NC State hosted the home opener tonight and it was ugly, 6 turnovers and pathetic offense overall. Two pick six's, one from 77 yards out and another from 46 yards out and it was an ugly game for the Wolfpack in front of the rabid Carter-Finley crowd. The score doesn't show how badly the Wolfpack couldn't tackle, couldn't cover, and couldn't compete with the Mountaineers. Great game Holmey, looks like the office at the Murph may be looking for a new head coach!
RALEIGH, NC: In a thrilling contest that showcased Appalachian State's grit and resilience, the Mountaineers emerged victorious with a 28-21 win over the NC State Wolfpack. Playing on the road, App State displayed a balanced offensive attack and a dominating defensive performance that left the Wolfpack reeling.
The first quarter saw the Mountaineers set the tone early with a 63-yard touchdown run by Kanye Roberts, putting App State ahead 7-0 with 0:41 left in the quarter. This explosive play was a sign of things to come for both teams.
In the second quarter, the Wolfpack responded with two quick scores. Grayson McCall connected with Kevin Concepcion on a 30-yard touchdown pass with 1:44 left, and then Sean Brown returned an interception 54 yards for a touchdown with 1:07 remaining, giving NC State a 14-7 lead. However, App State answered just before halftime, with Joey Aguilar finding Kanye Roberts for an 8-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 14-14 with 0:03 left in the half.
The third quarter saw the Mountaineers' defense take over, delivering two game-changing interceptions. Andre Hamilton returned a pick 77 yards for a touchdown with 5:32 left, followed shortly by Jordan Favors with a 46-yard interception return with 4:47 remaining. These defensive scores pushed App State ahead 28-14, a lead they would not relinquish.
In the fourth quarter, the Wolfpack attempted a comeback with a late 4-yard touchdown pass from Grayson McCall to Reid Mitchel, closing the gap to 28-21 with 1:14 remaining. However, it was too little, too late, as the Mountaineers' defense held firm in the final moments to secure the win.
App State's offense accumulated 255 total yards, with 133 yards on the ground and 122 yards through the air. NC State had 387 total yards, including 110 rushing yards and 277 passing yards. The Mountaineers forced six turnovers, including five interceptions and one fumble recovery, while the Wolfpack managed only one turnover. App State struggled on third downs, converting only 3 of 9 attempts, while NC State converted 4 of 7 attempts. The Mountaineers capitalized on their lone red zone trip with a touchdown, while the Wolfpack also scored on their only red zone opportunity. App State controlled the clock, holding possession for 15:30 compared to NC State's 12:30.
Kanye Roberts was a standout performer, scoring two touchdowns, including a 63-yard run and an 8-yard reception. Joey Aguilar managed the game efficiently, throwing for 122 yards and one touchdown. Andre Hamilton and Jordan Favors were pivotal on defense, each returning interceptions for touchdowns, swinging the momentum firmly in App State's favor.
The victory marks a significant achievement for Appalachian State, demonstrating their ability to compete with higher-ranked opponents. With this win, the Mountaineers continue to build momentum, showcasing a blend of offensive prowess and defensive strength that will be crucial as they move forward in the season. As the team heads back to Boone, the fans can celebrate a well-earned victory, proud of a performance that exemplifies the Mountaineer spirit and determination.
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