kick at the end and a second-quarter attempt that Arkansas State blocked.

App State’s defense repeatedly bent but held Arkansas State to field-goal range on key possessions in the second half. Kevin Abrams-Verwayne led the way with 10 tackles and 2.5 sacks, part of a unit that produced several backfield stops before Arkansas State’s final, decisive possession.

Raynor, though, was the difference late. He threw for 363 yards and three touchdowns and repeatedly found Rucker, who caught 10 passes for 90 yards and two scores.

Arkansas State managed only 85 rushing yards, but Raynor’s accuracy and the Red Wolves’ quick-tempo passing game eventually broke through.

App State had controlled much of the early action, jumping ahead 13-3 in the second quarter after Kohl found Dalton Stroman for a 37-yard touchdown. But a late-half meltdown flipped momentum when Arkansas State scored twice in 17 seconds—first on an eight-yard pass to Rucker, then on a short-field strike to Tyler Fortenberry after a muffed kickoff.

The Mountaineers steadied themselves with a late field goal before halftime and carried the lead into the fourth quarter, but could never extend it far enough to withstand the penalty-marred final sequence.

The loss ended the Mountaineers’ season at 5-7 and denied them a chance to reach the postseason for the first time under Loggains.

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 – A goal line stand and late interception sealed a dramatic fourth quarter as the App State Mountaineers held off the Oregon State Beavers 27-23 in front of a capacity crowd at Kidd Brewer Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Mountaineers (3-2) welcomed their farthest-traveling opponent in stadium history and built a commanding 17-0 first-quarter lead before weathering a furious Oregon State comeback attempt. The Beavers (0-6) threatened to score on three separate possessions in the final period but came away empty each time, undone by a suffocating App State defense that made plays when it mattered most.

Oregon State's best scoring opportunity came late in the fourth quarter after the Beavers drove to a first-and-goal at the App State 3-yard line. Four consecutive carries by Anthony Hankerson gained just one yard total. On third down, officials initially signaled a touchdown, but replay review showed Ronnie Porter and Myles Farmer had stopped Hankerson inches short of the goal line with 1:58 remaining. On fourth down, Farmer tripped up Hankerson behind the line of scrimmage, and Colton Phares finished the tackle for a 2-yard loss to preserve the four-point lead.

The stop gave App State possession at its own 3-yard line, but the Mountaineers couldn't run out the clock. On second down, Rashod Dubinion fumbled at the goal line. Starting quarterback JJ Kohl recovered the loose ball in the end zone, conceding a safety rather than allowing Oregon State to score a go-ahead touchdown. The unintentional safety made it 27-23 with 1:40 left and forced App State to execute a free kick from the 20-yard line.

Oregon State moved quickly into scoring range following the safety, reaching the App State 25 for a first down with 25 seconds remaining. But Rondo Porter sacked Maalik Murphy for a 13-yard loss, backing the Beavers up to the 38. On the next play, Murphy found receiver Trent Walker crossing in front of the App State bench, but Juan Berchal delivered a shoulder hit that jarred the ball loose. The ball popped into the air, where Zyeir Gamble bobbled it four times before securing the game-sealing interception.

The defensive heroics capped a game that started with App State dominating. The Mountaineers forced a three-and-out on Oregon State's opening drive, then marched 55 yards in 10 plays to set up a 49-yard field goal by Dominic De Freitas.

The lead grew to 10-0 when Farmer forced a fumble on the ensuing kickoff return. David Wells Jr. fumbled at the Oregon State 14, and Porter recovered at the 18. Four plays later, Kohl scrambled 6 yards for his first touchdown as a Mountaineer.

App State struck again before the first quarter ended. After a 68-yard reception by Davion Dozier moved the ball to the Oregon State 5, Dubinion punched it in from 2 yards out with 3:38 left in the period. The 17-0 margin represented the Mountaineers' largest lead of the game.

Oregon State finally broke through early in the second quarter. After missing a 28-yard field goal attempt, the Beavers capitalized on an App State punt. Murphy hit Walker for 37 yards, then Wells Jr. broke free for a 30-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit to 17-7.

The Mountaineers drove into Oregon State territory on the next possession but couldn't extend the lead. A dropped deep pass at the 13-yard line forced a punt, and Oregon State seized momentum. The Beavers marched 93 yards in eight plays, with Murphy connecting with Wells Jr. on a 3-yard touchdown pass to make it 17-14 at halftime.

Kohl, making his first career start in place of injured regular starter AJ Swann, answered with a strong third quarter. App State converted a fourth-and-1 from their own 33-yard line early in a 13-play, 76-yard drive that consumed more than six minutes. Kohl capped the possession with a 28-yard touchdown pass to Dozier, who made four catches for 140 yards in just his second career game.

Oregon State responded immediately. Murphy led a seven-play, 75-yard drive, finding Cornell Hatcher Jr. for a 15-yard touchdown pass to pull within 24-21.

De Freitas added a 45-yard field goal with 50 seconds left in the third quarter to push the lead back to six points at 27-21, setting up the tense fourth quarter that featured three Oregon State scoring threats and three defensive stands.

Phares opened the fourth-quarter dramatics with an end-zone interception on third-and-goal early in the period. Oregon State had driven to the App State 6 before Phares stepped in front of Murphy's pass to end the threat.

Kohl completed 13 of 28 passes for 218 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in his first start. Dubinion led the ground game with 98 yards on 19 carries and one touchdown.

Murphy completed 30 of 45 passes for 358 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He was sacked once and faced consistent pressure throughout the game. Walker caught 13 passes for 179 yards, representing more than half of Oregon State's receiving production.

Hankerson carried 19 times for 64 yards for the Beavers, who managed just 98 yards rushing as a team on 25 attempts. Oregon State outgained App State in total yardage 456-354 but committed two turnovers to App State's one and went 0-for-1 in the red zone in the fourth quarter.

Phares led App State's defense with 10 total tackles, one interception, and a tackle for loss. Emory Floyd added six tackles, while Elijah Mc-Cantos contributed six tackles and broke up a key fourth-quarter pass.

App State returns to Sun Belt Conference play next Saturday with a road game at Georgia State, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30.

Key Performers

App State:

• Davion Dozier: 4 receptions, 140 yards, 1 TD
• JJ Kohl: 13-of-28 passing, 218 yards, 1 TD
• Rashod Dubinion: 19 rushes, 98 yards, 1 TD
• Colton Phares: 10 tackles, 1 interception

Oregon State:

• Trent Walker: 13 receptions, 179 yards
• Maalik Murphy: 30-of-45 passing, 358 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
• Anthony Hankerson: 19 rushes, 64 yards

BOISE, ID – Boise State turned a competitive game into a rout Saturday night, scoring 23 unanswered points over the final 18 minutes to defeat App State 47-14 at Albertsons Stadium before 32,904 fans.

The Mountaineers (2-2) briefly made things interesting in the third quarter, cutting a 24-point deficit to 10 with consecutive scoring drives. But the Broncos (3-1) responded with a relentless offensive display led by quarterback Maddux Madsen, who threw for 321 yards and four touchdowns while completing 25 of 37 passes.

App State's four turnovers told the story of a night where little went right against a Boise State team that capitalized on every mistake. The Broncos converted two interceptions into 14 points, including pick-sixes of 26 and 33 yards that bookended the game's decisive moments.

Early Dominance Sets the Tone

Boise State established control immediately with a methodical 10-play, 75-yard opening drive capped by Madsen's 10-yard touchdown pass to Latrell Caples. The drive consumed over five minutes and set the template for the Broncos' offensive approach: patient, efficient, and mistake-free.

The Mountaineers' response revealed problems that would plague them all night. After moving the ball into Boise State territory on their opening possession, App State punted from the Broncos' 46-yard line. Their next drive ended abruptly when cornerback A'Marion McCoy stepped in front of an AJ Swann pass and returned it 26 yards for a touchdown, pushing the lead to 14-0 with 1:49 left in the first quarter.

Madsen added his second touchdown pass early in the second quarter, finding Ben Ford on a 14-yard strike that completed another lengthy scoring drive. The 80-yard march took nearly six minutes and demonstrated Boise State's ability to sustain drives against an App State defense that entered the game allowing just 21 points per contest.

Mountaineers Find Brief Life

Trailing 21-0, App State finally showed the offensive rhythm that had produced 357.7 passing yards per game through three contests. The Mountaineers embarked on their own 14-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that ate up nearly six minutes of clock.

The series appeared dead when App State faced third-and-23 from its own 20-yard line after consecutive sacks. But a roughing-the-passer penalty extended the drive, and Rashod Dubinion provided the spark with a 16-yard run where he hurdled a defender near midfield.

A 15-yard facemask penalty on Boise State moved the ball into the red zone, where Swann found Dalton Stroman on a perfectly placed fade route. Stroman outjumped the defender in the corner of the end zone for a 7-yard touchdown with 1:16 remaining in the half.

The Mountaineers nearly added to their momentum before halftime when Kevin Abrams-Verwayne strip-sacked Madsen for a 15-yard loss, forcing Boise State to settle for a 25-yard field goal instead of a potential touchdown.

Special Teams Spark Doesn't Last

App State's most impressive play of the night came from an unexpected source early in the third quarter. With Boise State punting toward the front corner, returner Jaden Barnes created a decoy by acting like he would field the punt on the opposite side of the field. True freshman Juan Berchal, who had sprinted toward the actual landing spot, caught the ball cleanly and raced 45 yards down the sideline to set up first-and-10 at the Boise State 42.

Two plays later, Dubinion broke free for a season-long 39-yard gain to the 3-yard line. Jaquari Lewis punched it in from there, cutting the deficit to 24-14 and giving App State its first real hope of the evening.

The optimism lasted exactly one Boise State possession.

Broncos Pull Away for Good

Boise State answered the App State touchdown with an 11-play drive that resulted in a 40-yard field goal by Colton Boomer. More importantly, the Broncos forced a quick three-and-out on the ensuing App State possession and took over at their own 42-yard line.

Facing fourth-and-5 from the App State 40, Madsen found his receiver for an 11-yard completion. On the very next play, he delivered a strike to Quinton Brown, who made an acrobatic touchdown catch in the end zone despite losing his helmet as he hit the turf. The successful two-point conversion failed, but Boise State led 33-14 with 1:24 left in the third quarter.

Madsen wasn't finished. His fourth touchdown pass of the night came with 10:47 remaining in the fourth quarter, a 34-yard connection to Caples that completed an eight-play, 69-yard drive and pushed the lead to 40-14.

The final dagger came just 26 seconds later when linebacker Boen Phelps jumped an App State pass route and raced 33 yards untouched for the second pick-six of the night.

The loss drops App State to 2-2 as they prepare to host Oregon State next Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

Top Performers

• Maddux Madsen, QB, Boise State: 25-of-37 passing, 321 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs
• Rashod Dubinion, RB, App State: 17 carries, 113 yards (season-long 39-yard run)
• Latrell Caples, WR, Boise State: 5 catches, 84 yards, 2 TDs
• Jaelin Willis, LB, App State: 10 tackles (5 solo)
• A'Marion McCoy, CB, Boise State: 26-yard interception return for TD

HATTIESBURG, MS – Southern Miss converted three App State interceptions into 17 points and cruised to a 38-22 victory over the Mountaineers in their Sun Belt Conference opener Saturday night at M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

The Golden Eagles (2-1, 1-0 Sun Belt) scored on defense and dominated field position throughout the first half, building a 17-point halftime lead that proved insurmountable despite a late App State rally. The Mountaineers (2-1, 0-1 Sun Belt) suffered their first loss of the season in front of 24,534 fans.

App State's offensive struggles began immediately on what appeared to be a promising opening drive. The Mountaineers moved 71 yards in nine plays to reach the Southern Miss 4-yard line, where AJ Swann's pass intended for the end zone was intercepted by Anthony Richard Jr. for a touchback.

The turnover proved costly only temporarily, as App State forced a three-and-out punt and responded with a seven-play, 62-yard scoring drive. Rashod Dubinion capped the march with a 2-yard touchdown run at 7:02 of the first quarter, giving the Mountaineers a 7-0 lead.

Southern Miss answered quickly with a methodical 10-play, 75-yard drive that consumed nearly three minutes. Jeffery Pittman finished the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run, evening the score at 7-7 with 4:05 remaining in the opening quarter.

The game's turning point came early in the second quarter when App State again drove into the red zone. Facing third-and-goal from the Southern Miss 4-yard line, Swann's pass toward Rashod Dubinion was intercepted by Ian Foster, who returned it 99 yards for a touchdown. The play was reviewed and confirmed, giving Southern Miss a 17-7 lead with 10:40 left in the second quarter.

Foster's pick-six represented the longest interception return in Southern Miss history and completely shifted momentum. App State had moved the ball effectively to that point, gaining 149 yards on 26 plays in the first half, but the three interceptions inside the Southern Miss 10-yard line negated any offensive progress.

The Mountaineers' third turnover came on another promising drive when Swann, under pressure, threw into traffic from the Southern Miss 7-yard line. Mathis Haygood intercepted the pass in the end zone and returned it 18 yards. The play resulted in injuries to both Swann and left tackle Jayden Ramsey, forcing App State to turn to freshman quarterback Noah Gillon for the remainder of the game.

Southern Miss dominated possession time in the first half, holding the ball for just 12:20 compared to App State's 17:40, but made the most of their opportunities. The Golden Eagles outgained App State 122-131 in total yards but led 17-7 at halftime thanks to the turnover differential.

App State showed fight in the third quarter, initially cutting the deficit to 24-14 when Jaquari Lewis scored his first career touchdown on a 10-yard run with 1:06 remaining. The score came after a 12-play, 70-yard drive that featured Gillon completing 5 of 9 passes for 38 yards while managing the offense effectively.

The Mountaineers' momentum continued when they recovered an onside kick at the Southern Miss 50-yard line. Gillon moved the team into field goal range, but Dominic De Freitas' 49-yard attempt sailed wide right, keeping the score at 24-14 and preserving Southern Miss's two-possession lead.

Southern Miss responded to App State's rally with two quick scoring drives that effectively ended the competitive portion of the game. The Golden Eagles needed just five plays to cover 69 yards, with Pittman scoring his second touchdown on a 9-yard run with 11:23 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Less than two minutes later, Southern Miss struck again. Braylon Braxton connected with Micah Davis for a 21-yard touchdown pass, completing a three-play, 61-yard drive that extended the lead to 38-14 with 9:29 remaining.

App State added a late touchdown when Billy Wiles, a former Southern Miss quarterback, threw a 3-yard scoring pass to Jaden Barnes with 51 seconds remaining. Wiles converted the two-point conversion with a pass to Lewis, providing the final margin.

Statistically, App State outgained Southern Miss 470-389 in total yards and ran 90 plays to Southern Miss's 56. The Mountaineers controlled possession time 36:36 to 23:24 but couldn't overcome the three first-half turnovers and five sacks allowed.

Jaden Barnes led App State receivers with 10 catches for 132 yards and one touchdown, while Izayah Cummings added seven catches for 82 yards. Dubinion carried 24 times for 95 yards and one score despite being bottled up for much of the game.

Swann completed 15 of 23 passes for 217 yards before his injury, while Gillon finished 11 of 24 for 109 yards in his first career appearance. Wiles completed all five of his attempts for 49 yards and one touchdown.

For Southern Miss, Braxton completed 22 of 30 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns. Tychaun Chapman led receivers with four catches for 112 yards, while Pittman rushed for 39 yards and two touchdowns on just six carries.

The Golden Eagles' defense generated constant pressure, recording five sacks while forcing four turnovers. Foster's interception return highlighted a defensive performance that held App State to 2.5 yards per carry on 38 rushing attempts.

App State's red zone struggles proved decisive, as the Mountaineers scored on just three of six trips inside the Southern Miss 20-yard line. The team also committed seven penalties for 65 yards while Southern Miss was flagged nine times for 74 yards.

The loss dropped App State to 0-1 in Sun Belt play heading into a bye week. The Mountaineers will face a challenging road test at Boise State on September 27 before returning to conference action.

Key Performers

Southern Miss:

• Ian Foster: 99-yard interception return for touchdown, 12 total tackles
• Braylon Braxton: 22-of-30 passing, 279 yards, 2 TDs
• Jeffery Pittman: 6 carries, 39 yards, 2 TDs
• Tychaun Chapman: 4 catches, 112 yards

App State:  

• Jaden Barnes: 10 catches, 132 yards, 1 TD
• Rashod Dubinion: 24 carries, 95 yards, 1 TD
• AJ Swann: 15-of-23 passing, 217 yards (before injury)
• Izayah Cummings: 7 catches, 82 yards

CHARLOTTE – In his first game as App State's starting quarterback, AJ Swann delivered a performance that announced the Mountaineers' intentions for the 2025 season. Completing 31 of 46 passes for 368 yards and three touchdowns without an interception, Swann orchestrated a dominant 34-11 victory over Charlotte on Friday night at Bank of America Stadium.

The Duke's Mayo Classic showcased App State's new-look offense under first-year head coach Dowell Loggains, as the Mountaineers accumulated 586 total yards in front of 35,718 fans. Swann's passing total set a record for the most yards by a quarterback in his App State debut, surpassing the previous mark in emphatic fashion.

Charlotte entered the contest hoping to flip the script in this budding rivalry, but App State's aerial assault proved too much to handle. The 49ers managed just 218 total yards, with their ground game particularly stifled at 76 yards on 29 carries.

The game's opening sequence provided a glimpse of both teams' fortunes. Charlotte's false start penalty set an ominous tone, but the 49ers appeared to catch a break when safety Ja'Qurious Conley forced a fumble at the goal line, punching the ball away from App State receiver Jaden Barnes just before he crossed into the end zone after a 59-yard gain.

That defensive play allowed Charlotte to capitalize with the game's first points. Following the turnover, the 49ers mounted a 13-play, 55-yard drive that consumed over six minutes and culminated in Logan Boyd's 42-yard field goal with 1:21 remaining in the first quarter.

The lead proved short-lived as App State's offensive machine found its rhythm in the second quarter. Rashod Dubinion, operating primarily in the Wildcat formation, punched in a 2-yard touchdown run to cap a methodical 9-play, 81-yard drive that consumed 3:18 and gave the Mountaineers a 7-3 advantage with 8:38 left in the half.

App State's momentum continued building when Swann connected with Barnes for a 10-yard touchdown pass with 36 seconds remaining before halftime. The scoring drive covered 80 yards in 14 plays, showcasing the balanced attack that would define the Mountaineers' evening.

The half's dramatic conclusion came courtesy of linebacker Ja'Den McBurrows, whose diving interception of a Conner Harrell pass set up App State at Charlotte's 35-yard line. True freshman kicker Dominic De Freitas capped the wild sequence with a 47-yard field goal on the final play of the half, extending the lead to 17-3 and providing a psychological blow to the home team.

Charlotte's struggles continued in the third quarter as App State methodically extended its advantage. De Freitas connected on a 35-yard field goal early in the frame, then Swann found Kanen Hamlett for a 19-yard touchdown pass that pushed the margin to 27-3 with 4:27 remaining in the period.

The 49ers finally found the end zone in the fourth quarter when Harrell hit E. Jai Mason for a 16-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful two-point conversion pass to Gus McGee that cut the deficit to 27-11 with 10:25 left. However, any hopes of a dramatic comeback were quickly extinguished.

App State responded with authority, driving 75 yards in 12 plays before Swann capped the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown pass to true freshman Alex Sanchez with 4:00 remaining. The methodical drive consumed 6:25 and effectively sealed Charlotte's fate.

Defensively, App State coordinator DJ Smith's unit forced two crucial turnovers and held Charlotte scoreless through the first three quarters. McBurrows and Zyeir Gamble each recorded six tackles to pace the defense, while Colton Phares contributed five stops.

The Mountaineers' defensive effort was particularly impressive considering Charlotte managed to move between the 20-yard lines at times. Safety Dylan Hasz provided the game's most crucial defensive play when he forced a fumble at App State's 3-yard line in the fourth quarter, with linebacker Kyle Arnholt recovering the loose ball to thwart Charlotte's best scoring opportunity.

Swann's supporting cast delivered throughout the evening. Barnes finished with six catches for 134 yards and a touchdown despite the early fumble, while Dalton Stroman caught a career-high eight passes for 88 yards. Isaiah Cummings added five receptions for 57 yards, and Dubinion contributed both through the air and on the ground with five catches for 31 yards to complement his 111 rushing yards on 22 carries.

Charlotte's offense struggled to establish any consistent rhythm against App State's defense. Quarterback Conner Harrell completed 13 of 24 passes for 142 yards, one touchdown and one interception, while running back Cameren Stokes led the ground game with 49 yards on 15 carries.

The 49ers' receiving corps was paced by Justin Olson's two catches for 56 yards, including a 47-yard reception that briefly sparked hopes of a fourth-quarter rally. Mason's touchdown catch highlighted his two-reception, 29-yard performance, while Stokes added six yards receiving on two catches.

App State's dominance extended to the statistical categories that often determine outcomes. The Mountaineers converted 7 of 15 third-down attempts compared to Charlotte's 4 of 14, and both teams were perfect on fourth down with two conversions each. More telling was App State's 5-for-5 performance in the red zone compared to Charlotte's 1-for-2 showing.

The victory extends App State's perfect record against Charlotte to 4-0, with previous wins coming in 2018, 2019, and 2020. The Mountaineers also improved to 2-0 at Bank of America Stadium, having defeated East Carolina 33-19 in a season opener at the venue in 2021.

For App State, the comprehensive victory provides an ideal start under Loggains' leadership while showcasing the potential of Swann's arm talent and the offensive system's versatility. The balanced attack that produced nearly 600 yards suggests the Mountaineers could be a force in Sun Belt Conference this season.

Charlotte, meanwhile, must regroup quickly from a performance that exposed weaknesses in pass defense and offensive efficiency. Coach Tim Albin's squad will look to bounce back in their home opener against North Carolina on September 6, with the opportunity to play against the state’s flagship university in front of their home crowd providing motivation for improvement.

NEW ORLEANS – When Dowell Loggains stepped up to the microphone at Sun Belt Media Days, he wasn’t just representing Appalachian State’s football program, he was setting a tone for a new era. “This is a special place with special people,” said Loggains, making his first Sun Belt Media Day appearance as the Mountaineers’ head coach. “Coach Jerry Moore taught us to always do more than is expected. That mentality, driven by a chip-on-the-shoulder attitude, has been with us since day one.”

That same underdog spirit that helped turn Appalachian State into a national brand, from The Rock in Boone to the "Big House" in Michigan, now powers a program that’s being rebuilt under Loggains with clear principles: toughness, accountability, and a professional mindset.

Photo Credit: App State Sports

A Staff with NFL Credentials

Loggains’ coaching resume is deeply rooted in the NFL, and he made it clear that his vision for App State’s future is influenced heavily by those experiences. “We built a staff that boasts 93 years of NFL experience,” he said. “That group has coached 46 Pro Bowlers and eight Hall of Famers. We knew with the new landscape of college football, between the transfer portal, NIL, and roster turnover, it was important to bring in people who understood the business side.”

In many ways, Loggains sees modern college football as a mirror of the NFL: “The transfer portal is college football’s version of free agency. We’re evaluating players not just on the field, but off it, who goes to class, who’s coachable, who can thrive in a team environment.” With 54 newcomers on the roster, 36 from the transfer portal and 18 freshmen, the Mountaineers are blending youth with professional expectations.

But for Loggains, high school recruiting remains the lifeblood of the program: “We’ve got great high school football in North Carolina. We’re always going to recruit in our state. It’s part of who we are.”

Built in the Trenches

Of all the players Loggains could have brought to represent App State, he chose two linemen, left tackle Jayden Ramsey and defensive end Shawn Collins, because, as he said, “We’re a trench team...these guys represent our core values, smart, tough, competitive, better than anyone else, and we believe great teams are built up front.”

Ramsey, who started seven games at guard last year, voluntarily moved to left tackle to help the team. Despite transfer interest, the Anderson, South Carolina native stayed put. “He wanted to finish what he started with his brothers,” Loggains said. Collins, a transfer from Rutgers, has grown into a vocal leader for the defense. “He holds people accountable,” said Loggains. “You can see him growing into who he’s meant to be.” Both players spoke about the professional tone their coaches have set.

“We work day in and day out with coaches that have been at the highest level,” Collins said. “You respect that. It pushes you.” Ramsey added: “Everything is just really professional. They know how to take care of your body. They know how to build a team.”

Brotherhood Through Adversity

In addition to navigating a coaching change, the App State program has faced adversity off the field. A devastating hurricane disrupted the Boone area last fall. “Our players helped around town, packaging meals and loading up helicopters with supplies,” Loggains recalled. “That’s what makes App special. We’re all a family up in the mountains.”

Ramsey and Collins echoed that sentiment. “We were blessed to still have our homes, but a lot of people weren’t,” Collins said. “The university made it a priority to respond and to help. And we were part of that.” “Yeah, we had mandatory events,” Ramsey added. “Not because they forced us to, but because that’s who we are. That’s the culture.”

Culture Over Hype

Culture is a word that often gets thrown around at media days, but Loggains is focused on making it tangible, building it through shared moments away from the football field. “The connection is real. That’s what separates teams in the fourth quarter,” he said. “Everyone in this league works hard. But it’s the cookouts, the dodgeball tournaments, the time spent playing video games together, that’s what builds brotherhood.”

Loggains knows what he left behind at South Carolina, he coached the nation’s best receiver in Xavier Legette, but he believes App State offers something unique. “We were coaching the best players in the SEC,” he said. “But it had to be something special for us to leave. And App State is special. It’s a place where football matters.”

Quarterback Race and Offensive Identity

One of the biggest question marks heading into fall camp is the quarterback battle. Among the contenders is AJ Swan, a former SEC starter who transferred from Vanderbilt. “He’s one of five guys in the mix,” Loggains said. “We love his skill set. He even lit it up in our basketball tournament, draining threes. But he’ll have to earn it just like the rest.”

As for offensive identity, Loggains says the scheme will match the personnel. “At South Carolina, we threw it more because of Spencer Rattler and Xavier,” he said. “But we’ve also had success building around the run game. We’ve got talented backs. We’ll play to our strengths.”

Big Goals, Big Stage

App State opens the season with a marquee game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte against the 49ers. But players are already eyeing a week four showdown at Boise State. “It’s cool to play on that kind of stage,” Collins said. “But this isn’t new for App. We’ve always played tough games and shown up.” Ramsey added: “We focus on what’s in front of us. Right now, it’s about getting better every day in camp.”

The Sun Belt East will be a gauntlet again this year. Preseason polls picked App State third behind James Madison and Georgia Southern, but Loggains isn’t reading the headlines. “The polls don’t mean anything,” he said. “We’re focused on what we can control.” And what they can control, Loggains insists, is their effort, their unity, and their standard. “These guys don’t get tired of doing what’s right,” he said. “They’re the best part of our program. And I’m proud to go to battle with them.”

BOONE – Appalachian State University has named Dowell Loggains as its new head football coach. Loggains, a veteran offensive coordinator with extensive experience in the NFL and college football, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Mountaineers.

Most recently, Loggains served as the offensive coordinator for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Prior to his time in Columbia, he was the tight ends coach at his alma mater, Arkansas. Loggains has also coached at the collegiate level, including stops as offensive coordinator with the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Chicago Bears.

App State Director of Athletics Doug Gillin expressed excitement about the hiring of Loggains. "We are very excited for Dowell Loggains to be the next leader of App State Football. He brings experience as a leader and play-caller at the highest levels of professional and college football. He is a great recruiter and believes strongly in building relationships. He is aligned with our core values of academic integrity, competitive excellence, social responsibility and world-class experience. This is a great day for App State." 

Loggains is known for his innovative offensive schemes and his ability to develop quarterbacks. His hiring is expected to elevate App State's offensive attack and help the Mountaineers continue their recent success.

BOONE – In a decision that reverberated through the hallowed halls of Mountaineer football, Appalachian State University announced Monday the departure of head coach Shawn Clark, concluding a tenure deeply rooted in both personal history and institutional pride.

Clark, a 49-year-old alumnus who bled black and gold, had been more than just a coach – he was a living embodiment of Appalachian State's football tradition. A two-time All-American offensive lineman during his playing days, Clark's journey from student-athlete to head coach represented the quintessential Mountaineer narrative of loyalty and advancement.

Athletic Director Doug Gillin's announcement carried a tone of respectful transition. "Shawn is a true Mountaineer," Gillin emphasized. "He has given his heart and soul to his alma mater, navigating numerous challenges with class and integrity."

The coaching trajectory that began in 2016 as an offensive line coach culminated in five full seasons at the helm, marked by significant achievements. Clark guided the Mountaineers to a Sun Belt Championship appearance in 2021, maintaining the program’s status as a consistent conference contender early in his tenure.

However, the 2024 season's 5-6 record ultimately became the tipping point. Despite previous successes – including bowl game victories and a 40-24 overall record – the program's leadership determined a change was necessary to maintain championship aspirations.

"The expectation for App State Football is to annually compete for a conference championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff," Gillin stated, signaling the program's uncompromising ambitions.

Clark's professional journey reads like a testament to persistence. From graduate assistant at Louisville to offensive line coaching roles at Eastern Kentucky, Purdue, and Kent State, he methodically built a reputation as a diligent, strategic football mind before returning home to Boone.

His most significant achievements include leading the Mountaineers through the unprecedented COVID-19 disrupted 2020 season, where he guided the team to a 9-3 record and a dominant Myrtle Beach Bowl victory. The 2021 season further solidified his coaching credentials, with a 10-4 record and an East Division title.

As Appalachian State commences a national search for its 23rd head coach, Clark's legacy remains complex – a period of growth, resilience, and competitive spirit that bridged the program's past and its future aspirations.

See the full list of coaching changes here: