Boone, NC
Oct 26, 2024
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In an emotional return to Kidd Brewer Stadium following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Appalachian State defeated Georgia State 33-26, in a closely contested game that featured nine lead changes. The Mountaineers were buoyed by an early defensive play when Ahmani Marshall blocked a Georgia State punt for a safety just 93 seconds into the game. This marked the first blocked punt for a Mountaineer since 2019. Georgia State quickly regrouped, taking a 16-15 lead with 1:15 left in the second quarter before a late App State field goal by Jackson Moore secured an 18-16 advantage at halftime.
The second half saw both teams exchanging blows, but the Mountaineers' resilience shone through, particularly in the fourth quarter. Joey Aguilar showed his mettle, throwing for 299 yards and 3 touchdowns, including the decisive 4-yard pass to Kanen Hamlett with 1:51 remaining. Georgia State had an opportunity to respond, but the App State defense, led by Santana Hopper's crucial sacks, held firm to secure the win. Despite the loss, Georgia State showed fight, with Zach Gibson efficiently leading the offense, and Michel Dukes contributing significantly to the ground game.
Ahmani Marshall (App State)
Marshall blocked a punt out of the end zone for App State's first safety since 2022, which gave them an early 2-0 lead and set the tone for a defensive game-opening. This crucial play marked the first blocked punt by the Mountaineers since 2019 and was pivotal in a game ultimately decided by a single score.
Ahmani Marshall (App State)
Marshall executed a 1-yard rushing touchdown to extend App State's lead to 8-3, demonstrating his versatility and importance to the team's offense, following an unsportsmanlike penalty that dampened a potential two-point conversion highlight.
Joey Aguilar (App State)
Aguilar connected with Makai Jackson for an 18-yard touchdown, shifting the momentum back to App State with a lead of 15-10, underscoring his knack for critical pass precision throughout the game.
Dalton Stroman (App State)
Aguilar's accurate deep pass to Stroman resulted in a 23-yard touchdown, extending App State's lead and showcasing the duo's burgeoning chemistry, which proved critical in re-establishing the lead and setting the stage for a back-and-forth scoreline.
Kanen Hamlett (App State)
Hamlett made a game-sealing 4-yard touchdown catch, catapulting the Mountaineers to a seven-point advantage with under two minutes left, a play noted for his ability to adjust for a leaping grab amid broken tackles.
Joey Aguilar (App State, QB)
Threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns without an interception, demonstrating exceptional composure and driving a 10-play, 75-yard game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter, including a crucial two-point conversion.
Ahmani Marshall (App State, RB)
Pivotal throughout the game with a blocked punt leading to a safety, a 1-yard rushing touchdown contributing to 115 rush yards, and key runs that kept the Mountaineers ahead during critical moments.
Zach Gibson (Georgia State, QB)
Gibson's efficient performance with 192 passing yards and a touchdown helped Georgia State remain competitive, managing the offense with consistent completions under pressure, solidifying his role in his first start.
Santana Hopper (App State, DE)
Delivered a strong defensive impact with five tackles and two sacks, including decisive plays in the second half that stifled Georgia State's comeback efforts, highlighting his defensive prowess during pivotal series.
Kaedin Robinson (App State, WR)
Recorded a game-high five receptions for 121 yards, including significant contributions in the first half that established App State's offensive momentum, and a key third-quarter punt return.
Georgia State Panthers
0
16
7
3
26
Appalachian State Mountaineers
2
16
7
8
33
