20 years later - 2005 Nat Champs

[biggie]

[biggie]

Now why does 20 year old video look like it was the 80s? Man I feel old again.

[T-Dog]

That's because we are old.

My freshman year. That Furman game was epic, as was the celebration. I remember the punter jumping into duck pond in full pads and nearly drowning. Several people including myself had to get him out.

[t4pizza]

What got me about this announcement, which I have been wondering when we would do this, is that the honoring takes place after the 1st Quarter. So we get a few minutes to bring them all out, probably in the south end zone? This was the biggest deal of our FCS time and I feel the celebration should be larger, at least midfield at halftime. When Richie Williams came into that game with his bad ankle and willed us to victory, still give me goosebumps thinking about it.

[appstate24]

Got me in my feels!

My sophomore year. Man! What a time!

GO APPS!!

[Stonewall]

You are kids. And it was one heckuva ride …

[t4pizza]

What got me about this announcement, which I have been wondering when we would do this, is that the honoring takes place after the 1st Quarter. So we get a few minutes to bring them all out, probably in the south end zone? This was the biggest deal of our FCS time and I feel the celebration should be larger, at least midfield at halftime. When Richie Williams came into that game with his bad ankle and willed us to victory, still give me goosebumps thinking about it.

[Saint3333]

Zac Johnson with the catch of a lifetime and the Sticks scoop and score was one of the top ten moments of my life. I'd been going to game for 20 years or 80% of my life at that time and it was magical.

Side comment: Hunter (Sticks) starting play on special teams as a freshman and was the best wedge buster we've ever had. I used to watch him only on kickoff because you knew equipment would be flying upon impact.

[pop5app]

I had pulled so hard for the Mountaineers for so long. Lived and died after the wins and loses. It was such an intense commitment that that game sees like a dream. Doesn’t really seem real even to this day.

[BUTCH1991]

It was just surreal. When we reached that moment in the stands where we all knew the games was ours, such joy, App family hugging App family all over the stadium. More hugs from people I didn't know in those few minutes than just about hugs in my life. Unforgettable, and yes, the goosebumps still pop up.

[JTApps1]

So much excitement and joy while going on that run in 2005. It felt like a massive weight was lifted off the entire program after being the best program not to win a championship for many years. Richie inspired everyone and gave us hope before Murrell and Hunter made one of the most iconic plays in school history. Hopefully we don't have to wait too long to have that much excitement around the program again.

[appst89]

I still say that Kevin Richardson’s seven yard run on third down was one of the biggest plays in App history. That was when we knew it was finally ours.

[ncman071]

i hope our current team can use this as a little bit of motivation to come out with some inspired energy and maybe pull this one out...just worried our off line is just not gonna let that happen. anyway, i will never forget that first title....damn we are spoiled...3 national titles...that is crazy...out of all the teams in fbs/fcs/d2/3 etc....its really not that many that can say they have 3 natty's....and umpteen playoff apperances....great run of consecutive bowl wins when we moved up....

[Pikapp79]

Good times. Exciting time to be a Mountaineer.

[Bootsy]

Great to see them honor the 2005 squad at halftime tonight at Holmes, as well as tomorrow.

Not sure what the plan is for the pregame speech tomorrow, but DL would be crazy not to let one of those guys deliver it.

[appstate24]

Zac Johnson with the catch of a lifetime and the Sticks scoop and score was one of the top ten moments of my life. I'd been going to game for 20 years or 80% of my life at that time and it was magical.

Side comment: Hunter (Sticks) starting play on special teams as a freshman and was the best wedge buster we've ever had. I used to watch him only on kickoff because you knew equipment would be flying upon impact.

Brian Stokes was easily the most person I’ve ever watched on special teams. Kickoffs meant NOTHING after being in war. Other team’s players used to move out of his way.

[appfanz]

I’ve been going to games since 1972 and that Furman game remains my favorite. We were FINALLY going to play for a national championship. The rest was just icing on the cake.

[MDaniels]

I’ve been going to games since 1972 and that Furman game remains my favorite. We were FINALLY going to play for a national championship. The rest was just icing on the cake.

My favorite as well. I remember thinking oh no when Ritchie went out with ankle injury. Trey Elder comes in a throws a dime for td on first play he is in.

[fjblair]

Those years were the most magical and thrilling run in sports that I have ever experienced.