App State football traveled to Raleigh Saturday for its first contest against the North Carolina State University Wolfpack in 20 years, ultimately falling short in a significant fourth-quarter comeback attempt, 41-31. The Mountaineers tied the game with less than ten minutes remaining, but the Wolfpack responded to secure the victory, ending App State's undefeated season.
The game began with the Mountaineers deferring to the second half after winning the toss. NC State’s Wolfpack quickly established an early lead, with quarterback CJ Bailey scoring a 5-yard rushing touchdown on their opening drive. App State’s offense struggled to find momentum in the first quarter, being forced to punt on its initial drive and following up with a three-and-out. The Wolfpack capitalized, scoring its second rushing touchdown to make it 14-0. Through one quarter of play, senior quarterback Malachi Singleton had only 3 passing yards.
NC State extended its lead in the second quarter. After the Mountaineers were stopped on fourth down past midfield, the Wolfpack turned the turnover into points with a 10-yard passing touchdown, bringing the score to 21-0. This 61-yard series by NC State exceeded App State's total offensive yards up to that point. App State finally gained offensive momentum with Singleton taking the ball himself for a 3-yard touchdown. Fifth-year tight end Darrin Fugitt played a key role in this possession, totaling 57 yards. Junior linebacker Carson Sloan contributed defensively, sacking the Wolfpack quarterback on a trick play. "I had the tight end and I seen him scramble and I was like ‘Oh let’s go get him, might as well,’" Sloan said. Despite this, Singleton was sacked on App State’s next drive, leading to another punt. The Wolfpack scored again just before halftime, making it 28-7. Senior kicker James London added 3 points for App State with a 48-yard field goal as time expired, setting the halftime score at 28-10.
According to Singleton, the halftime message from coach DLO was to "attack." The Mountaineers emerged from the locker room with renewed vigor, immediately completing a 54-yard pass to sophomore wide receiver Sam Pickett III. App State converted a crucial fourth-and-one in the red zone, leading to sophomore running back Jaquari Lewis punching in their second touchdown of the day. The defense then forced a fourth down on NC State’s ensuing drive, but the Wolfpack converted and moved inside the 10-yard line, settling for a field goal that made the score 31-17.
After a series of three consecutive punts, the Mountaineer defense finally pressured Bailey, resulting in an interception by junior defensive lineman Aaron Clark. Singleton quickly capitalized on the turnover, finding Pickett III near the pylon for an 18-yard touchdown, cutting the lead to one score. Following the touchdown and a roughing the passer penalty, App State successfully attempted and recovered an onside kick on the NC State 36-yard line. Singleton then connected with freshman tight end Gavin Barber for a 9-yard passing touchdown, dramatically tying the game with less than ten minutes left in the fourth quarter.
However, the Wolfpack responded swiftly, with running back Duke Scott quickly finding the endzone on the ensuing drive, putting NC State back up by seven points. The Mountaineers received the ball with just over five minutes remaining, facing a critical fourth down that they were unable to convert. NC State then ran down the clock before adding a final field goal, extending their lead to 41-31. With just under a minute remaining, London attempted a 42-yard field goal but missed, allowing the Wolfpack to enter victory formation and close out the game.
In the post-game press conference, head coach Dowell Loggains commented on the team’s effort. "Our kids fought hard and I’m really proud of their resiliency," he stated, but noted that the team would not beat an opponent like NC State by "making self-inflicting things." The Mountaineers will now have a week off before hosting the Old Dominion University Monarchs on Oct. 10 for Homecoming.
