ASU Game Time - ASU vs Montana

GAME TIME APPALACHIAN STATE vs. MONTANA SEPT. 8, 2012, 6:30 P.M. at KIDD BREWER STADIUM

GAME-DAY PREVIEW

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GAME-DAY PREVIEW

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2012

Steve Behr Sports Editor

Matchup with Griz a classic in the making

T

his is the type of game that real competitors like.

Two storied programs. Two programs that would like a rematch in December.

Montana at Appalachian State.

It’s about time.

The two Football Championship Subdivision powers should have set up their home-and-home series at least 10 years ago. Montana holds a 2-0 lead in the series, but their showdown with the Mountaineers is the first for the Grizzlies in the regular season.

The teams have a hard act to follow. Their first game, a 19-16 overtime Montana win in 2000, literally ended on the final play of the game.

Their second game, a 24-17 Griz win 2009, ended on the Montana 3-yard line one play after an Appalachian State fourthand-goal.

The FBS has these games every now and then. Notre Dame and Southern Cal comes to mind. Alabama against Michigan is another.

Montana vs. ASU is the FCS answer.

Too often, teams worry about messing up their playoff status than play a tough nonconference game. They might play a “money” game against a Football Bowl Subdivision team, but then load up on homegame cupcakes until conference season starts.

Appalachian State has never been one of those teams — at least by design. One of the things to admire about a Jerry Moorecoached team is that the Mountaineers don’t back down from challenges.

Their money games include LSU two times, Michigan and Virginia Tech, all ranked in the Top 10.

SEE BEHR, PAGE 3

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Jamal Jackson (12) takes over the Appalachian State offense this season. He will lead the Mountaineers into their game with Montana.

ROB MOORE | WATAUGA DEMOCRAT

Taking charge Jackson takes over Appalachian State offense from the start

BY STEVE BEHR sports@wataugademocrat.com

J

amal Jackson knows he has a tough act to follow.

Appalachian State quarterbacking situation has been some of the best in the nation during the past decade. Appalachian State’s last three quarterbacks — Richie Williams, Armanti Edwards and DeAndre Presley — all have played professional football.

Williams spent some time in Canada with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Saskatchewan Roughriders. Edwards is a receiver with the Carolina Panthers, and Presley is a cor-

nerback on the Miami Dolphins practice squad.

Jackson, a junior, may not necessarily end up playing professionally when he’s finished at Appalachian State. He’s taken over the Appalachian State offense that looks to return to the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs for the eighth straight season.

Comparisons to other quarterbacks are inevitable, especially to Edwards, a two-time Walter Payton Award winner.

“Both can throw well,” Mountaineers coach Jerry Moore said. “I like to think that both are tough kids. Armanti can make you miss tackles, while

Jamal is more of a conventional quarterback. He can run, but he’s also got more height.

He can see things that maybe Armanti had to scramble to see.

Both are good students and are sharp kids.”

Jackson took over the offense last year after Presley suffered an injury and went through ineffectiveness. Jackson stayed in Boone for the summer, although that’s nothing new.

He spent time conditioning and working with receivers.

He’s got young receivers to work with in freshman Malachi Jones and redshirt freshmen Sean Price and Sims McElfresh.

He’s also got his two favorite

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targets in Tony Washington and Andrew Peacock. Washington caught seven passes for 102 yards in a 35-13 loss to East Carolina, while Peacock grabbed five passes for 77 yards.

“We’ve got some young guys,” Jackson said. “Peacock and Tony are rising juniors on the field and I feel they have experience. Last year was their first year starting, but they have time under their belts that they can go on the field and lead those receivers.”

Jackson also spent his summer watching film, not only of opponents, but of himself.

SEE JACKSON, PAGE 3

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GAME-DAY PREVIEW

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2012

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MONTANA AT APPALACHIAN STATE: TODAY, 6:30 P.M.

WATAUGA DEMOCRAT

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Mountaineers face tough Griz

BY STEVE BEHR sports@wataugademocrat.com

If Appalachian State coach Jerry Moore had his way, his Mountaineers would play more games such as the one they’ll play at Kidd Brewer Stadium on Saturday.

The Mountaineers, a tradition power in the Football Championship Subdivision, hosts another traditional FCS power Montana starting at 6:30 p.m. The game will be shown on ESPN 3.

The game was scheduled as part of a series of home-and-home games with Appalachian State, Montana and McNeese State. Montana plays at Appalachian State in the first game, and then the Mountaineers travel to Missoula, Mont., to take on Montana in the rematch in 2013.

Appalachian State plays at McNeese State in 2014 and hosts the Cowboys in 2015. McNeese and Montana play home-and-home football games in 2016 and 2017.

It’s a chance for good FCS programs to face each other in nonconference games instead of in the playoffs.

“It’s good for our division,” Moore said.

“The fans have been excited about it. Our fans have gone out there a couple of times, and I’m sure their fans are excited.”

The Mountaineers have faced Montana just twice in the two programs’ histories.

Both games were played in Missoula in the semifinals of the FCS playoffs and both resulted in Montana playoff victories.

Both games also went down to the final play. Montana got a touchdown pass in a 19-16 overtime victory in 2000.

Appalachian State’s Devon Moore scores a touchdown against Montana in the 2009 playoffs.

STEVE BEHR | WATAUGA DEMOCRAT

The Grizzlies added a 24-17 victory in the 2009 semifinal championship after the Mountaineers led 17-14 going into the fourth quarter. Armanti Edwards led a drive in a snowstorm that ended on the Montana 3-yard line when Brian Quick could not bring in an Edwards fourth-down pass.

“The two we’ve lost to Montana were heartbreakers,” Moore said. “One was in overtime and one was with just seconds to go. We’ve won games like that. We beat James Madison here (2007) and Richmond

(2008) at their place.”

Montana (1-0), picked to finish third in the Big Sky Conference, beat South Dakota 35-24 in Missoula after spotting South Dakota a 24-16 lead. The Grizzlies got 214 yards and two touchdowns passing from Trent McKinney.

Appalachian State (0-1) took an early 7-0 lead on East Carolina Saturday, but could not maintain it and fell 35-13 after the Pirates scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns.

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BEHR:

FROM PAGE 2

They’ve taken on James Madison twice, McNeese State and Troy State. They played Coastal Carolina after Coastal beat defending national champion James Madison.

There have been years when teams wanted nothing to do with Appalachian State.

One school, I was informed, would not play Appalachian State even though ASU would not take any guarantee money.

I’ve always endorsed a Southern Conference-Colonial Athletic Association challenge similar to the ones the ACC plays with the Big 10 in basketball. Football schedules are made years in advance, so that’s not always practical.

Still, it would be great for FCS football.

Appalachian State’s agreement with Montana and McNeese is great for FCS football. Montana hosts ASU next year, then Appalachian State plays at McNeese in 2014. The Mountaineers host McNeese in 2015. McNeese plays Montana in the next two years.

There should be an atmosphere that hasn’t been at the Rock since the 2008 Halloween game that saw Appalachian State crush Wofford 70-24. I doubt there will be a blowout Saturday.

There will be plenty of atmosphere at the Rock Saturday. It’s an atmosphere that all FCS teams should experience.

JACKSON: Junior quarterback leads Mountaineers’ offense into 2012 season FROM PAGE 2

“In the offseason, I go into my game and try to see what my tendencies are so the defense won’t know,” Jackson said. “See what I can improve on to better my game. Once you can do that, you can move yourself closer to see what you can do better.”

Jackson’s first two opponents weren’t exactly lightweights. After facing East Carolina in oppressive heat in Greenville, the Mountaineers host FCS power Montana.

The Grizzlies hold a 2-0 series advantage, but have never played in Boone. Appalachian State hosts Southern Conference foe Citadel, the same team Jackson made his starting debut against last season. Jackson completed 21-of-27 passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns in a 49-42 win.

Appalachian State took a 35-14 lead at halftime and then held on to win. Jackson’s been the starter ever since. He knows the

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expectations that go with being the starting quarterback at a high profile program such as Appalachian State.

“As a quarterback, eyes are going to be on you,” Jackson said. “They’re that much more on you. I know they are. I have to handle my business and do my job, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

Those eyes will zero in on Jackson today when ASU hosts Montana.

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Former ASU quarterback Armanti Edwards passes against Montana in the 2009 FCS semifinal playoff game.

STEVE BEHR | WATAUGA DEMOCRAT

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tale of the tape NO. 7 APPALACHIAN STATE (0-1, 0-0 SoCon)

NO. 5 MONTANA (1-0, 0-0 Big Sky)

APPALACHIAN STATE .....................................................................vs. ................................................................................... MONTANA Boone, N.C. .............................................................................. Location .......................................................................Mizzoula, Mont.

17,344 .................................................................................. Enrollment ................................................................................. 15,642 1899 ....................................................................................... Founded ...................................................................................... 1893 Mountaineers/Black and Gold........................................... Nickname/Colors ........................Grizzlies/Copper, Silver, Gold and Maroon Southern ................................................................................Conference ................................................................................. Big Sky Kidd Brewer (23,150) ..................................................... Stadium (Capacity) ..........................................Washington-Grizzly (25,217) Jerry Moore (Baylor, 1961) ................................................... Head Coach ...............................Mick Delaney (Westerm Montana, 1964) 207-84 (23rd season) ................................................Coach’s Record at School ...................................................... 1-0 (First season) 234-132-2 (30th season) .............................................Coach’s Overall Record........................................................ 1-0 (First season) 0-1 .....................................................................................Overall Record.................................................................................... 1-0 0-0 .......................................................................Conference Record (Standing) ....................................................................... 0-0 No. 11 (Sports Network) No. 8 (AFCA) ............................. National Ranking..............................No. 12 (Sports Network), No. 9 (AFCA) Multiple Spread ....................................................................Basic Offense.............................................................................. Multiple 13.0 (t7th/60th)......................................Points Per Game (Conference/National Rank)......................................35.0 (5th/24th) 119.0 (5th/43rd) .............................Rushing Yards Per Game (Conference/National Rank).............................315.0 (3rd/10th) 300.0 (1st/12th) ..............................Passing Yards Per Game (Conference/National Rank) .............................253.0 (5th/26th) 419.0 (5th/33rd) ............................... Total Yards Per Game (Conference/National Rank) ................................586.0 (2nd/4th) Multiple (3-4 base)...............................................................Basic Defense..................................................................................... 4-3 35 (8th/65th)..................................Points Allowed Per Game (Conference/National Rank) ............................24.0 (47th/47th) 148.0 (5th/43rd) .....................Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game (Conference/National Rank) .......................61.0 (2rd/12th) 242.0 (7th/73rd) ..................... Passing Yards Allowed Per Game (Conference/National Rank) .....................172.0 (7th/46th) 390.0 (8th/56th).........................Total Yards Allowed Per Game (Conference/National Rank)........................233.0 (4th/30th)

2012 appalachian state SCHEDULE DATE Sat, Sept. 1 Sat, Sept. 8 Sat, Sept. 15 Sat, Sept. 22 Sat, Sept. 29 Sat, Oct. 6 Sat, Oct. 13 Sat, Oct. 20 Sat, Oct. 27 Sat, Nov. 3 Sat, Nov. 10

OPPONENT at East Carolina MONTANA THE CITADEL* at Chattanooga * COASTAL CAROLINA ELON * at Samford * WOFFORD * at Western Carolina * at Georgia Southern * FURMAN *

TIME/RESULT (TV) L. 13-35 6:30 p.m. - ESPN GamePlan/ESPN3 3:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

3 p.m. (2 p.m. CT) 3:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

2 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

SERIES RECORD (ASU-OPP.)/NOTES Pirates score 14 points in fourth quarter Grizzlies pay first visit to Boone Mountaineers play first Southern Conference game ASU managed close win last season vs. Mocs Chants return after losing 45-27 in 2006 playoffs Appalachian State has not lost to Phoenix since 1964 Mountaineers have won all four SoCon games with Bulldogs Terriers broke three-game losing streak with ASU in 2011 Mountaineers dominate series 57-18-1 ASU upset No. 1 Eagles 24-17 in Boone last season Paladins snapped six-game skit to Mountaineers in 2011

ALL CAPS denotes a home game, * denotes Southern Conference game, kickoff times are subject to change.

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2012

SoCON STANDINGS

TEAM SAMFORD THE CITADEL GEORGIA SOUTHERN WESTERN CAROLINA WOFFORD APPALACHIAN STATE CHATTANOOGA ELON FURMAN

CONFERENCE 1 0 000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0 1 .000

OVERALL 1 0 .000 1 0 .000 1 0 .000 1 0 .000 1 0 .000 0 1 .000 0 1 .000 0 1 .000 0 1 .000

AUG. 30 GAMES: WESTERN CAROLINA 42, MARS HILL 14 SEPT. 1 GAMES: EAST CAROLINA 35, APPALACHIAN STATE 13 NORTH CAROLINA 62, ELON 0 SAMFORD 24, FURMAN 21 GEORGIA SOUTHERN 58, JACKSONVILLE 0 THE CITADEL 49, CHARLESTON SOUTHERN 14 WOFFORD 34, GARDNER-WEBB 7 SOUTH FLORIDA 33, CHATTANOOGA 13 SEPT. 8 GAMES: COASTAL CAROLINA AT FURMAN, TBA GEORGIA SOUTHERN AT THE CITADEL, 6 P.M. WESTERN CAROLINA AT MARSHALL, 6:30 P.M. MONTANA AT APPALACHIAN STATE, 6:30 P.M. WEST ALABAMA AT SAMFORD, 7 P.M. NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL AT ELON, 7 P.M. CHATTANOOGA AT JACKSONVILLE STATE, 7 P.M. LINCOLN UNIVERSITY (MO.) AT WOFFORD, 7 P.M. SEPT. 13 GAME: GLENVILLE STATE AT CHATTANOOGA, 7 P.M. SEPT. 15 GAMES: SAMFORD AT GARDNER-WEBB, 3 P.M. WEST VIRGINIA STATE AT ELON, 3 P.M. FURMAN AT CLEMSON, 3 P.M. THE CITADEL AT APPALACHIAN STATE, 3:30 P.M. WESTERN CAROLINA AT WOFFORD, 7 P.M. SEPT. 22 GAMES: FURMAN AT PRESBYTERIAN, NOON SAMFORD AT WESTERN CAROLINA, 3:30 P.M. APPALACHIAN STATE AT CHATTANOOGA, 6 P.M. THE CITADEL AT NORTH CAROLINA STATE, 6 P.M. ELON AT GEORGIA SOUTHERN, 6 P.M. SEPT. 29 GAMES: WESTERN CAROLINA AT FURMAN, 1:30 P.M. WOFFORD AT ELON, 1:30 P.M. COASTAL CAROLINA AT APPALACHIAN STATE, 3:30 P.M. CHATTANOOGA AT THE CITADEL, 6 P.M. SAMFORD AT GEORGIA SOUTHERN, 6 P.M.