2019 Appalachian State Mountaineers football team

2019 Appalachian State Mountaineers football
2019 Appalachian State Mountaineers football
Sun Belt champion; Sun Belt East Division champion; New Orleans Bowl champion
Sun Belt Championship Game, W 45–38 vs. Louisiana
New Orleans Bowl, W 31–17 vs. UAB
Conference	Sun Belt Conference
	East Division
Ranking
Coaches	No. 18
AP	No. 19
Record	13–1 (7–1 Sun Belt)
Head coach	Eliah Drinkwitz (1st season; regular season); Shawn Clark (interim; bowl game);
Offensive scheme	Multiple
Defensive coordinator	Ted Roof (1st season)
Base defense	4–3
Home stadium	Kidd Brewer Stadium
	Seasons ← 2018 2020 →

2019 Sun Belt Conference football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
East Division
No. 19 Appalachian State x$	7	–	1	13	–	1
Georgia Southern	5	–	3	7	–	6
Georgia State	4	–	4	7	–	6
Troy	3	–	5	5	–	7
Coastal Carolina	2	–	6	5	–	7
West Division
Louisiana x	7	–	1	11	–	3
Arkansas State	5	–	3	8	–	5
Louisiana–Monroe	4	–	4	5	–	7
Texas State	2	–	6	3	–	9
South Alabama	1	–	7	2	–	10
Championship: Appalachian State 45, Louisiana 38
$ – Conference champion x – Division champion/co-champions Rankings from AP Poll

The 2019 Appalachian State Mountaineers football team represented Appalachian State University during the 2019 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Mountaineers were led by first-year head coach Eliah Drinkwitz through the team's win in the Sun Belt Conference Championship Game, after which he left to fill the head coaching vacancy at Missouri.^[1] Shawn Clark led the team during their bowl game appearance. Appalachian State played their home games at Kidd Brewer Stadium on the school's Boone, North Carolina, campus, and competed as a member of the East Division of the Sun Belt Conference.

Preseason

Recruiting

The Mountaineers signed 18 recruits.^[2]

US college sports recruiting information for 2019 recruits
Name	Hometown	High school / college	Height	Weight	Commit date
Brendan Harrington S	Pittsboro, North Carolina	Northwood	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	205 lb (93 kg)	Dec 16, 2018
Brendan Harrington S	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
Jourdan Heilig OLB	Concord, North Carolina	Concord	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	200 lb (91 kg)	Jun 26, 2018
Jourdan Heilig OLB	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
Tre Caldwell CB	Greensboro, North Carolina	Southeast Guilford	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)	194 lb (88 kg)	Jun 14, 2018
Tre Caldwell CB	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
Nicholas Ross S	Marietta, Georgia	Carlton J. Kell	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)	175 lb (79 kg)	Jun 19, 2018
Nicholas Ross S	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
Luke Smith DT	Lebanon, Tennessee	Friendship Christian	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	290 lb (130 kg)	Feb 19, 2018
Luke Smith DT	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
Dashaun Davis ATH	Deerfield Beach, Florida	Deerfield Beach	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)	160 lb (73 kg)	Jun 21, 2018
Dashaun Davis ATH	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: 247Sports:
Ricky Kofoed TE	Charlotte, North Carolina	Charlotte Christian	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	221 lb (100 kg)	Jul 25, 2018
Ricky Kofoed TE	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
Lyle Hiers OT	Lake Wales, Florida	Lake Wales	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	275 lb (125 kg)	Jun 21, 2018
Lyle Hiers OT	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
Christian Wells WR	Fort Lauderdale, Florida	University School	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	170 lb (77 kg)	Jun 22, 2018
Christian Wells WR	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
Milan Tucker CB	Fort Myers, Florida	Fort Myers	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)	163 lb (74 kg)	Jun 25, 2018
Milan Tucker CB	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
KeSean Brown OLB	Bamberg, South Carolina	Bamberg-Ehrhardt	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	210 lb (95 kg)	Jan 21, 2019
KeSean Brown OLB	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
Larry Dowdy OT	Belmont, North Carolina	South Point	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	280 lb (130 kg)	Jan 30, 2019
Larry Dowdy OT	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
David Baldwin QB	Bradenton, Florida	IMG Academy	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	214 lb (97 kg)	Feb 6, 2019
David Baldwin QB	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
Christian Johnstone LS	Lawrenceville, Georgia	Archer	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	240 lb (110 kg)	Feb 6, 2019
Christian Johnstone LS	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: 247Sports:
Craig McFarland OT	Scottsdale, Arizona	Chaparral	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	275 lb (125 kg)	Feb 6, 2019
Craig McFarland OT	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
Benjamin Williams ATH	Charlotte, North Carolina	Charlotte Christian	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)	185 lb (84 kg)	Feb 6, 2019
Benjamin Williams ATH	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: 247Sports:
Emmanuel Jenkins CB	Canton, Georgia	Sequoyah	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	200 lb (91 kg)	Feb 6, 2019
Emmanuel Jenkins CB	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: 247Sports:
Raykwon Anderson CB	Folkston, Georgia	Charlton County	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)	167 lb (76 kg)	Feb 6, 2019
Raykwon Anderson CB	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
Overall recruiting rankings: 247Sports: 118
Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "Appalachian StateFootball commits". Rivals.com. Retrieved January 22, 2019. "ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 22, 2019. "2019 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved January 22, 2019.

Personnel

Coaching staff

App State football current coaching staff^[3]
Name	Position	Alma Mater	Years at App State
Eliah Drinkwitz	Head Coach	Arkansas Tech University	1st
Ted Roof	Defensive Coordinator/Inside Linebackers	Georgia Institute of Technology	1st
Shawn Clark	Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line	Appalachian State University	4th
Greg Gasparato	Safeties	Wofford College	2nd
Charlie Harbison	Cornerbacks	Gardner–Webb University	1st
Erik Link	Special Teams Coordinator	Drake University	1st
Garrett Riley	Running Backs	Texas Tech University	1st
D. J. Smith	Outside Linebackers	Appalachian State University	2nd
Anwar Stewart	Defensive Line	University of Kentucky	1st
Pat Washington	Wide Receivers	Auburn University	1st
Justin Watts	Tight Ends/Recruiting Coordinator	Clemson University	5th

Roster

2019 Appalachian State Mountaineers football roster

Quarterback

7 Jacob Huesman – junior (6'3, 203)
9 Jackson Gibbs – sophomore (6'1, 193)
10 Tanner Wilson – sophomore (6'2, 225)
12 Zac Thomas – junior (6'1, 200)

Running back

3 Darrynton Evans – junior (5'11, 191)
6 Camerun Peoples – freshman (6'2, 202)
19 Daetrich Harrington – sophomore (6'0, 184)
22 D'Andre Hicks – sophomore (5'10, 178)
26 Marcus Williams Jr. – junior (5'10, 200)

Wide receiver

2 Corey Sutton – junior (6'3, 205)
5 Thomas Hennigan – junior (6'1, 206)
11 Jalen Virgil – junior (6'1, 206)
14 Malik Williams – junior (5'10, 183)
21 Dysaun Razzak – freshman (5'7, 152)
80 AJ Hall – freshman (6'1, 200)
81 Braden Collins – freshman (6'2, 197)
82 Richard Tucker – freshman (6'0, 180)
83 Jake Henry – sophomore (5'11, 180)
85 Michael Queen – junior (6'1, 200)
- Dashaun Davis – freshman (5'10, 155)

Tight end

35 Miller Gibbs – freshman (6'4, 219)
84 Mike Evans – junior (6'3, 239)
84 Joe Hartung – sophomore (6'3, 256)
86 Trey Ross – freshman (6'3, 223)
87 Collin Reed – senior (6'4, 248)
88 Henry Pearson – sophomore (6'3, 243)

Placekicker

29 John Gliarmis – freshman(5'8, 150)
91 Chandler Staton – junior (5'11, 184)

Offensive Lineman

51 Baer Hunter – junior(6'2, 286)
55 Matt Williams – junior (6'5, 286)
56 Nate Haskins – junior (6'4, 280)
58 Ryan Neuzil – junior (6'3, 280)
60 Noah Hannon – junior (6'1, 270)
63 Ivan Reyes – junior (6'1, 292)
64 Will Hardin – junior (6'2, 291)
65 Gage Blackston – sophomore (6'4, 283)
67 Logan Wright – junior (6'4, 305)
70 Cooper Hodges – freshman (6'4, 301)
73 Cole Garrison – junior (6'4, 283)
74 Anderson Hardy – freshman (6'6, 261)
75 Victor Johnson – senior (6'5, 296)
77 Josh Headlee – freshman (6'4, 287)
79 Luke Burnette – freshman (6'5, 268)

Defensive Lineman

30 Zareon Hayes – freshman (6'1, 242)
36 Brock Mattison – freshman (6'1, 217)
42 Harrison Taylor – freshman (6'4, 234)
43 Hansky Paillant – freshman (6'2, 224)
46 Chris Washington – freshman (5'11, 277)
48 Demetrius Taylor – junior (6'1, 260)
57 Elijah Diarrassouba – junior (6'1, 250)
66 Will Israel – sophomore (6'2, 215)
89 Dorian Pickett – freshman (6'2, 220)
90 Chris Willis – junior (6'2, 245)
91 Tommy Dawkins – junior (6'2, 227)
95 George Blackstock – sophomore (6'1, 258)
96 Markell Clark – junior (6'0, 264)
97 Caleb Spurlin – junior (5'10, 255)
98 E.J. Scott – senior (6'3, 270)
99 Jordon Earle – freshman (6'2, 305)
- Luke Smith– freshman (6'1, 292)

Punter

30 Clayton Howell – sophomore (6'0, 183)
39 Xavier Subotsch – junior (6'1, 193)

Linebacker

10 Tim Frizzell – junior (6'1, 223)
20 Noel Cook – senior (6'0, 212)
22 Jace Frisbee – sophomore (6'2, 206)
24 Akeem Davis-Gaither – senior (6'2, 208)
26 Matthew McQuinn – sophomore (6'0, 202)
28 Jay Person – freshman (6'2, 221)
31 Nick Hampton – freshman (6'3, 202)
33 Jordan Mitchell – freshman (6'0, 203)
37 Tanner Ellenberger – sophomore (6'3, 223)
40 Logan Doublin – sophomore (6'0, 216)
45 Trey Cobb – sophomore (6'2, 220)
49 Blythe Hall – junior (6'2, 200)
51 Tyler Bird – sophomore (6'2, 218)
52 D'Marco Jackson – sophomore (6'1, 220)
59 Jordan Fehr – senior (6'3, 226)
- Brendan Harrington – freshman (6'1, 205)
- Jourdan Heilig – freshman (6'1, 195)

Defensive back

6 Desmond Franklin – senior (6'0, 200)
7 Josh Thomas – senior (6'0, 206)
8 Shemar Jean-Charles – junior (5'11, 181)
11 Jeremy Level – junior (6'1, 207)
12 Steven Jones Jr. – sophomore (5'10, 180)
13 Kaiden Smith – junior (6'1, 196)
16 Shaun Jolly – sophomore (5'9, 171)
19 Mike Price – freshman (5'10, 188)
21 Ryan Huff – sophomore (6'1, 200)
25 Kaleb Dawson – freshman (5'11, 184)
27 A.J. Beach – senior (5'9, 166)
39 Zion Madden – freshman (5'10, 157)
- Tre Caldwell – freshman (5'10, 186)
- Nicholas Ross – freshman (5'10, 175)

Long snappers

50 Keaton Forbes – freshman (6'0, 215)
53 Max Durschlag – freshman (5'11, 197)

Source:^[3]

Schedule

Date	Time	Opponent	Rank	Site	TV	Result	Attendance
August 31	3:30 p.m.	East Tennessee State*		Kidd Brewer Stadium Boone, NC	ESPN+	W 42–7	25,147
September 7	3:30 p.m.	Charlotte*		Kidd Brewer Stadium Boone, NC	ESPN+	W 56–41	29,182
September 21	3:30 p.m.	at North Carolina*		Kenan Memorial Stadium Chapel Hill, NC	ACCRSN	W 34–31	50,500
September 28	3:30 p.m.	Coastal Carolina		Kidd Brewer Stadium Boone, NC	ESPN+	W 56–37	25,055
October 9	8:00 p.m.	at Louisiana		Cajun Field Lafayette, LA	ESPN2	W 17–7	21,012
October 19	3:30 p.m.	Louisiana–Monroe	No. 24	Kidd Brewer Stadium Boone, NC	ESPN+	W 52–7	27,717
October 26	Noon	at South Alabama	No. 21	Ladd–Peebles Stadium Mobile, AL	ESPNU	W 30–3	17,969
October 31	8:00 p.m.	Georgia Southern	No. 20	Kidd Brewer Stadium Boone, NC (rivalry)	ESPNU	L 21–24	18,796
November 9	7:00 p.m.	at South Carolina*		Williams–Brice Stadium Columbia, SC	ESPN2	W 20–15	80,849
November 16	7:30 p.m.	at Georgia State	No. 25	Georgia State Stadium Atlanta, GA	ESPNU	W 56–27	17,309
November 23	2:30 p.m.	Texas State	No. 24	Kidd Brewer Stadium Boone, NC	ESPN+	W 35–13	22,125
November 29	6:00 p.m.	at Troy	No. 25	Veterans Memorial Stadium Troy, AL	ESPN+	W 48–13	18,989
December 7	Noon	Louisiana	No. 21	Kidd Brewer Stadium Boone, NC (Sun Belt Championship)	ESPN	W 45–38	18,618
December 21	9:00 p.m.	vs. UAB*	No. 20	Mercedes-Benz Superdome New Orleans, LA (New Orleans Bowl)	ESPN	W 31–17	21,202
*Non-conference game Homecoming Rankings from AP Poll and CFP Rankings after November 5 released prior to game All times are in Eastern time

Schedule Source:^[4]

Game summaries

East Tennessee State

East Tennessee State at Appalachian State – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
East Tennessee State	0	0	7	0	7
App State	7	7	14	14	42

at Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone, North Carolina

Date: August 31
Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
Game weather: 78 °F (26 °C); sunny, clear
Game attendance: 25,147
Referee: Kyle Olson
Box Score

Game information

First quarter

APP – Zac Thomas 1 yd run (C. Staton kick), 2:58 (APP 0–7)

Second quarter

APP – Malik Williams 6 yd pass from Zac Thomas (Staton kick), 6:06 (APP 0–14)

Third quarter

APP – Darrynton Evans 13 yd run (Staton kick), 11:35 (APP 0–21)
ETSU – Nate Adkins 5 yd pass from Trey Mitchell (Tyler Keltner kick), 4:35 (APP 7–21)
APP – Thomas Hennigan 31 yd pass from Zac Thomas (Staton kick), 0:51 (APP 7–28)

Fourth quarter

APP – Jalen Virgil 15 yd run (Staton kick), 9:34 (APP 7–35)
APP – C. Wells 17 yd pass from Jacob Huesman (Staton kick), 5:52 (APP 7–42)

Top passers

ETSU – Trey Mitchell – 12/19, 117 yards, TD
APP – Zac Thomas – 16/24, 150 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

ETSU – Quay Holmes – 19 carries, 68 yards
APP – Darrynton Evans– 14 carries, 99 yards, TD

Top receivers

ETSU – B. Richburg – 4 receptions, 77 yards
APP – Thomas Hennigan – 7 receptions, 79 yards, TD

Top defenders

ETSU – Artevius Smith – 11 tackles
APP – Desmond Franklin – 7 tackles
APP – Akeem Davis-Gaither – 7 tackles, 1 tackle-for-loss

Charlotte

Charlotte at Appalachian State – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Charlotte	6	7	15	13	41
App State	14	14	14	14	56

at Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone, North Carolina

Date: September 7
Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
Game weather: 73 °F (23 °C); partly cloudy
Game attendance: 29,182
Referee: Jeremy Parker
Box Score

Game information

First quarter

APP – Darrynton Evans 87 yd run (C. Staton kick), 14:43 (APP 0–7)
CHL – Benny Lemay 3 yd run (Jonathan Cruz kick failed), 7:50 (APP 6–7)
APP – Thomas Hennigan 5 yd pass from Zac Thomas (Staton kick), 2:46 (APP 7–14)

Second quarter

CHL – Benny Lemay 58 yd run (Cruz kick), 13:16 (APP 13–14)
APP – Jalen Virgil 10 yd pass from Zac Thomas (Staton kick), 1:14 (APP 13–21)
APP – D'Marco Jackson 16 yd blocked punt return (C. Staton kick), 0:39 (APP 13–28)

Third quarter

CHL – Cameron Dollar 24 yd pass from Chris Reynolds (Cruz kick), 12:10 (APP 20–28)
APP – D. Evans 3 yd run (Staton kick), 8:05 (APP 20–35)
APP – Jalen Virgil 73 yd pass from Zac Thomas (Staton kick), 3:00 (APP 20–42)
CHL – Benny Lemay 5 yd pass from Chris Reynolds (Victor Tucker pass), 1:00 (APP 28–42)

Fourth quarter

CHL – Victor Tucker 23 yd pass from Chris Reynolds (Reynolds pass failed), 8:20 (APP 34–42)
APP – D. Evans 68 yd run (Staton kick), 7:14 (APP 34–49)
CHL – Victor Tucker 27 yd pass from Chris Reynolds (Cruz kick), 3:17 (APP 41–49)
APP – D. Evans 45 yd kickoff return (Staton kick), 3:10 (APP 41–56)

Top passers

CHL – Chris Reynolds – 20/31, 296 yards, 4 TD, INT
APP – Zac Thomas – 14/20, 182 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

CHL – Benny Lemay – 14 carries, 118 yards, 2 TD
APP – Darrynton Evans – 19 carries, 234 yards, 3 TD

Top receivers

CHL – M. Elder – 7 receptions, 119 yards
CHL – Victor Tucker – 6 receptions, 90 yards, 2 TD
APP – Jalen Virgil – 3 receptions, 86 yards, 2 TD
APP – Malik Williams – 6 receptions, 73 yards

Top defenders

CHL – Jeff Gemmell – 9 tackles, 1 tackle-for-loss
APP – Akeem Davis-Gaither – 9 tackles, 1 sack

At North Carolina

Appalachian State at North Carolina – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
App State	13	14	7	0	34
North Carolina	7	10	7	7	31

at Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill, NC

Date: September 21
Game time: 3:35 p.m. EDT
Game weather: 87 °F (31 °C); Sunny
Game attendance: 50,500
Referee: Jason Autrey
Box Score

Game information

First quarter

UNC – Dazz Newsome 21 yd pass from Sam Howell (N. Ruggles kick), 14:43 (UNC 0–7)
APP – C. Staton 31 yd field goal, 11:06 (UNC 3–7)
APP – C. Staton 43 yd field goal, 4:42 (UNC 6–7)
APP – Demetrius Taylor 20 yd fumble recovery (Staton kick), 3:39 (APP 13–7)

Second quarter

APP – Darrynton Evans 5 yd run (Staton kick), 12:29 (APP 20–7)
UNC – N. Ruggles 25 yd field goal, 6:57 (APP 20–10)
APP – D. Evans 2 yd run (Staton kick), 2:56 (APP 27–10)
UNC – Michael Carter 11 yd pass from S. Howell (N. Ruggles kick), 0:01 (APP 27–17)

Third quarter

UNC – Carl Tucker 12 yd pass from S. Howell (N. Ruggles kick), 4:18 (APP 27–24)
APP – D. Evans 3 yd run (Staton kick), 2:11 (APP 34–24)

Fourth quarter

UNC – S. Howell 2 yd run (N. Ruggles kick), 3:01 (APP 34–31)

Top passers

APP – Zac Thomas – 20/29, 224 yards, INT
UNC – Sam Howell – 27/41, 323 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

APP – Darrynton Evans – 19 carries, 78 yards, 3 TD
UNC – Javonte Williams – 16 carries, 94 yards

Top receivers

APP – Thomas Hennigan – 6 receptions, 90 yards
UNC – Dazz Newsome – 6 receptions, 88 yards, TD

Top defenders

APP – Jordan Fehr – 16 tackles, 1 tackle-for-loss
APP – Akeem Davis-Gaither – 10 tackles, 1 INT
UNC – Myles Dorn – 12 tackles

Coastal Carolina

Coastal Carolina at Appalachian State – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Coastal Carolina	14	7	9	7	37
App State	14	21	7	14	56

at Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone, North Carolina

Date: September 28
Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
Game weather: 74 °F (23 °C); Cloudy
Game attendance: 25,055
Referee: Marshall Lewis
Box Score

Game information

First quarter

CCU – F. Payton 6 yd run (M. Biscardi kick), 10:01 (CCU 7–0)
APP – D. Evans 8 yd run (C. Staton kick), 7:36 (TIED 7–7)
APP – Collin Reed 11 yd pass from Zac Thomas (Staton kick), 6:27 (APP 7–14)
CCU – C. J. Marable 42 yd run (M. Biscardi kick), 0:23 (TIED 14–14)

Second quarter

APP – D. Evans 1 yd run (Staton kick), 9:15 (APP 14–21)
CCU – Isaiah Likely 14 yd pass from F. Payton (Biscardi kick), 3:52 (TIED 21–21)
APP – M. Williams 1 yd run (Staton kick), 1:59 (APP 21–28)
APP – Corey Sutton 15 yd pass from Zac Thomas (Staton kick), 0:45 (APP 21–35)

Third quarter

APP – D. Harrington 22 yd run (Staton kick), 8:33 (APP 21–42)
CCU – Biscardi 32 yd field goal, 1:56 (APP 24–42)
CCU – F. Payton 11 yd run (Payton pass failed), 0:49 (APP 30–42)

Fourth quarter

APP – Shaun Jolly 24 yd interception (Staton kick), 11:59 (APP 30–49)
APP – M. Williams 2 yd run (Staton kick), 3:55 (APP 30–56)
CCU – J. Miller 14 yd pass from F. Payton (Biscardi kick), 0:27 (APP 37–56)

Top passers

CCU – F. Payton – 20/31, 240 yards, 2 TD, INT
APP – Zac Thomas – 19/23, 246 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

CCU – C. J. Marable – 16 carries, 95 yards, TD
APP – D. Harrington – 11 carries, 71 yards, TD
APP – Darrynton Evans – 15 carries, 60 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

CCU – Jaivon Heiligh – 6 receptions, 85 yards
APP – Thomas Hennigan – 5 receptions, 89 yards
APP – Corey Sutton – 5 receptions, 76 yards, TD

Top defenders

CCU – T. Gallagher – 10 tackles, 1 tackle-for-loss
APP – Akeem Davis-Gaither – 8 tackles, 1 sack

At Louisiana

Appalachian State Mountaineers at Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
App State	7	0	3	7	17
Louisiana	0	7	0	0	7

at Cajun Field, Lafayette, LA

Date: October 9
Game time: 8:05 p.m. EDT
Game weather: Temperature: 83 °F (28 °C) • Wind: S 4 mph • Weather: Clear
Game attendance: 21,012
Referee: Kyle Olson
TV announcers (ESPN2): Clay Matvick (play-by-play) & Ryan Leaf (analyst)
ESPN – App State tops ULL 17–7 in rematch of Sun Belt title game^[5] /// Box Score, Appalachian State at Louisiana^[6] /// Pregame Notes^[7] /// Postgame Notes^[8]

Game information

First quarter

(05:05) APP TD – Zac Thomas 7-yard rush, Chandler Staton kick
Drive: 7 plays, 95 yards, 2:58; Appalachian State 7–0

Second quarter

(00:08) LA TD – Nick Ralston 14-yard pass from Levi Lewis, Stevie Artigue kick
Drive: 10 plays, 94 yards, 3:55; Tied 7–7

Third quarter

(05:26) APP FG – Chandler Staton 40-yard field goal
Drive: 11 plays, 52 yards, 4:52; Appalachian State 10–7

Fourth quarter

(01:55) APP TD – Zac Thomas 7-yard rush, Chandler Staton kick
Drive: 19 plays, 97 yards, 10:11; Appalachian State 17–7

Top passers

APP – Zac Thomas: 11/17, 147 yards
LA – Levi Lewis: 13/24, 131 yards, 1 TD

Top rushers

APP – Darrynton Evans: 22 carries, 69 yards
LA – Elijah Mitchell: 13 carries, 68 yards

Top receivers

APP – Corey Sutton: 2 receptions, 58 yards
LA – Jarrod Jackson: 5 receptions, 68 yards

Top defenders

APP – Akeem Davis-Gaither: 10 total tackles (5 solo, 5 assisted), 2.5 TFL, 0.5 sacks
LA – Jacques Boudreaux: 10 total tackles (3 solo, 7 assisted), 0.5 TFL, 1 PBU

Louisiana–Monroe

Louisiana–Monroe at Appalachian State – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Louisiana–Monroe	7	0	0	0	7
No. 24 App State	21	10	7	14	52

at Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone, North Carolina

Date: October 19
Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
Game weather: 50 °F (10 °C); Rainy
Game attendance: 27,717
Referee: Marshall Lewis
TV: ESPN+
Box Score

Game information

First quarter

ULM – Kayin White 1 yd run (Jared Porter kick), 11:09 (ULM 7–0)
APP – Darrynton Evans 59 yd run (C. Staton kick), 10:28 (TIED 7–7)
APP – T. Hennigan 6 yd pass from Zac Thomas (Staton kick), 4:46 (APP 7–14)
APP – Z. Thomas 1 yd run (Staton kick), 1:19 (APP 7–21)

Second quarter

APP – C. Staton 27 yd field goal, 11:14 (APP 7–24)
APP – Collin Reed 1 yd pass from Zac Thomas (Staton kick), 1:19 (APP 7–31)

Third quarter

APP – D. Evans 15 yd pass from Zac Thomas (Staton kick), 9:06 (APP 7–38)

Fourth quarter

APP – M. Williams 1 yd run (Staton kick), 12:21 (APP 7–45)
APP – Jalen Virgil 56 yd pass from Jacob Huesman (Staton kick), 6:56 (APP 7–52)

Top passers

APP – Zac Thomas – 18/30, 214 yards, 3 TD, INT
ULM – Caleb Evans – 9/19, 75 yards, INT

Top rushers

APP – Darrynton Evans – 17 carries, 136 yards, TD
ULM – Josh Johnson – 13 carries, 77 yards

Top receivers

APP – Corey Sutton – 5 receptions, 75 yards
ULM – Zach Jackson – 2 receptions, 33 yards

Top defenders

APP – Noel Cook – 8 tackles
ULM – Tyler Glass – 9 tackles

At South Alabama

Appalachian State at South Alabama – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 21 App State	7	6	10	7	30
South Alabama	0	0	0	3	3

at Ladd–Peebles Stadium, Mobile, AL

Date: October 26
Game time: 11:00 a.m. EDT
Game weather: 74 °F (23 °C); overcast, wet
Game attendance: 17,969
Referee: Jeremy Parker
Box Score

Game information

First quarter

APP – T. Hennigan 19 yd pass from Zac Thomas (C. Staton kick), 7:06 (APP 7–0)

Second quarter

APP – C. Staton 19 yd field goal, 12:15 (APP 10–0)
APP – Staton 34 yd field goal, 1:09 (APP 13–0)

Third quarter

APP – M. Williams 3 yd run (Staton kick), 8:03 (APP 20–0)
APP – C. Staton 46 yd field goal, 3:45 (APP 23–0)

Fourth quarter

USA – Frankie Onate 37 yd field goal, 5:43 (APP 23–3)
APP – R. Anderson 67 yd run (Staton kick), 4:48 (APP 30–3)

Top passers

APP – Zac Thomas – 16/28, 132 yards, TD
USA – Desmond Trotter – 3/8, 43 yards

Top rushers

APP – R. Anderson – 4 carries, 99 yards, TD
USA – Tra Minter – 23 carries, 94 yards

Top receivers

APP – T. Hennigan – 6 receptions, 58 yards, TD
USA – Cade Sutherland – 1 receptions, 30 yards

Top defenders

APP – Noel Cook – 7 tackles, 1 sack
USA – Keith Gallmon – 10 tackles

Georgia Southern

Georgia Southern at Appalachian State – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Georgia Southern	7	3	14	0	24
No. 20 App State	0	7	0	14	21

at Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone, North Carolina

Date: October 31
Game time: 8:00 p.m. EDT
Game weather: 40 °F (4 °C); rain, wind
Game attendance: 18,796
Referee: Wayne Winkler
TV: ESPNU
Box Score

Game information

First quarter

GS – W. Kennedy III 2 yd run (Tyler Bass kick), 4:03 (GS 7–0)

Second quarter

GS – Bass 49 yd field goal, 11:45 (GS 10–0)
APP – Malik Williams 15 yd pass from Zac Thomas (C. Staton kick), 0:06 (GS 10–7)

Third quarter

GS – Kennedy III 68 yd run (Bass kick), 13:22 (GS 17–7)
GS – S. Werts 55 yd run (Bass kick), 10:35 (GS 24–7)

Fourth quarter

APP – Corey Sutton 10 yd pass from Zac Thomas (Staton kick), 8:22 (GS 24–14)
APP – Corey Sutton 9 yd pass from Zac Thomas (Staton kick), 4:47 (GS 24–21)

Top passers

GS – S. Werts – 1/4, 16 yards
APP – Zac Thomas – 25/51, 271 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

GS – W. Kennedy III – 13 carries, 145 yards, 2 TD
APP – Darrynton Evans – 17 carries, 76 yards

Top receivers

GS – M. Michaud – 1 receptions, 16 yards
APP – Malik Williams – 8 receptions, 90 yards, TD

Top defenders

GS – K. Duncan Jr. – 11 tackles
APP – Akeem Davis-Gaither – 16 tackles, 1.5 tackle-for-loss

At South Carolina

Appalachian State at South Carolina – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
App State	3	10	7	0	20
South Carolina	6	0	3	6	15

at Williams–Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC

Date: November 9
Game time: 7:10 p.m. EDT
Game weather: 43 °F (6 °C); clear
Game attendance: 80,849
Referee: Lee Hedrick
Box Score

Game information

First quarter

USC – Parker White 41 yd field goal, 8:51 (USC 0–3)
APP – C. Staton 40 yd field goal, 5:10 (TIED 3–3)
USC – White 25 yd field goal, 1:22 (USC 3–6)

Second quarter

APP – Staton 47 yd field goal, 8:29 (TIED 6–6)
APP – Nicholas Ross 20 yd interception (Staton kick), 1:51 (APP 13–6)

Third quarter

USC – White 50 yd field goal, 11:08 (APP 13–9)
APP – Zac Thomas 1 yd run (Staton kick), 7:10 (APP 20–9)

Fourth quarter

USC – Bryan Edwards 23 yd pass from Ryan Hilinski (Hilinski pass failed), 2:58 (APP 20–15)

Top passers

APP – Zac Thomas – 9/15, 105 yards, INT
USC – Ryan Hilinski – 32/57 325 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

APP – Darrynton Evans – 23 carries, 85 yards
USC – Dakereon Joyner – 3 carries, 14 yards

Top receivers

APP – Corey Sutton – 3 receptions, 38 yards
USC – Bryan Edwards – 9 receptions, 90 yards, TD

Top defenders

APP – Jordan Fehr – 12 tackles, 1 sack
USC – Ernest Jones – 10 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT

At Georgia State

Appalachian State at Georgia State – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 25 App State	14	21	7	14	56
Georgia State	21	0	0	6	27

at Georgia State Stadium, Atlanta, GA

Date: November 16
Game time: 7:32 p.m. EDT
Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C); clear
Game attendance: 17,908
Referee: Jason Autry
Box Score

Game information

First quarter

GSU – Devin Gentry 4 yd pass from Dan Ellington (Brandon Wright kick), 8:20 (GSU 0–7)
APP – Corey Sutton 12 yd pass from Zac Thomas (C. Staton kick), 5:13 (TIED 7–7)
GSU – Destin Coates 67 yd run (Wright kick), 2:21 (GSU 7–14)
GSU – Chris Bacon 34 yd interception (Wright kick), 1:38 (GSU 7–21)
APP – Corey Sutton 20 yd pass from Zac Thomas (Staton kick), 0:09 (GSU 14–21)

Second quarter

APP – Z. Thomas 3 yd run (Staton kick), 6:20 (TIED 21–21)
APP – Shaun Jolly 30 yd interception (Staton kick), 2:18 (APP 28–21)
APP – Darrynton Evans 1 yd pass from Zac Thomas (Staton kick), 0:22 (APP 35–21)

Third quarter

APP – D. Evans 29 yd run (Staton kick), 5:58 (APP 42–21)

Fourth quarter

APP – Corey Sutton 24 yd pass from Zac Thomas (Staton kick), 14:55 (APP 49–21)
APP – R. Anderson 5 yd run (Staton kick), 11:04 (APP 56–21)
GSU – Tucker Gregg 20 yd run (Barry Brown kick failed), 5:35 (APP 56–27)

Top passers

APP – Zac Thomas – 19/31, 256 yards, 4 TD, INT
GSU – Dan Ellington – 12/27 88 yards, TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

APP – Darrynton Evans – 18 carries, 131 yards, TD
GSU – Destin Coates – 7 carries, 97 yards, TD

Top receivers

APP – Corey Sutton – 8 receptions, 173 yards, 3 TD
GSU – Devin Gentry – 4 receptions, 32 yards, TD

Top defenders

APP – Jordan Fehr – 10 tackles, 2 tackles-for-loss
GSU – Jaylon Jones – 8 tackles, 1 tackle-for-loss

Texas State

Texas State at Appalachian State – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Texas State	0	10	3	0	13
No. 24 App State	7	7	14	7	35

at Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone, North Carolina

Date: November 23
Game time: 2:30 p.m. EDT
Game weather: 44 °F (7 °C); rain and cold
Game attendance: 22,125
Referee: Kyle Olson
TV: ESPN+
Box Score

Game information

First quarter

APP – Corey Sutton 45 yd pass from Zac Thomas (C. Staton kick), 7:09 (APP 0–7)

Second quarter

TXST – Joshua Rowland 48 yd field goal, 12:43 (APP 3–7)
APP – K. Wilson 19 yd pass from Zac Thomas (Staton kick), 1:00 (APP 3–14)
TXST – Javen Banks 53 yd pass from Tyler Vitt (Rowland kick), 0:03 (APP 10–14)

Third quarter

TXST – Joshua Rowland 48 yd field goal, 9:05 (APP 13–14)
APP – Darrynton Evans 13 yd run (Staton kick), 5:32 (APP 13–21)
APP – D. Evans 10 yd run (Staton kick), 0:00 (APP 13–28)

Fourth quarter

APP – D. Evans 13 yd run (Staton kick), 6:26 (APP 13–35)

Top passers

TXST – Tyler Vitt – 18/34, 154 yards, TD, INT
APP – Zac Thomas – 8/16, 174 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

TXST – Robert Brown Jr – 8 carries, 35 yards
APP – Darrynton Evans – 21 carries, 154 yards, 3 TD

Top receivers

TXST – Javen Banks – 5 receptions, 82 yards, TD
APP – Thomas Hennigan – 2 receptions, 70 yards

Top defenders

TXST – Nikolas Daniels – 11 tackles, 0.5 tackle-for-loss
APP – Josh Thomas – 7 tackles, 1 tackle-for-loss

At Troy

Appalachian State at Troy – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 25 App State	20	14	7	7	48
Troy	10	3	0	0	13

at Veterans Memorial Stadium, Troy, AL

Date: November 30
Game time: 5:05 p.m. EDT
Game weather: 63 °F (17 °C); clear
Game attendance: 18,989
Referee: Marshall Lewis
Box Score

Game information

First quarter

TROY – Tyler Sumpter 26 yd field goal, 12:01 (TROY 0–3)
APP – Jalen Virgil 44 yd pass from Zac Thomas (C. Staton kick failed), 10:10 (APP 6–3)
APP – Darrynton Evans 52 yd run (Staton kick), 6:25 (APP 13–3)
APP – Zac Thomas 5 yd run (Staton kick), 5:37 (APP 20–3)
TROY – DK Billingsley 1 yd run (Sumpter kick), 1:13 (APP 20–10)

Second quarter

APP – Malik Williams 8 yd pass from Zac Thomas (C. Staton kick), 12:40 (APP 27–10)
APP – D. Evans 9 yd run (Staton kick), 8:49 (APP 34–10)
TROY – T. Sumpter 39 yd field goal, 5:33 (APP 34–13)

Third quarter

APP – M. Williams 6 yd pass from Zac Thomas (C. Staton kick), 9:14 (APP 41–13)

Fourth quarter

APP – D. Evans 25 yd pass from Zac Thomas (C. Staton kick), 14:54 (APP 48–13)

Top passers

APP – Zac Thomas – 28/34, 326 yards, 4 TD, INT
TROY – Kaleb Barker – 24/41 281 yards, INT

Top rushers

APP – Darrynton Evans – 13 carries, 82 yards, 2 TD
TROY – Jamontez Woods – 4 carries, 22 yards

Top receivers

APP – Thomas Hennigan – 11 receptions, 140 yards
TROY – Reggie Todd – 5 receptions, 82 yards

Top defenders

APP – Nick Hampton – 8 tackles, 2 tackles-for-loss, sack
TROY – Carlton Martial – 13 tackles, 2 tackles-for-loss

Sun Belt Championship Game

Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns at Appalachian State Mountaineers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Louisiana	7	10	7	14	38
No. 21 App State	21	14	7	3	45

at Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone, NC

Date: December 7
Game time: Noon EST
Game weather: Sunny and Clear • Temperature: 45 °F (7 °C) • Wind: Light
Game attendance: 18,618
Referee: Jason Autrey
TV announcers (ESPN): Clay Matvick (play-by-play), Ryan Leaf (analyst), Quint Kessenich (sideline)

Game information

First quarter

APP – Darrynton Evans 58-yard pass from Zac Thomas (Chandler Staton kick), 13:02 (APP 7–0)
APP – Darrynton Evans 8-yard rush (Chandler Staton kick), 9:38 (APP 14–0)
APP – Darrynton Evans 5-yard pass from Zac Thomas (Chandler Staton kick), 1:43 (APP 21–0)
LA – Peter LeBlanc 37-yard pass from Levi Lewis (Stevie Artigue kick), 0:25 (APP 21–7)

Second quarter

APP – Marc Williams 29-yard rush (Chandler Staton kick), 13:27 (APP 28–7)
LA – Elijah Mitchell 1-yard pass from Levi Lewis (Stevie Artigue kick), 8:13 (APP 28–14)
APP – Daetrich Harrington 25-yard rush (Chandler Staton kick), 4:13 (APP 35–14)
LA – Stevie Artigue 53-yard field goal, 0:03 (APP 35–17)

Third quarter

APP – Josh Thomas 16-yard interception returned (Chandler Staton kick), 5:57 (APP 42–17)
LA – Ja'Marcus Bradley 2-yard pass from Levi Lewis (Stevie Artigue kick), 2:41 (APP 42–24)

Fourth quarter

APP – Chandler Staton 35-yard field goal, 8:12 (APP 45–24)
LA – Elijah Mitchell 1-yard rush (Stevie Artigue kick), 4:18 (APP 45–31)
LA – Peter LeBlanc 38-yard pass from Levi Lewis (Stevie Artigue kick), 1:19 (APP 45–38)

Top passers

LA – Levi Lewis – 24/46, 354 yards, 4 TD, INT
APP – Zac Thomas – 9/17, 149 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

LA – Elijah Mitchell – 18 carries, 85 yards, TD
APP – Daetrich Harrington – 9 carries, 89 yards, TD

Top receivers

LA – Peter LeBlanc – 3 receptions, 118 yards, 2 TD
APP – Darrynton Evans – 2 receptions, 63 yards, 2 TD

Top defenders

LA – Jacq Boudreaux – 13 tackles
APP – Akeem Davis-Gaither – 10 tackles, 0.5 tackle-for-loss

Rankings

Ranking movements
**Legend:** ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes
	Week
Poll	Pre	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	Final
AP	RV	RV	RV	RV	RV	RV	RV	24	21	20	RV	RV	23	22	20	20	19
Coaches	RV	RV	RV	RV	RV	RV	RV	24	21	19	RV	24	22	22	20	20	18
CFP	Not released										—	25	24	25	21	20	Not released

Players drafted into the NFL

Round	Pick	Player	Position	NFL Club
3	93	Darrynton Evans	RB	Tennessee Titans
4	107	Akeem Davis-Gaither	OLB	Cincinnati Bengals

References

^ "New Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz predicts success". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 11, 2019.
^ Joyce, Ethan."Eliah Drinkwitz wraps up first football recruiting class as head coach at App State", Winston-Salem Journal, February 6, 2019, retrieved February 10, 2019
^ ^a ^b "2019 App State football roster", appstatesports.com, retrieved March 5, 2019
^ "2019 App State Football Schedule Revealed", AppStateSports.com, March 1, 2019, retrieved March 2, 2019.
^ "Appalachian State at Louisiana – Game Summary – October 9, 2019". ESPN. Retrieved October 10, 2019.
^ "Scoring Summary (Final) Appalachian State at Louisiana (Oct 9, 2019 at Lafayette, La.)". Appalachian State Athletic Department. October 9, 2019. Retrieved October 10, 2019.
^ "Appalachian State at Louisiana – Game Notes" (PDF). Appalachian State Athletic Department. October 6, 2019. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
^ "App State Wins Defensive Slugfest at Louisiana". Appalachian State Athletic Department. October 9, 2019. Retrieved October 10, 2019.

[1] "New Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz predicts success". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 11, 2019.

[2] Joyce, Ethan."Eliah Drinkwitz wraps up first football recruiting class as head coach at App State", Winston-Salem Journal, February 6, 2019, retrieved February 10, 2019

[roster-3] "2019 App State football roster", appstatesports.com, retrieved March 5, 2019

[4] "2019 App State Football Schedule Revealed", AppStateSports.com, March 1, 2019, retrieved March 2, 2019.

[5] "Appalachian State at Louisiana – Game Summary – October 9, 2019". ESPN. Retrieved October 10, 2019.

[6] "Scoring Summary (Final) Appalachian State at Louisiana (Oct 9, 2019 at Lafayette, La.)". Appalachian State Athletic Department. October 9, 2019. Retrieved October 10, 2019.

[7] "Appalachian State at Louisiana – Game Notes" (PDF). Appalachian State Athletic Department. October 6, 2019. Retrieved October 9, 2019.

[8] "App State Wins Defensive Slugfest at Louisiana". Appalachian State Athletic Department. October 9, 2019. Retrieved October 10, 2019.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

v t e Appalachian State Mountaineers football
Venues	College Field (1928–1961) Kidd Brewer Stadium (1962–present)
Bowls & rivalries	Bowl games Georgia Southern Marshall Western Carolina
Culture & lore	"Hi Hi Yikas" Marching Mountaineers 2007 Michigan game Miracle on the Mountain Yosef
People	Head coaches Statistical leaders NFL draftees
Seasons	1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943–1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
National championship seasons in bold