CAN APP STATE TURN ITS NC STATE COMEBACK INTO CONFERENCE MOMENTUM?

The Mountaineers lost 41-31 in Raleigh on September 26, but the final score does not tell the entire story. App State found itself 21-0 down before producing a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback that briefly brought the game level.

Now, with a bye week ahead of them and Old Dominion coming to Kidd Brewer Stadium, the question is whether that comeback can provide momentum for the next stage of the season.

A COMEBACK THAT SHOWED RESILIENCE

App State appeared to be in serious trouble against NC State after falling three touchdowns behind.

Instead of giving up, the Mountaineers continued to fight. They entered the fourth quarter trailing 31-17 before scoring two touchdowns in just 107 seconds to tie the game at 31-31.

However, NC State ultimately regained control. The Wolfpack produced a 75-yard touchdown drive after App State had tied the game and later added a field goal to secure the 41-31 victory.

The Mountaineers therefore left Raleigh with a defeat, but also with evidence that they could compete when placed under significant pressure.

THE LESSON FROM THE DEFEAT

The biggest question heading into the Old Dominion game is whether App State can learn from the mistakes that created the difficult situation against NC State.

A comeback is valuable, but repeatedly falling behind by large margins is difficult to sustain.

Against Old Dominion, App State will want to combine the resilience it showed in Raleigh with a faster and more controlled start.

The objective will not simply be to respond when things go wrong. It will prevent the game from reaching that point.

MALACHI SINGLETON PROVIDES AN IMPORTANT PIECE

Quarterback Malachi Singleton was central to App State's comeback. He completed 26 of 38 passes for 316 yards and two touchdowns against NC State, while also contributing a rushing touchdown.

With conference play beginning, Singleton will be expected to maintain that level while helping App State avoid the slow starts that put unnecessary pressure on the offense.

THE HOME RETURN COULD HELP

The Old Dominion game gives App State the opportunity to respond in familiar surroundings.

The Mountaineers have won all three previous meetings against Old Dominion at Kidd Brewer Stadium, although the Monarchs won the most recent matchup 24-21 in 2025.

Starting conference play at home also gives App State an opportunity to turn the disappointment of Raleigh into a positive result in front of its supporters.

THE REAL TEST OF MOMENTUM

Momentum in college football is not simply about winning or losing the previous game. It is also about how a team responds to what happened.

App State's response to the NC State defeat will therefore be important.

The Mountaineers showed character by recovering from a 21-point deficit, but they now need to show consistency over an entire game.

Old Dominion enters Boone after a 42-10 defeat to Georgia State and a three-game losing streak, but App State cannot afford to focus only on its opponent's recent results. The Mountaineers must focus on executing their own game plan.

A CHANCE TO RESET

The bye week has given App State time to regroup before beginning conference play.

The loss to NC State ended a perfect 3-0 start, but the season is far from defined by one result.

A strong performance against Old Dominion would allow the Mountaineers to put the defeat behind them and begin the Sun Belt schedule on a positive note.

The comeback in Raleigh showed that App State has the fight to compete when facing adversity. Against Old Dominion, the next step is turning that resilience into four quarters of consistent football.

The question is no longer whether App State can fight back. It is whether the Mountaineers can make sure they do not have to.