Sun Belt: Appalachian State

Appalachian State Mountaineers

2015 Results: 11-2 (7-1, 2nd in Sun Belt)

Defeated Ohio in Camellia Bowl

Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 9 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule:

September

1st at Tennessee

10th OLD DOMINION
17th MIAMI

24th at Akron

October

1st GEORGIA STATE

12th at Louisiana

22nd IDAHO

27th at Georgia Southern

November

5th TEXAS STATE

12th at Troy

19th LOUISIANA-MONROE

26th at New Mexico State

We all remember the time and where we were when Appalachian State went into the Big House and knocked off the giant that was Michigan. Around that time, the Mountaineers began to take college football by storm from the FCS level. Entering their third year as an FBS school, the Mountaineers are continuing to turn heads. In two years in the big leagues, they have went 18-7 overall with a 13-3 record in the Sun Belt. Last year, they were 11-2 with their only conference loss being to Arkansas State that ended up deciding the Sun Belt Champion. This year, they are back for more.

Appy returns six starters on offense. Junior Taylor Lamb will return for his third year calling signals. Marcus Cox will be getting the bulk of the carries for his senior campaign, but the Mountaineers return 3,032 rushing yards from a season ago. There isn't much experience when it comes to pass catching as they only return one of their top four receivers from a year ago. Senior Tight End Barrett Burns, who pulled in 8 TDs last year, is the lone returner.

The Mountaineers return almost all of their defense from last year including their top two tacklers. Linebackers Eric Boggs (104) and John Law (72) will anchor the defense in the middle. Junior Corner Back Latrell Gibbs (7 INTs) will hold down the back line that only lost one starter. The only issue from a year ago that must be corrected is rushing defense. The Mountaineers held five opponents to less than 60 yards, but gave up a combined 741 to Arkansas State, Wyoming, and South Alabama.

Player to Watch: Marcus Cox

The senior tailback will lead a deep and talented rushing attack. As one of the best backs in the conference, Cox ran for 1,423 yards just a year ago. Watch out for the same.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/17 Miami

The Hurricanes make the trip up to the mountains smack in the middle of September. This is a huge opportunity for the Mountaineers to make a statement against a Power 5 team. 

What to Expect

State gets to avoid the Red Wolves this year. Should they steal a win from either Tennessee or Miami in September, they would be in the mix for another 10-plus win season. Take care of business in conference, and they have a shot to win it.

Prediction

8-4 (6-2, Sun Belt)

-Dug

@chansm1th