Almost three years ago, when Appalachian and East Carolina kicked off the 2009 season, much hype surrounded the game. Appalachian was one year removed from a historical three year run of national championships and the most decorated player to wear the black and gold was coming back for his senior season. East Carolina had just finished its best year under Skip Holtz, going 9-5 in 2008 and had won Conference USA’s Eastern Division. It had been thirty years since the last time the in-state foes had played. East Carolina was favored again to win Conference USA in 2009 and Appalachian was poised for their final season with Armanti Edwards. However, a decision to mow the lawn in sandals left Appalachian without their star player and for much hope of pulling off a victory. The Pirates raced to a big halftime advantage and looked to cruise to a lopsided victory. Travaris Cadet and the Mountaineers staged a furious comeback in the second half, but fell short by five points. Something else happened that day beyond what occurred on the field. The eyes of those with power witnessed something that day that is still somewhat in the works. East Carolina was amazed by the Mountaineers that showed up the day, on the field and in the stands. Appalachian sold out its allotment of tickets to alumni and students and travelled to Greenville in full force. It was later revealed that Appalachian bought more tickets than any other travelling Conference USA opponent for East Carolina that season. The landscape of college football was slowly evolving with realignments in the not so distant future. East Carolina became in interested in Appalachian and vice versa. To this day, Appalachian is still looking for the right moment to leave FCS football and East Carolina is still trying to convince the schools in their conference that Appalachian belongs in the world of FBS football. In the years since their last meeting, much has changed at both schools. Skip Holtz left for South Florida and the Pirates have struggled under Ruffin McNeill the past two seasons. Replacing Edwards and assistant coaches who slowly migrated to better situations has also been tougher than expected for Appalachian. An 8-4 season used to be the old Jerry Moore status quo from the late 90’s and early 2000’s, but that is no longer acceptable on the mountain. For Appalachian, enter an era of change that is basically the same. Our beloved former walk-on quarterback and offensive guru Scott Satterfield has returned with his up tempo offense that brought Appalachian their many accomplishments from the last decade. A group of players who did not know how to behave and some assistant coaches who surely did not help matters have also moved on. The question remains whether a different culture and a new attitude will benefit the Mountaineers as the season progresses, but we can all agree that figuring it out along the way will be plenty of fun

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Nice write up.

New blood back in Boone.

Mountaineers 27
ECU 20

Suddenly it feels like football season, so I'll ring in the 2012 prediction threads with the first N.P. response.

Not as I want due to less talent and new coaches, but hope their new QB has issues.

Apps 17
EZU 24

Thanks Big C! Awesome write up to start the year.

Anything is possible....

ASU 30 ECU 29

E C T C 35

A S T C 17

ECU 27 ASU 14

Great write up as usual BigC! I'm conflicted on this game. ASU has much to prove but 1st games of the year. But with a majority of new assistant position coaches and a young O-line......we may be conservative on the 1st few opening drives. BUT if our D is able to limit ECU's offense Satterfield may be able to game plan and change up our offense to exploit their defensive weaknesses. Hell, our guys are itching to hit someone and we have something to prove!

ASU 28
ECU 27

It's football season!!!!

Great write-up as usual. Thanks.

NP

Great writeup, as usual, Big C.

I'll refrain from a prediction but I will offer this concern. Our offensive line is still in the "needs to improve" stage, which means there will be times when ECU's defense is in our backfield. During Fanfest, our quarterbacks, both of them, were too easily dislodged from the football. Those two problems can't surface with regularity on Saturday or we're in for a long afternoon.

We went into the Michigan game with an unproven redshirt freshman replacing an all SOCON Center....

Vanguard of Hero's Side: 22
Captain Jack Sparrow: 21

Over the course of the season, I think talent will overcome youth for ASU. We have reasonable experience in our starters (other than the D-Line) but our second string is incredibly young.

I do believe ASU will overcome their challenging opening schedule and start 3-1. However, opening on the road against an FBS team in the heat with our young team is a daunting task. It's going to be a good year - just a tough start.

ECU 34
ASU 17

PS - As young as ASU is, I think it's ironic that running back seems to be our weakest position right now - where we go senior/ senior on the depth chart.

APPS- 24
ecu- 20

Too much firepower in renewed Mountaineer offense and improved defense.

ASU - 42
ECU - 24

The nation will see App State is back in business.

The old JET will be in full force down in the East. Rio "the river" will be running for his life. I don't think it will be this close but for old times sake my prediction is....

ASU- 34
ECU-32

Yosef's Gunsmoke: 34

Purple Smoke & A Toy Pirate Ship: 24

Men with Big Rifles 29

Pirates with littel guns 24

Yosef - 19
PeeDee - 38

Bearded Men With Two Eyes = 13
Bearded Men With One Eye = 31

Nice work BigC.

App: 27
Ezu: 24

McCray will get a pick. Mark my words.