Written by: Garett

Another season is in the books for the Appalachian State football team, and this season has without a doubt been another successful one for the powerhouse Mountaineer program. App State capped an 11-2 season with another bowl victory last night in New Orleans, routing Middle Tennessee 45-13 in the R+L Carriers Bowl. Ever since making the jump from the FCS level to the FBS level, the Mountaineers have qualified for, and won each of its four bowl games. Appalachian State has long been a household name across America for its many accomplishments, but now it is time for the AP voters to recognize App State as one of the top 25 college football teams in the country when they compile their season-ending list.

Appalachian State earned its first ever top-25 ranking earlier this season, sneaking in at number 25. However, they went on to lose to Georgia Southern the following week and drop out of the rankings. But since that loss, the Mountaineers have finished the season strong with six straight convincing wins, the closest game being 11 points. They won the first ever Sun Belt Conference Championship game against Louisiana, beating them 30-19. Their only other loss this season came to the number #10 ranked Penn State Nittany Lions, who managed to escape the season opener in overtime.

Among all FBS teams, the Mountaineers finished the season ranked 24th in total number of yards, 13th in rushing yards, tied for 13th in total number of points, and 17th in points/game. On the defensive side of the ball, they rank 5th in total number of yards allowed, 6th in yards/game allowed, 4th in total points allowed, and 6th in points/game allowed. These stats show the Mountaineers weren’t just good on one side of the ball, but instead were good all around, explaining how they were able to dominate so many games.

At 11-2 and winning both their conference championship and their bowl game, the Appalachian State football team deserves to be ranked in the AP top 25. There are multiple teams currently ranked with 4 losses on the year, and even one with five. If App State were to get overlooked in the final rankings, it would be a complete snub. The AP voters can look at the numbers, they can look at the wins/losses, or they can just use the eye test. Whatever methods they decide to utilize, the Mountaineers prove successful in every one. Join me App Nation and college football fans when I say rank App State!

Garett

Rank App State!