2011 Opponent Recap: Appalachian State

ASU RECORD: 0-0 (10-3, Lost to Villanova in FCS playoff quarterfinals)

VT RECORD: 0-0 (11-3, Lost to #5 Stanford in Discover Orange Bowl)

SCORE: (13) VT – 66 ASU – 13

GAME SUMMARY: Virginia Tech avoided a FCS meltdown at home a year after falling to JMU. Tech dominated the game, racking up 518 total yards, and scored the first 52 points in the second-highest point total in Frank Beamer’s tenure. Tech scored before the opening minute had expired, on a 20-yard romp by David Wilson, set up by Derrick Hopkins’ recovery of an ASU fumble. The Hokies held a 230 yard advantage at halftime. In his first collegiate start, Logan Thomas threw for 149 yards and 2 touchdowns. In contrast, ASU quarterback DeAndre Presley, a 2010 Walter Camp Award finalist, was pulled in the third quarter after three turnovers (two interceptions and a fumble). His replacement, Jamal Jackson, scored two touchdowns in relief , and would go on to lead the team in passing on the season.

LOCK IT IN THE LUNCHPAIL: The dominant manner of the victory was not entirely surprising, even considering the Mountaineers’ recent dominance of FCS competition (back-to-back-to-back National Championships from 2005-07, 34-32 win at #5 Michigan in 2007). If anything, the win temporarily reopened the debates amongst fans regarding the Tech home loss to James Madison in 2010. Personnel-wise, there were many reasons for optimism: although Logan Thomas looked the part of the first-time starting quarterback, he avoided major mistakes in the passing game and put the college football world on notice with his punishing running style. Jayron Hosley effectively sealed off his side of the field, and Jerron Gouveia-Winslow looked more comfortable at WHIP, recording an interception. David Wilson and Marcus Davis lived up to offseason expectations, delivering 162- and 140-yard efforts respectively. Considering the number of questions about this squad coming into the season, this outcome put the qualms of most of Hokie Nation at ease (at least for one week). 

ASU SEASON RECORD: 8-4 (6-2 Southern Conference).

SEASON SUMMARY: For the first time since 2004, the Mountaineers failed to be outright or shared SoCon champions, finishing an uncharacteristically low third in the conference behind Georgia Southern (11-2) and Wofford (8-4). ASU beat league champ GSU 24-17; the only other squad to beat Georgia Southern this season was #2 Alabama. Although they finished with the same record, Wofford held the head-to-head tiebreaker over ASU, courtesy of 28-14 victory in which the Terriers defense gave up only 247 yards and held ASU to only three third-down conversions all game. Appalachian State’s other conference loss came at Furman, where they outgained the Paladins but turned the ball over 4 times in a 20-10 decision. ASU went 3-0 against other North Carolina schools, with victories over North Carolina A&T, Western Carolina University, and Elon. As stated before, Jamal Jackson took over for DeAndre Presley and finished the year with 2001 yards passing and 22 total touchdowns (seven rushing). Appalachian State received an at-large selection to the FCS playoffs.

OFFENSIVE MVP: WR Brian Quick. 71 REC – 1096 YDs – 11 TDs.

Quick had statistically the fourth-best receiving season in school history and earned AFCA FCS All-American recognition. The senior leaves ASU as the school’s all-time leading receiver with 202 catches, 3418 yards, and 31 touchdowns.

DEFENSIVE MVP: LB Jeremy Kimbrough. 105 TCK – 4 SK – 1 INT – 2 FF – 1 FR.

The junior from Decatur led the team in tackles and sacks, even though he missed one game. His 12 tackles for loss also led the team.

POSTSEASON: L 34-12 to Maine 9-3 (6-2 CAA) in FCS playoff second round.

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