Appalachian outlasts New Mexico State in wild 45-31 win

RadioGuy AC: First off let me start this recap off by saying I needed a beer after this game. Appalachian State picked off NMSU QB Tyler Rogers six times (three times by Clifton Duck), in route to this hectic 45-31 victory.

Appalachian State was sleep walking through three quarters of this game and NMSU showed they are a very dangerous ball club. The turnovers definitely stick out in this matchup. If Rogers throws two less picks I believe the Aggies walk out of Boone with a huge win, but App State made plays down the stretch to put the game away.

Jalin Moore finally showed up and played like the Jalin Moore all of App nation knows about. Moore carried the ball 19 times for 241 yards and two scores. Moore also broke the game clinching 56 yard touchdown run with 2:12 to go. Taylor Lamb had his worst game of the season as he was 10/21 passing with two interceptions, however Lamb did have a huge 38 yard touchdown run in the 4th quarter.

Adopted Aggie: I had to wait a few hours to write this because I was so upset and even now thinking back on the game has me disappointed.

The Aggies had every opportunity to win this game but literally threw it away. They had every opportunity to win despite having airplane troubles that left them in Texas for hours and forced them to get into North Carolina at 3 a.m. They had every opportunity after having six turnovers. They just couldn’t quite get it done.

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The game started with an Appalachian State fumble deep in their own territory. NMSU recovered, but failed to convert that into points as the drive stalled with a holding penalty and ended with a missed field goal.

The next possession started with great field position thanks to Larry Rose’s (and NMSU’s) best punt return in two seasons. That drive would be finished off by a nice play action pass to Bryce Roberts, the first of his career.

The next drive would see Appalachian State run down the field thanks to a big Jalin Moore run that would set up a missed 46 yard field goal.

The Aggies would again drive down the field, converting two third downs only for Roger to have a terrible throw be intercepted by Appalachian State. A personal foul penalty set the Mountaineers up at the NMSU 13. The D would hold and only give up a field goal. 7-3 Aggies.

Both teams would trade punts to end the 1st and start the 2nd.

Rogers would completely ignore Clinton Duck on the next possession and throw it right into his hands for his second INT of the game. He’s been getting bad at staring down his receivers. App State would turn that into a touchdown. 10-7 App.

The next possession was the exact same. Rogers stared down his receiver, tried to throw the entire length of the field and threw it right to the defender. Appalachian State would score another touchdown. 17-7 App. St.

You get the picture.

I have no idea what happened to Tyler Rogers. I’ve noticed he plays worse when he’s in high pressure games or situations (the UTEP game sticks out to me) but plays better as the game goes on. Saturday, that didn’t happen. It didn’t help that Jaleel Scott was hurt and out of the game. I have not heard what his injury is or how long he will be out.

Coach Martin said that Rogers was rattled after a big hit he took in the first half, which may be what happened. Either way, he played poorly.

Jason Huntley had his breakout game of the season however. He rushed for 96 yards and added 111 in receiving with one touchdown.

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The defense also played really well despite allowing 45 points. I’ll have more on that in another post.

The Aggies need to realize from this game though, they are one of the best Sun Belt Conference teams. They didn’t show it today but they are a better team than App State. They just need to learn how to win games.

Appalachian State now looks ahead to Idaho next week inside the Kibbie Dome as the Apps look to keep their “Ring Quest“ alive and well when they battle the Vandals.

New Mexico State hits the road for the third straight week as they travel to Statesboro to take on Georgia Southern.