Showing posts with label Bank of America Stadium. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bank of America Stadium. Show all posts

Saturday, August 30, 2025

Swann Soars as App State Overwhelms Charlotte 34-11 in Duke's Mayo Classic

9:01 AM

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.

https://www.carolinagridiron.com/2025/08/2025-dukes-classic-appst-vs-clt.html

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Clemson Triumphs in Thrilling ACC Championship, Wins 34-31 on Last-Second Field Goal

12:24 AM

CHARLOTTE – In a championship game that will be remembered for its heart-stopping finale, Clemson secured the ACC Football Championship with a dramatic 56-yard field goal by kicker Nolan Hauser as time expired, defeating SMU 34-31 in a rocking Bank of America Stadium that witnessed an instant classic.


The game was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, with both teams trading blows in a contest that seemed destined to be decided in its final moments. Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik emerged as the game's defining player, throwing for 262 yards and four touchdowns, while SMU's Kevin Jennings matched him with a gutsy 310-yard, three-touchdown performance that nearly carried his team to victory.

Photo Courtesy of the Atlantic Coast Confernce

Clemson started the game with lightning speed, scoring on its first two possessions and quickly building a 14-0 lead. Klubnik connected with tight end Bryant Wesco Jr. for a 35-yard touchdown on the Tigers' opening drive after an SMU fumble, then found Wesco again for a 43-yard scoring strike that seemed to put the game out of reach early.


But SMU refused to surrender. Quarterback Kevin Jennings orchestrated a pivotal 75-yard drive late in the first quarter, punctuated by his 24-yard rushing touchdown that breathed life into the Mustangs and cut the deficit to 14-7.


The first half continued as a showcase of offensive firepower, with Clemson extending its lead to 24-7 before SMU began to mount a comeback in the second half. Jennings, showing remarkable resilience, led his team back into contention. His 10-yard touchdown pass to Brashard Smith in the third quarter brought SMU within ten points, signaling the start of a dramatic fourth quarter.


With just over 13 minutes remaining, Jennings connected with Matthew Hibner for a 20-yard touchdown, pulling SMU to within 31-24. A subsequent field goal by Collin Rogers cut the lead to just four points, setting the stage for a breathtaking finish.


The game's final moments were a testament to the unpredictability of championship football. With just 16 seconds remaining, Jennings found Roderick Daniels Jr. for a 4-yard touchdown that seemingly pushed the game to overtime, tying the score at 31-31.


But Clemson had other plans. The Tigers' special teams unit and kicker Nolan Hauser would have the final say. An outstanding 61-yard kickoff return by Adam Randall got the Tigers across midfield. On the game's last play, the Charlotte native launched a remarkable 56-yard field goal that sailed through the uprights as time expired, giving Clemson a 34-31 victory and the ACC Championship.


"I mean, what a kick. I think it's the longest game-winning kick in Clemson history," Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said after the game. "I've been a part of some big ones, obviously the Catanzaro kick against LSU with two seconds on the clock and then this kick right here, I've been a part of some big ones. But that was huge, the protection, the snap, the hold, everything. And when he hit it, I went, oh, man. We were talking about overtime, trying to get our overtime plan ready to go, what we were going to do there, but as soon as he hit it and it cleared the line, I went, this thing has got a chance, and it just goes through. I'm just so happy for Nolan, right here, Charlotte kid, a freshman, and those are the type of things that -- those are the type of wins that really propel you."


Statistically, the game told a story of Clemson's balanced attack and resilience. The Tigers outgained SMU 458 to 326 yards, with a powerful rushing performance of 148 yards. Klubnik's four touchdown passes came without a single interception, while Bryant Wesco Jr. emerged as a key playmaker with eight receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns.


For SMU, Jennings was nothing short of heroic. Despite the loss, he completed 32 of 51 passes for 310 yards and three touchdowns, adding a crucial 35 yards on the ground. Roderick Daniels Jr. led the receiving corps with eight catches for 97 yards, keeping the Mustangs competitive throughout the contest.


The game's defensive battle was equally compelling. Clemson's defense, led by Sammy Brown's 14 total tackles, created crucial stops and one interception. SMU's defense, anchored by Kobe Wilson's 15 total tackles, fought hard but couldn't completely contain Klubnik and the Clemson offense.


In the end, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney secured another championship, adding to his legacy of postseason success. The victory showcased the Tigers' ability to perform under pressure and their status as a perennial contender in college football's highest echelons. "It's fun to be a part of it, and it never gets old. But really happy for all those guys, all the way back, every single one, from the Dandy Dozen to this year's freshmen. They've all won a championship. But we've done it, again, by fulfilling the purpose that we've set out to do," Swinney mentioned after the game.


For SMU and head coach Rhett Lashlee, the loss was heartbreaking but not without merit. Their performance proved they belonged on this stage, pushing the conference’s best team of the last decade to the absolute limit in a game that will be discussed for years to come. "We have good players, but the secret sauce is they're a true team. I've said it. It's real. You feel it. That's why it hurts when they lose because they do everything the right way. They work hard. They trust each other. They love each other. They compete with each other. They have each other's back. They don't blame other people when they make a mistake. There's no finger-pointing," Lashlee said postgame. "They're just a true team. That's why I think they respond so well to everything. They'll respond well to this. They're hurting right now, but they'll respond well to this just like they did tonight coming back. I just think it's a special group. I've said it all year, it's been really, really fun to coach them, and I hope we're not done."



As the fireworks sparkled in the Charlotte skyline and Clemson celebrated, the ACC Championship game lived up to its billing – a thrilling, unpredictable contest decided in the most dramatic fashion possible, with Nolan Hauser's foot writing the final chapter of an unforgettable championship story.


Both teams played playoff-worthy football on Saturday night and will await their fate with the College Football Playoff committee on Sunday afternoon.

Clemson Triumphs in Thrilling ACC Championship, Wins 34-31 on Last-Second Field Goal

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

ACC Title Game to Be Broadcast in Primetime on ABC

11:02 AM

CHARLOTTE — The 2024 ACC Football Championship Game is scheduled for a primetime kickoff at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, taking place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. This season marks the first with 17 ACC football teams, and once again, the championship game will feature the top two teams based on their regular-season conference performance. ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming season, anticipating a competitive race among the conference's teams to earn a spot in the prestigious game, which will be broadcast from a venue adjacent to the ACC's headquarters.

This primetime kickoff at 8 p.m. ET continues a trend, with this being the 15th occurrence in the last 16 years that the game will be held under the lights. Since its inception in 2005, a total of 13 different teams have contested the ACC Football Championship Game, with Florida State emerging victorious in the previous season to secure its fifth title. Bank of America Stadium, the venue for 13 of the last 14 championship games, solidifies its status as a reliable host, with an agreement in place to continue hosting through 2030. Despite challenges in 2020, the game typically draws nearly 70,000 fans, reflecting the strong support and interest in ACC football.

Over the past decade, the ACC has consistently seen high attendance, ranking second among Power 5 conference championships. Success in the championship game has often propelled ACC teams to the National Championship Game or the College Football Playoff, highlighting the conference's competitiveness and success on the national stage in recent years.

Saturday, September 2, 2023

Strong Defensive Effort Lifts North Carolina to Victory

11:30 PM

CHARLOTTE – In a game that fans from two states circled on their calendars months in advance, the North Carolina Tar Heels faced off against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. With a strong defensive effort and a balanced offense, the Tar Heels emerged victorious with a final score of 31-17.

The Tar Heels had several standout players during the game. British Brooks had 18 receiving yards and 3 receptions, as well as 103 rushing yards. Drake Maye had 269 passing yards and 2 touchdowns, as well as 25 rushing yards. Kobe Paysour had 66 receiving yards, 7 receptions, and 1 touchdown. John Copenhaver had 52 receiving yards, 3 receptions, and 1 touchdown. Omarion Hampton had 37 rushing yards and scored 2 touchdowns.

In the first half of the game, the Tar Heel defense was able to stop the Gamecocks’ first possession with a three-and-out. The Tar Heels then quickly took control of the game, scoring a touchdown on a one-yard run by Omarion Hampton after a 70-yard drive that took just 3:55. The Gamecocks responded with a 75-yard drive of their own, tying the score at 7-7 with 6:29 left in the first quarter.

As the second quarter progressed, both teams settled into the game. Ryan Coe kicked a 37-yard field goal for the Tar Heels, putting them ahead 10-7 with 7:05 left before halftime. However, the Gamecocks came back strong, scoring a touchdown on a 72-yard drive in just 1:42 to retake the lead at 14-10. The Tar Heels responded with another touchdown drive, led by Drake Maye, who completed all three of his passes for 67 yards and connected with Kobe Paysour on a 34-yard score. This put the Tar Heels back in the lead at 17-14 with 2:50 left before halftime. The UNC defense was also impressive, limiting USC to just five first-half rushing yards.

In the second half, the Tar Heels continued to dominate. Omarion Hampton scored his second rushing touchdown of the night, putting Carolina up by two scores at 24-14 with 11:35 left in the third quarter. Maye then connected with John Copenhaver for an 18-yard touchdown pass, making the score 31-14 Tar Heels with 6:29 remaining in the third quarter.

Despite intercepting two of Maye’s passes in the second half, South Carolina was only able to score a field goal, cutting the lead to 31-17. The Gamecocks made one final push into UNC territory in the fourth quarter but were unable to score and gave up the ball on downs with 3:23 left to play.

North Carolina takes on in-state rival App State next Saturday at Kenan Stadium. Kickoff is set for 5:15 pm.

"Battle of the Carolinas" Highlights Saturday Slate

11:04 AM

With ESPN's College Gameday in Charlotte this weekend, the "Battle of the Carolinas" highlights what is an exciting opening weekend of college football in North Carolina. The Duke's Mayo Classic will see the North Carolina Tar Heels and the South Carolina Gamecocks battling Saturday night in Bank of America Stadium.

While the Tar Heels and Gamecocks don’t play each other often enough to sustain a heated rivalry like UNC has with Duke and NC State, this game is still an opportunity for both teams to set their teams on a trajectory toward success in 2023 while also getting a chance to represent their respective states. The game encompasses so much more than just football, it’s a chance to celebrate the history and culture of both North and South Carolina.

One key player to watch in this game is North Carolina’s sophomore quarterback Drake Maye. Maye is one of college football’s top returning players this fall and is heavily involved in early Heisman projections.

This game promises to be an exciting and hard-fought battle between two talented teams. Fans from both states will be eagerly watching to see who comes out on top in this year’s “Battle of the Carolinas.”

Other Big Games

East Carolina at Michigan: East Carolina opens its season at No. 2 Michigan. Under fifth-year head coach Mike Houston, East Carolina closed the 2022 season winning five of its last seven games before finishing with an 8-5 overall record. The Pirates became bowl-eligible for the second consecutive season and earned their 10th bowl victory in program history with a 53-29 win over Coastal Carolina in the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl. Saturday’s game against Michigan will mark the third time the Pirates have faced a team ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in the Associated Press poll.

Gardner Webb at Appalachian State: The Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs head up the mountain to take on the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Kidd Brewer Stadium. App State, which is 9-1 against FCS teams since its FBS transition in 2014, is facing a ranked FCS team for the first time since the Mountaineers’ final SoCon season in 2013. This game will kick off at 3:30 and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Greensboro at Guilford: Greensboro College plays against crosstown rival Guilford College in the 23rd edition of the Gate City Soup Bowl Saturday at 7. Fans are encouraged to wear crimson as it is the football team’s BLEED CRIMSON game. Fans who bring three canned goods received free admission into the game, as part of a canned food drive to benefit Second Harvest and Greensboro Urban Ministries.


Wednesday, December 14, 2022

NC State to Take on Maryland in Duke's Mayo Bowl

5:45 PM

CHARLOTTE - NC State (8-4) faces Maryland (7-5) on Dec. 30 in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte at noon on ESPN. The overall series record between NC State and Maryland stands exactly even at 33-33-4. The Wolfpack and the Terps met every year on the gridiron from 1956 until Maryland’s departure from the ACC following the 2013 season.

This is NC State’s 34th bowl appearance (17-15-1) and will mark the fourth time the Wolfpack has played a bowl game in Bank of America Stadium. The Wolfpack won the 2005 Meineke Car Care Bowl and the 2011 Belk Bowl and lost the 2015 Belk Bowl.

In 2005, NC State turned in a storybook ending to a rollercoaster season with a 14-0 victory over South Florida on New Year’s Eve. The defense, led by bowl MVP Stephen Tulloch, shut out the Bulls in USF’s first bowl game appearance in school history. It marked the only shutout in a bowl that year and the first ever by the Wolfpack.

In 2011, the Wolfpack scored 24 unanswered points in the second and third quarters to overwhelm Louisville in the 2011 win. Quarterback Mike Glennon, who completed 21 of 33 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns, was named the MVP of the game.

In 2015, Mississippi State - behind QB Dak Prescott - won 51-28 over the Wolfpack in the soggy Belk Bowl. 

In addition to the three bowl games the Wolfpack has played in Bank of America Stadium, it’s also played four regular season contests in that venue. The Wolfpack closed out the regular season versus East Carolina in Charlotte in 1996 (L, 29-50) and in 2005 (W, 52-14). In 1998 and 1999, NC State and UNC moved their matchup to the stadium. The Wolfpack fell in both of those contests, a 34-37 overtime shootout in Torry Holt’s last regular season game and a 6-10 loss the following year. NC State opened the 2017 campaign at BoA Stadium versus South Carolina in the Belk College Kickoff Game, losing by a touchdown to South Carolina (28-35).

Coach Dave Doeren has now led NC State to more bowl games than any coach in school history.


All-Time Record Between NC State and Maryland

DateLocationNCSUMD
11/30/2013Raleigh, NC2141
10/20/2012College Park, MD2018
11/26/2011Raleigh, NC5641
11/27/2010College Park, MD3138
11/7/2009Raleigh, NC3831
10/25/2008College Park, MD2427
11/24/2007Raleigh, NC037
10/21/2006College Park, MD2026
11/26/2005Raleigh, NC2014
10/16/2004College Park, MD133
11/22/2003Raleigh, NC2426
11/9/2002College Park, MD2124
11/17/2001Raleigh, NC1923
11/4/2000College Park, MD2835
11/6/1999Raleigh, NC3017
11/21/1998College Park, MD3521
11/8/1997Raleigh, NC4528
10/5/1996College Park, MD348
11/4/1995Raleigh, NC1330
11/5/1994College Park, MD4745
11/13/1993Raleigh, NC4421
9/12/1992College Park, MD1410
11/23/1991Raleigh, NC2017
9/22/1990College Park, MD1213
9/2/1989Raleigh, NC106
9/24/1988College Park, MD2630
9/26/1987Raleigh, NC4214
9/27/1986College Park, MD2816
10/5/1985Raleigh, NC1731
10/13/1984College Park, MD2144
11/19/1983Raleigh, NC629
9/25/1982College Park, MD623
9/26/1981Raleigh, NC934
11/1/1980College Park, MD024
10/13/1979Raleigh, NC70
10/7/1978College Park, MD731
10/1/1977Raleigh, NC2420
10/9/1976Raleigh, NC616
10/11/1975College Park, MD2237
10/26/1974College Park, MD1020
10/13/1973Raleigh, NC2422
9/9/1972Raleigh, NC2424
9/18/1971College Park, MD735
10/24/1970Norfolk, VA60
9/27/1969College Park, MD247
10/26/1968Raleigh, NC3111
10/14/1967College Park, MD319
11/5/1966Raleigh, NC2421
10/23/1965College Park, MD297
10/3/1964Raleigh, NC1413
9/21/1963College Park, MD3614
10/6/1962Raleigh, NC614
11/11/1961College Park, MD710
10/8/1960Raleigh, NC1310
12/5/1959College Park, MD2833
9/27/1958Raleigh, NC621
9/28/1957College Park, MD4813
11/22/1956Raleigh, NC1425
11/6/1954College Park, MD1442
11/17/1951College Park, MD053
10/21/1950College Park, MD1613
10/22/1949Raleigh, NC614
11/29/1947College Park, MD00
11/30/1946Raleigh, NC287
11/15/1924College Park, MD00
11/17/1923Raleigh, NC1226
11/30/1922Raleigh, NC67
11/24/1921Baltimore, MD66
11/3/1917Washington, DC106
10/30/1909Raleigh, NC310

Thursday, December 30, 2021

UNC Drops Duke's Mayo Bowl to South Carolina

2:56 PM

CHARLOTTE – The North Carolina Tar Heels fell to the South Carolina Gamecocks, 38-21, in the Duke's Mayo Bowl on Thursday afternoon in Bank of America Stadium.

Dakereon Joyner was a perfect 9 of 9 for 160 yards and a touchdown for South Carolina. The MVP of the game also added 64 yards on the ground. Jaheim Bell got the party started for the Gamecocks with two 60+ yard touchdowns in the first quarter. 

Sam Howell was 12 of 20 on the day for 205 yards and one touchdown. British Brooks led the Tar Heels on the ground with 72 yards and a score. Cedric Gray paced the Tar Heel defense with thirteen tackles and a sack. Cam'Ron Kelly and Power Echols also had double-digit tackles for UNC on the afternoon.

South Carolina improves its win total by five with the win in today's bowl. With the loss, North Carolina falls to 6-7 on the season. The Tar Heels will open the 2022 season against Florida A&M. 


Friday, September 3, 2021

App State Downs ECU in Duke's Mayo Classic

1:30 AM

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Country music star and App State alum Luke Combs will perform Saturday at The Rock, with fans filling Kidd Brewer Stadium for his highly anticipated concert.  

Consider his song-leading cameo in a triumphant App State locker room at Bank of America Stadium on Thursday night a memorable warmup.

"I'm pretty parched right now," App State head coach Shawn Clark said to open his postgame press conference. "Had a chance to sing with Luke Combs in the locker room, so I enjoyed that."

Playing at the home of the NFL's Carolina Panthers, the Mountaineers had mayo-covered mojo on their side as they went on a roll to claim a big lead and post a 33-19 victory against East Carolina of the American Athletic Conference. A crowd of 36,752 was on hand as App State built a 33-9 lead in the Duke's Mayo Classic.

Chase Brice was nearly flawless through three quarters, throwing for 259 yards with touchdowns to Thomas Hennigan (114 receiving yards) and Corey Sutton, who each increased their career totals to 18 TD catches apiece. A new-look offensive line paved the way for two App State backs to surpass 100 rushing yards, as Nate Noel had 126 on 15 carries and Camerun Peoples scored twice on a 14-carry, 100-yard night.

Defensively, Ryan Huff came up with a key interception and the Mountaineers recorded four sacks, including 1.5 from Brendan Harrington. Nick Hampton and Tim Frizzell had back-to-back sacks leading up to Huff's pick, Tommy Dawkins Jr. teamed with Harrington on one sack and D'Marco Jackson was App State's leading tackler with eight stops.

"I'm very proud of our team tonight," Clark said. "We had a goal of being 1-0, and we've had a lot of things going on throughout the year, and we made our mind up early that we were going to go out early and play the App State brand of football and not let anybody dictate to us how we're going to run our offense, defense or special teams. We played complementary football."

App State (1-0) took the lead for good, moving ahead 7-6, as Brice connected on a deep throw to Hennigan for a 34-yard touchdown with 6:24 remaining in the first quarter. In the final minute of the period, the Mountaineers extended their lead thanks to a 21-yard touchdown run from Peoples, and Chandler Staton added a pair of field goals (21 yards, 43 yards) in the second quarter to produce a 20-6 halftime lead.

The end of the half wasn't without drama, though, as back-to-back sacks from Hampton and Frizzell forced a Hail Mary attempt. With three App State receivers back deep, Hennigan tipped the ball up in the middle of a crowd that had gathered near the goal line. Huff wrapped two hands around the ball before there was a pileup, and the officials ruled the play a touchdown after an ECU receiver emerged with the ball, but a review overturned the on-field call and awarded Huff with an interception.

ECU opened the third quarter with a 38-yard field goal, but App State responded immediately, starting with Brice's 68-yard completion to Hennigan on first down. On the next snap, Brice threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Sutton, who missed all of last season while rehabbing a 2019 injury. He scored for the first time since Nov. 23, 2019.

App State had an opportunity to stretch the lead to an even bigger margin, as Anderson Castle recovered a fumbled kickoff following big hits from Logan Doublin and Tyler Bird. The Mountaineers' only turnover of the night spoiled that opportunity, and ECU (0-1) managed to add a field goal and a touchdown in the closing minutes.








Story courtesy App State Strategic Communications


Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Turnovers Doom Wake Forest in Duke's Mayo Bowl

7:00 PM


CHARLOTTE - Wake Forest jumped out to an early two-touchdown lead over Wisconsin on Wednesday afternoon, but four second-half interceptions were too much to overcome as the Demon Deacons fell in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte, 42-28.


All of the scoring for Wake Forest was by players who played their prep ball in North Carolina. Former Hertford County standout Jaquarii Roberson had a stellar day, hauling in eight catches for 131 yards. His three scoring catches tied a bowl record. Former East Forsyth Eagle Christian-Beal Smith had the other touchdown for the Demon Deacons.


Wake Forest is now 15-12 in neutral site games in Charlotte and 2-1 in Charlotte-based bowls games, winning the 2007 Meineke Car Care Bowl and the 20017 Belk Bowl. The Demon Deacons are now 4-12 against Big Ten opponents. Wake Forest has now played in five straight bowl games for the first time in program history.


Wake Forest head coach Dave Clawson

"First off, congratulations to Wisconsin. Football is usually a game where the team that makes the fewest mistakes wins. They made a lot less mistakes than us and they played much better fundamental football. I am proud of the way we competed to the very end. I thought our guys battled physically, but we just made too many fatal mistakes to overcome. A blocked punt that leads to a touchdown; we take a lead in the third quarter and then we give up a 59-yard kickoff return. We threw four interceptions in the last 17 or 18 minutes of the game. We had some violations on defense in the play-action game. What happened was a very good, hard fought and competitive game got out of hand because of all the turnovers and special teams miscues. We just made way too many mistakes to win the football game. Again, congratulations to Wisconsin. I certainly want to thank our coaches, staff, and players for the commitment they have made since July. I want to thank Danny Morrison and the Charlotte Sports Foundation for inviting us to play in their bowl game, and the Panthers and Duke's Mayo for their sponsorship of this event. Again, we did a lot of good things. We moved the football. It is not too often you outgain a team 518 to 266 and lose the game. But when you throw four picks, you are not going to ever overcome that. I am disappointed, but proud of the effort. We'll learn from it, grow from it and hopefully be a better program in 2021 because of it."


 



Friday, October 30, 2020

ACC Football Championship Game Set for Dec. 19

11:12 AM

GREENSBORO, N.C. (theACC.com) – The 2020 Atlantic Coast Conference Football Championship Game will be played Saturday, Dec. 19, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Game time will be announced no later than Dec. 7 and the game will be televised by either ABC or ESPN. 

This year, the ACC Championship Game will feature the league’s top two teams based upon the highest winning percentage in conference games. More information on the ACC’s tiebreaker procedures can be found here.  

Capacity for the event will comply with North Carolina state and local regulations, which currently allows for seven percent capacity at outdoor venues of greater than 10,000 fans. Further information on seating capacity and tickets locations will be updated on theACC.com as it becomes available. 

The 2020 ACC Football season began Sept. 10 with each of the 15 schools playing an 11-game schedule (10 conference games, one non-conference game) over a 13-week period. At the mid-point of the ACC season, 48 of the 52 scheduled games (92.3 percent) have been played. Three conference games were rescheduled and one non-conference opponent has been replaced. All 15 teams still have the opportunity to play an 11-game regular season.

Bank of America Stadium, home of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, has been the site of nine of the last 10 ACC Football Championship Games. In 2018, the ACC and the Charlotte Sports Foundation reached an agreement to keep the game in Charlotte through 2030.

The winner of the conference championship game has gone on to play in the National Championship Game or compete in the College Football Playoff in each of the previous six seasons.

Sunday, December 8, 2019

2019 NCCFB Bowl Game Matchups Finalized

3:54 PM

Appalachian State (12-1)
New Orleans Bowl
Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Atlanta, Georgia
Saturday, December 21st
Kickoff: 9pm
Opponent: UAB (9-4, CUSA)
TV: ESPN




Wake Forest (8-4)
Pinstripe Bowl
Yankee Stadium
Bronx, New York
Saturday, December 27th
Kickoff: 3pm
Opponent: Michigan State (6-6, B1G)
TV: ESPN




Charlotte (7-5)
Bahamas Bowl
Thomas Robinson Stadium
Nassau, Bahamas
Friday, December 20th
Kickoff: 2pm
Opponent: Buffalo (7-5, MAC)
TV: ESPN





North Carolina (6-6)
Military Bowl
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
Annapolis, Maryland
Friday, December 27th
Kickoff: 12pm
Opponent: Temple (8-4, AAC)
TV: ESPN





North Carolina A&T (8-3)
Celebration Bowl
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta, Georgia
Saturday, December 21st
Kickoff: 12pm
Opponent: Alcorn State (9-3, SWAC)
TV: ABC





Belk Bowl
Virginia Tech (8-4, ACC) vs Kentucky (7-5, SEC)
Bank of America Stadium
Charlotte, North Carolina
December 31st
Kickoff: 12pm
TV: ESPN

Friday, April 6, 2018

ACC Announces 10-Year Extension with Charlotte as Football Championship Game Host Site

4:21 PM
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – The Atlantic Coast Conference and the Charlotte Sports Foundation have reached a 10-year agreement that will keep the Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game in Charlotte through the 2030 season, ACC Commissioner John Swofford announced Thursday.

The Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game will continue to be played at Bank of America Stadium, home of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers and site of seven of the last eight conference title games. Charlotte is also scheduled to host the 2018, 2019 and 2020 championship games.

“Charlotte has been a tremendous home for the Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game and we’re pleased to announce the Queen City as our championship destination through 2030,” said Swofford. “With the outstanding efforts by the Charlotte Sports Foundation, Carolina Panthers and city of Charlotte, our game has grown into one of the premier sporting events in the country. We look forward every year to this annual celebration of ACC Football.”

The Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game has sold out at Bank of America Stadium four of the previous seven games, including last year’s matchup in which 74,372 watched No. 1 Clemson defeat No. 7 Miami, 38-3. The seven previous ACC Football Championship Games in Charlotte have averaged more than 70,000 fans per game. The game’s attendance record is 74,514 for the 2015 contest between Clemson and North Carolina, which also set an attendance record for Bank of America Stadium. Over the last eight years, the ACC ranks second among all conferences in attendance at its football championship games.

“We are very excited that the Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game will call Charlotte home through the end of the next decade,” stated Johnny Harris, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Charlotte Sports Foundation. “The ACC, Charlotte and the Charlotte Sports Foundation have proven to have a wonderful partnership. The Charlotte Sports Foundation’s mission is to attract major sporting events that enhance the quality of life in Charlotte. Hosting the prestigious Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game each year is a cornerstone of our foundation. We are thrilled the community has proven to embrace the game and events surrounding it. The ACC has truly found a home in Charlotte.”

“The Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game is one of the most exciting events in college football each year, and we are honored that Charlotte will host the game that has become the gateway to the College Football Playoff through 2030,” said Will Webb, Executive Director of the Charlotte Sports Foundation. “We are very proud of the city of Charlotte and the surrounding community for proving that this is the best home for the championship game. We are committed to continuing our efforts to bolster community support around this premier event. We are delighted that Commissioner Swofford and the ACC have made Charlotte the home of the Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game for many years to come!”

The Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Games in 2021-2030 will be held on the first Saturday in December.

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Florida State Downs Georgia Tech to Win Third Straight ACC Title

12:30 AM
Chuck Burton (AP)
Florida State (13-0) extended its win streak to twenty-nine games as if captured its third straight ACC title on Saturday night at Charlotte's Bank of American Stadium. Led by freshman Dalvin Cook’s 177 rushing yards (most by a freshman in ACC Championship game history), the Atlantic Division champion Seminoles defeated Coastal Division champs Georgia Tech 37-35 in front of a crowd of 64,808.


Chuck Burton (AP)
Defending Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston became the first quarterback to have two three-hundred yard passing games in the ACC title game. Winston is still to lose a game as a college quarterback, leading the Seminoles to twenty-six consecutive wins.


Chuck Burton (AP)
Quarterback Justin Thomas led the Georgia Tech rushing attack with 104 yards, the most by a quarterback in ACC Championship game history. Synjyn Days of Georgia Tech scored three touchdowns for the Yellow Jackets in the game, doubling his scores for the year.

Score by Quarter


1
2
3
4
Total
Florida State
7
21
3
6
37
Georgia Tech
14
7
7
7
35

 Scoring Summary


Qtr

Time

Scoring Play

V-H

1st
09:50
GT - Days, S. 1 yd run (Butker, H. kick), 8-71 3:48
0 - 7

07:42
FSU - O'Leary, N. 46 yd pass from Winston, J. (Aguayo, R. kick), 5-74 2:03
7 - 7

01:45
GT - Days, S. 1 yd run (Butker, H. kick), 11-75 5:50
7 - 14
2nd
14:10
FSU - Cook, D. 1 yd run (Aguayo, R. kick), 7-75 2:30
14 - 14

08:02
GT - Laskey, Z. 4 yd run (Butker, H. kick), 11-75 6:08
14 - 21

05:40
FSU - Greene, R. 44 yd pass from Winston, J. (Aguayo, R. kick), 6-71 2:15
21 - 21

00:30
FSU - Greene, R. 9 yd pass from Winston, J. (Aguayo, R. kick), 10-75 1:56
28 - 21
3rd
08:01
GT - Days, S. 1 yd run (Butker, H. kick), 14-77 6:52
28 - 28

03:13
FSU - Aguayo, R. 33 yd field goal, 10-59 4:48
31 - 28
4th
10:25
FSU - Aguayo, R. 32 yd field goal, 12-75 4:46
34 - 28

04:28
FSU - Aguayo, R. 28 yd field goal, 6-36 2:55
37 - 28

01:47
GT - Waller, D. 25 yd pass from Thomas, J. (Butker, H. kick), 6-97 1:09
37 - 35

Game Statistics


FSU
GT
FIRST DOWNS
24
28
 Rushing
12
19
 Passing
11
8
 Penalty
1
1
NET YARDS RUSHING
179
331
 Rushing Attempts
33
59
 Average Per Rush
5.4
5.6
 Rushing Touchdowns
1
4
 Yards Gained Rushing
186
335
 Yards Lost Rushing
7
4
NET YARDS PASSING
309
134
 Completions - Attempts - Int
21-30-0
8-14-1
 Average Per Attempt
10.3
9.6
 Average Per Completion
14.7
16.8
 Passing Touchdowns
3
1
TOTAL OFFENSE YARDS
488
465
 Total offense plays
63
73
 Average Gain Per Play
7.7
6.4
Fumbles: Number-Lost
0-0
0-0
Penalties: Number-Yards
5-45
3-20
PUNTS-YARDS
2-84
2-69
 Average Yards Per Punt
42.0
34.5
 Net Yards Per Punt
41.5
34.5
 Inside 20
1
1
 50+ Yards
0
0
 Touchbacks
0
0
 Fair catch
0
1
KICKOFFS-YARDS
8-501
5-324
 Average Yards Per Kickoff
62.6
64.8
 Net Yards Per Kickoff
41.4
39.0
 Touchbacks
5
2
Punt returns: Number-Yards-TD
0-0-0
1-1-0
 Average Per Return
0.0
1.0
Kickoff returns: Number-Yds-TD
3-79-0
3-45-0
 Average Per Return
26.3
15.0
Interceptions: Number-Yds-TD
1-4-0
0-0-0
Fumble Returns: Number-Yds-TD
0-0-0
0-0-0
Miscellaneous Yards
0
0
Possession Time
25:05
34:55
 1st Quarter
5:15
9:45
 2nd Quarter
5:08
9:52
 3rd Quarter
4:59
10:01
 4th Quarter
9:43
5:17
Third-Down Conversions
7 of 12
5 of 10
Fourth-Down Conversions
0 of 0
1 of 2
Red-Zone Scores-Chances
5-5
4-4
 Touchdowns
2-5
4-4
 Field goals
3-5
0-4
Sacks By: Number-Yards
0-0
0-0
PAT Kicks
4-4
5-5
Field Goals
3-3
0-0
Points off turnovers
0
0