We could almost write the same paragraph today as we did two weeks ago. Luckily, we have all had time to mellow out after a surprising loss to North Carolina A&T. It was Appalachian’s first home loss to an in-state non-conference opponent in a very long time. It was nearly a repeat of the week before. A sluggish offense could only muster six first half points after missing a two point conversion attempt on its first touchdown drive. More importantly, a couple of poor coaching decisions put the Mountaineers in a do or die situation at the end of the game. Late in the fourth quarter, after the Appalachian defense had done their part to keep the Aggies off the scoreboard, the Mountaineer offense decided to go for it on fourth down near midfield. The offense couldn’t stay on the field, and gave up valuable field position at a critical point in the game. The defense forced a three and out, but Appalachian was given a long field. Had the field position been better, there might have been more time left in the game to attempt a shorter field goal or possibly get in position to go ahead with a touchdown. In the first half, the Mountaineers attempted to drive the length of the field in the closing minute, but Jamal Londry-Jackson threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown. Perhaps the Mountaineers were better suited to take a 14-6 halftime deficit into halftime instead of forcing the issue which eventually backfired.

continue reading at http://bigctailgate.com/

NP

As always, I predict I'll be there until 0:00. Other than that .. NP.

Go App!

Aggie Invitational- Consolation game

Down 27
Out 17

* Out = the University of the Phoenix

After we lost the first two games of 2009, both of which I predicted the Apps to win, I used reverse psychology for the remaining games and it turned out well. Here's to trying again.

Amazing Apps of Appalachian 24
Burnt Birds of Burlington 31

fElons: 10
App: 1964

And no one steal their giant white cheerleading flag this time. And if you do, don't try to drunkenly convince me to wave it around in your stead. I didn't do it in 2011 and I certainly won't do it on Saturday.

MEN WITH LONG GUNS 18 so long burnt feathers 14

NP

APP 13

Leon 12

Defense may be enough for us to get our first win:

App 13

eLoan 10

Who knows! But here goes:

Longrifles 24
University of Phoenix Elons 21

In OT

App State - 2
Leon - 0

John Law tackles RB in end zone for safety.

APP STATE 41
ELON 19

Appalachian comes out of their funk in style!

Elon seems to have a really poor O, and a not so great D.

I give our D the ability to stop them and our O the ability to do better than A&T.

AppState = 27
Elon = 7

31-10 App

...and A change at running back with Cox playing a lot more

...sticking with Jamal--at least for a while--The hook will be short!

...this is Price's last week out

...I did not sleep in a Holiday Inn Express!

Very little hope so far.

Apps - 13
Elon - 24

This is the worst team App will face all year, Elon fans are calling for their coach's head as they appear to be on a downward slide even from last year. They can't run the ball and lack the stud WR they've had in the past. Their dline and secondary are sub par for that program as well. They do have decent linebackers.

A&T ran for 180 yards on them, it is time for our o-line to step up and pound the ball and our defense to create pressure and record half a dozen tackles for loss.

My head says Jamal will start, our defense will play well, and we run the ball a lot. That will mask the fact that Bryant is our best option to win more games this season for at least one more game.

My heart hopes that Bryant starts and we blow the doors off an inferior talented team.

If this game was going to be played under good conditions I believe that we would be trying to pound the rock in order to take pressure off the QB. By all reports we are planning to rotate several linemen in to try and nail down the starters and a better rotation. We've also got to settle on which RB is going to be the main back.

Our secondary will need to step up as we'll be seeing a pass first offense for the first time this year. Even with the lack of the go to receiver they have been spreading the ball around a lot so everybody will need to be on their toes.

My guess is that Jamal will start but if he's not improved then Kam will come in after a couple of series. No waiting until the half.

However, everything I said could change if the weather is as bad as it could be. Weather is the great equalizer. As those who were at Fan Fest will remember we put the ball on the ground several times. Hopefully our backs have been working on wet ball security as it appears they might need it.

Hoping we keep the turnovers low. Moderate rain: Us-28/Them-14. Heavy Rain: NP

Both teams are off to a rough start. The biggest danger for ASU is playing on the road with a young team. I also hope Bryant starts at QB until Jackson is healthy. Time for ASU to turn our season around. Avoid the mistakes and the Apps will prevail:

Sunbelt-bound 28
CAA-bound 17

ASU- 21

Eloan- 10