App State’s Comeback Bid Ends with Onside Kick Recovery

Image Courtesy Of App State Facebook

Appalachian State mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback attempt, scoring two late touchdowns to pull within three points, but Old Dominion recovered a critical onside kick to preserve a 24-21 victory Saturday at S.B. Ballard Stadium.

Swann Sparks Late Heroics

Quarterback AJ Swann, making his first appearance since September 27 after missing three games with injury, directed two fourth-quarter scoring drives in relief. He completed 12 of 16 passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns after entering with 11:23 remaining.

Following Zyeir Gamble’s interception near the end zone, caused by Rondo Porter’s tip at the line, Swann connected with Kanen Hamlett for a 35-yard touchdown that cut the deficit to 24-14 with 9:26 left. After ODU missed a 39-yard field goal with 1:44 remaining, Swann orchestrated a 79-yard touchdown drive, hitting Davion Dozier for a 34-yard score with 1:35 left.

However, with only one timeout remaining, the Mountaineers (4-4, 1-3 SBC) needed to recover the onside kick. The Monarchs (5-3, 2-2) secured the ball to seal the victory.

Offensive Balance Despite Setbacks

App State accumulated 301 passing yards and three touchdowns. Starter JJ Kohl, making his fourth consecutive start, completed passes for 138 yards including a late first-half touchdown to Jaden Barnes. Ian Ratliff added a 23-yard completion to Colton Phares on a successful fake punt.

The Mountaineers lost standout tight end Izayah Cummings to a serious injury but continued battling throughout the contest.

Defensive Effort Keeps Game Competitive

App State’s defense limited ODU to 3.4 yards per carry and allowed just 10 first-half points despite surrendering a 70-yard touchdown on a short pass. Gamble recorded a team-high 13 tackles with his interception, while Phares contributed 11 stops in his two-way effort.

The defense made another crucial stand when Kevin Abrams-Verwayne forced a red-zone fumble with 3:31 remaining, though officials ruled DJ Burks touched out of bounds during his sliding recovery attempt.

Momentum Swings and Missed Opportunities

Trailing 10-7 at halftime despite numerous adversities, App State managed only 35 offensive yards on 16 third-quarter plays. ODU capitalized with consecutive scoring drives, a 16-yard touchdown on third-and-13 and a 24-yard touchdown pass, to build a 24-7 advantage.

The Mountaineers had multiple scoring opportunities negated by penalties, including a Kohl-to-Stroman touchdown wiped out by offensive interference and a Burks interception nullified by a roughing-the-passer penalty.

App State (4-4, 1-3 SBC) returns home Thursday, November 6, to face Georgia Southern, beginning the second half of their Sun Belt schedule after playing three of their first four conference games on the road.