BOONE, N.C. – Appalachian State returns to the practice field on Sunday night to prepare for their home opener next Saturday against Old Dominion. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. at Kidd Brewer Stadium. The American Sports Network (ASN) will have the telecast.
The word “bounce” has been oft used by the national media to describe the Mountaineers' overtime loss on Thursday night at Tennessee. Defensive end Kennan Gilchrist blasted UT quarterback Josh Dobbs at the goalline in overtime, leading to a Vols' fumble recovery for a touchdown. The only score in overtime in a 20-13 overtime loss for the Apps.
Appalachian never trailed in regulation and led for almost 40 minutes in the loss. App State proved it was worthy of its preseason Sun Belt favorite nod and could very well be deserving of the USA Today's ranking that had the Mountaineers placed ahead of almost half the SEC, but now its App State's turn to bounce…back.
“When you get this close like we did down (Knoxville) and not finish it off, you will learn from it,” App State Head Coach Scott Satterfield said after the game on Thursday. “We went toe-to-toe with one of the better teams in the country, and we're are proud of that fact, but we want to win football games. We will learn from this loss. It hurts, but we will come back strong next week.”
App did a number of things well in the win. The Mountaineers outrushed Tennessee's spread offense 196-161 and held Tennessee to 319 total yards (296 in regulation). Linebacker Eric Boggs was all over the field with 12 tackles for a defense that combined for two sacks, two forced fumbles, and five tackles for loss.
The Apps have Friday and Saturday off before practicing on Sunday evening. Media Availability is following Tuesday and Wednesday practices.
COX RECORD: Marcus Cox owns the App State school record for 100-yard game in a career. He now has 23 career 100-yard games, passing John Settle ('83-'86). He also had a 33-yard TD reception.
UP NEXT – App State faces Old Dominion in their home opener on Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. The teams met last season in Norfolk, Va. App State rolled 49-0 behind four Taylor Lamb TD passes and a back-breaking 77-yard fumble return for a TD by Devan Stringer to push it to a 21-0 lead in the second quarter.
WHITEOUT (Four tickets for $112) – App State's home opener against Old Dominion is a “Whiteout” and tickets are still available. To recognize the success of last year's Camellia Bowl Champions team that went 11-2, a four pack of reserved tickets is available for $112, a savings of $48 off the regular price. The promotion runs through Wednesday.To match a new uniform combination by the team, fans can purchase gear for 20% off with promo code 16whiteout at http://shop.appstatesports.com.
HALL OF FAME PACK — Buy four "best available" reserved tickets for only $112. Purchase tickets online by clicking HERE, by phone (828) 262-2079, or in person at the Appalachian State Athletics Ticket Office at the Holmes Center. In addition, fans who purchase the Hall of Fame Pack can also add a $20 ticket to Louisiana Monroe (Nov. 19) to their order.
ODU's OPENER MOVED – Old Dominion will come to town on short rest on Saturday. The Monarchs' home opener with FCS Hampton was pushed back to Sunday as Tropical Storm Hermine rolled up the Atlantic Coast. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. in Norfolk, Va. And can been seen on CUSA TV.
-App State-
