POSTGAME NOTES: App State 31, Marshall 9
App State won with its largest margin of victory against a Sun Belt opponent since last year’s 42-17 win against Georgia State.
The Mountaineers now lead the all-time series with the Thundering Herd 16-10, including a 10-3 record in Boone. The teams are even at 2-2 with both squads playing at the FBS level.
This was the largest margin of victory for an App State win over Marshall since 1985.
The Mountaineers are 4-1 at The Rock this year. Their 52-10 record (.839 pct) in home games since making the transition to FBS in 2014 is seventh-best among all FBS teams (behind Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, Georgia, Oklahoma and Oregon).
The result snapped a five-game streak of App State games decided in the closing seconds.
App State’s 84 wins since 2015 are tied with Notre Dame for sixth-most in the FBS behind Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State and Oklahoma.
Attendance at Kidd Brewer Stadium was 34,057, the eighth-largest crowd in stadium history.
Earning their first career starts were wide receiver Dalton Stroman and defensive tackle Santana Hopper.
OFFENSE
App State eclipsed 30 points for the second straight game and the sixth time this season.
Joey Aguilar again spread the ball to nine different receivers and compiled over 200 passing yards with three touchdowns and no turnovers.
Aguilar has thrown multiple passing TDs in all but one game this season and leads the Sun Belt with 23.
Kaedin Robinson led all receivers with four catches for 55 yards and a touchdown (his fifth of the season, tied for the team lead).
Michael Hetzel had a career day with four catches for 46 yards and his first career touchdown.
Milan Tuckera preseason Hornung Award watch list candidate, had a 16-yard catch and also scored his first career rushing touchdown on a 3-yard reverse.
Makai Jacksons only catch went for a 29-yard touchdown, the first score of his App State tenure.
DEFENSE
This was the fewest points allowed by App State’s defense this year and the fewest against a Sun Belt opponent since beating Georgia Southern 27-3 in 2021.
App State had three takeaways on interceptions, including safety Jordan Favors’ second and third of the year, as well as the first of outside linebacker Donovan Spellmans career.
The Mountaineers got three sacks – from Spellman, defensive end Shawn Collins and cornerback Trenton Alan Yowe.
App State was in Marshall’s backfield frequently, racking up eight total tackles for loss.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Michael Hughes connected on his lone field-goal attempt from 31 yards. He was also a perfect 4-of-4 on PATs.
