GAME PREVIEW: Bowl Eligibility on the Line Against Arkansas State

Image Courtesy Of App State Facebook

Appalachian State’s regular season finale Saturday against Arkansas State carries playoff implications as both teams need victory to secure bowl eligibility. With kickoff set for 2:30 p.m. on Senior Day at Kidd Brewer Stadium, the Mountaineers (5-6, 2-5 SBC) and Red Wolves (5-6, 4-3 SBC) battle for postseason berths in first-year coach Dowell Loggains’ debut campaign.

Season of Resilience

App State stood 4-2 at midseason before losing four straight, including three decided by 13 combined points. The Mountaineers rebounded from a lopsided James Madison loss to edge Marshall 26-24 last weekend despite being significantly outgained, capitalizing on three turnovers and a blocked field goal.

The victory positions App State for its ninth bowl berth in 11 postseason-eligible seasons since 2015, including an NCAA-record seven consecutive berths from 2015-21.

Red Wolves Surging

Arkansas State started 1-4 before winning four straight Sun Belt contests, beginning with one-point victories over Texas State (home) and South Alabama (road). The Red Wolves defeated Georgia Southern 34-24 and Troy 23-10 before conference title hopes faded with losses to Southern Miss (27-21) and Louisiana (34-30), the latter ending when mobile quarterback Jaylen Raynor was stopped short on a game-ending keeper from the 2-yard line.

Dual-Threat Challenge

Head coach Butch Jones, whose Tennessee team survived App State in overtime to open 2016, directs a Red Wolves offense led by Winston-Salem native Raynor. The quarterback ranks third nationally with 25.8 completions per game after standout running back Ja’Quez Cross suffered a season-ending injury in the opener.

Raynor’s top targets include sixth-year receiver Corey Rucker (3,813 career yards) and Chauncy Cobb (64 catches, two kickoff return touchdowns). Arkansas State pressures quarterbacks effectively, ranking 19th nationally and second in the Sun Belt with 2.7 sacks per game.

Mountaineers’ Offensive Approach

With AJ Swann listed as out, JJ Kohl makes his sixth start. He’s 3-2 in his first five starts with 10 touchdown passes, two interceptions, and four interception-free performances. App State is 3-0 when winning turnover margin in Kohl’s starts.

The offensive line protected Kohl effectively last weekend while opening lanes for Jaquari Lewis, who rushed 33 times for 175 yards replacing Rashod Dubinion.

Senior Recognition

Over 20 Mountaineers will be honored on Senior Day, including five fifth-year players who were true freshmen in 2021: LB Kyle Arnholt, DB Jordan Favors, TE David Larkins, OT Jayden Ramsey, and WR Dalton Stroman. Fourth-year Mountaineer DB Ethan Johnson played as a true freshman in 2022, while DL Kevin Abrams-Verwayne enters his fourth season after beginning at the JUCO level in 2019 and overcoming two season-ending injuries.

A victory in the final home game would grant this resilient senior class one more opportunity to wear the Black and Gold.