Appalachian State Mountaineers
Southern
Nothing compares with Appalachian State’s historic 34-32 victory over Michigan in 2007. Of course, that same season, quarterback Armanti Edwards subsequently led the Mountaineers to their third consecutive FCS national title, but this season’s triumph at Georgia Southern (November 3) was among the school’s biggest. Had App State lost that contest, its streak of sharing at least a tie of the league title would have ended. Plus, it got the Mountaineers another berth in the playoffs. This might not be Appalachian State’s best team, but it still has plenty of firepower and is a legitimate contender.
2012 Record: 8-3, 6-2
Coach: Jerry Moore
Big Wins: 9/8 Montana (35-27), 11/3 at Georgia Southern (31-28)
Bad Losses: 9/15 The Citadel (28-52), 10/20 Wofford (28-38)
Strengths:
Jamal Jackson ranks among the nation’s top 30 in virtually every category for a quarterback with 2,905 passing yards (ninth - 264.1 ypg), 3,239 yards of total offense (12th - 294.5 ypg), a 146.2 pass-efficiency rating (18th), 235 completions (22nd - 21.4 pg) and 144 points responsible for (29th - 13.1 pg) and leads the Southern Conference in passing yardage and total offense. Sam Martin has provided the Mountaineers with outstanding kicking, too. He ranks fourth nationally with a 45.5-yard average, second highest in school history. In the Furman victory, he made 4-of-4 field goals, too.
Weaknesses:
With as many as eight defensive starters returning, Appalachian State expected this to be a strength. It hasn’t been. Before Saturday’s action, the Mountaineers were ranked 92nd nationally in total defense (412 yards per game). In rushing defense, Appalachian State was 100th, yielding 199 yards per game. Of course, it did face three of the top rushing teams in the nation: The Citadel, Wofford and Georgia Southern. But the passing defense hasn’t been there either (59th, 213.5 ypg).
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Steven Miller, RB, 1,307 yards
Passing: Jamal Jackson, QB, 2,905 yards
Receiving: Sean Price, WR, 1,029 yards
Tackles: Jeremy Kimbrough, LB, 128
Sacks: Brandon Grier, LB, 6.0
Interceptions: Demetrius McCray, DB, 4
2012 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 181.09 (35th in nation, 4th in conference)
Passing Offense: 285.64 (13, 2)
Total Offense: 466.73 (10, 2)
Scoring Offense: 32.55 (24, 3)
Rushing Defense: 199.18 (100, 6)
Pass Defense: 213.55 (59, 8)
Total Defense: 412.73 (92, 8)
Scoring Defense: 28.55 (72, 6)
Turnover Margin: 0.55 (27, 4)
Sacks: 2.27 (37, 4)
Sacks Allowed: 2.00 (59, 5)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
2011 Second Round Lost to Maine
2010 Second Round Defeated Western Illinois
2010 Quarterfinals Lost to Villanova
2009 First Round Defeated South Carolina State
2009 Quarterfinals Defeated Richmond
2009 Semifinals Lost to Montana
2008 First Round Defeated South Carolina State
2008 Quarterfinals Lost to Richmond
2007 First Round Defeated James Madison
2007 Quarterfinals Defeated Eastern Washington
2007 Semifinals Defeated Richmond
2007 Championship Defeated Delaware
2006 First Round Defeated Coastal Carolina
2006 Quarterfinals Defeated Montana State
2006 Semifinals Defeated Youngstown State
2006 Championship Defeated Massachusetts
2005 First Round Defeated Lafayette
2005 Quarterfinals Defeated Southern Illinois
2005 Semifinals Defeated Furman
2005 Championship Defeated Northern Iowa
2002 First Round Lost to Maine
2001 First Round Defeated William & Mary
2001 Quarterfinals Lost to Georgia Southern
2000 First Round Defeated Troy
2000 Quarterfinals Defeated Western Kentucky
2000 Semifinals Lost to Montana
1999 First Round Lost to Florida A&M
1998 First Round Defeated Tennessee State
1998 Quarterfinals Lost to Northwestern State
1995 First Round Defeated James Madison
1995 Quarterfinals Lost to Stephen F. Austin
1994 First Round Defeated New Hampshire
1994 Quarterfinals Lost to Boise State
1992 First Round Lost to Middle Tennessee State
1991 First Round Lost to Eastern Kentucky
1989 First Round Lost to Middle Tennessee State
1987 First Round Defeated Richmond
1987 Quarterfinals Defeated Georgia Southern
1987 Semifinals Lost to Marshall
1986 First Round Lost to Nicholls State
*all team stats through 11/10
