Miami Hurricanes: Getting to Know Appalachian State

The Miami Hurricanes face a tough challenge week three with their first road games of the season in Boone, NC against Appalachian State.

This is Miami’s first trip to the Mountaineers’ Kidd-Brewer Stadium. The game is one of the biggest events in Boone and App State history. After App State lost in overtime at Tennessee in the season opener, many think the Hurricanes could be upset.

The More You Know

The Mountaineers shocked fifth-ranked Michigan at the Big House 34-23 in 2007. That gave Appalachian State notoriety nationally. The Mountaineers were a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) at the time they defeated the Wolverines.  They won three FCS championships from 2005-2007.

The Mountaineers moved up to the Football Bowl Subdivision and the Sun Belt Conference in 2013. Longtime assistant and current head coach, Scott Satterfield led ASU through the transition.

The Mountaineers finished 2015 11-2 with a Camellia Bowl victory over the Ohio Bobcats. App State has played power five schools in four of the past five seasons and played East Carolina in 2012.

Appalachian State vs. the Power Five conferences (and East Carolina)

The Mountaineers have faced a Power Five conference team five times in the last six years. Here is how they fared.

2010 – #22 Florida Gators-  48 / Appalachian State Mountaineers – 10

2011-  #13 Virginia Tech – 66 / Appalachian State Mountaineers – 13

2012 – *East Carolina – 35 / Appalachian State Mountaineers – 35

2013 – Georgia Bulldogs – 45 / Appalachian State Mountaineers – 6

2014 – Michigan Wolverines – 52 / Appalachian State Mountaineers – 14

2015 – #12 Clemson – 41 / Appalachian State Mountaineers – 10

The Mountaineers have not achieved an upset over a Power Five school since the program changing victory in 2007. Although in the start of the 2016 season, the Mountaineers took the Tennessee Volunteers, the predicted Southern East Conference Eastern Division Champion, to overtime in a 20-13 loss.

Once again, the team caught national attention  including the Miami Hurricane coaching staff. With the more you know about the Mountaineers, fans can rationalize some concern.

What to Expect

The Mountaineers prove on film that they are a well-coached team that plays hard on every down. On the offensive side of the ball, junior quarterback Taylor Lamb commands the helm. Lamb finished last season with 2800 total yards and 36 touchdowns. (2364 yards passing, 436 yards rushing).

Impressively, Lamb led the Mountaineers to a record of 17-6 in just 23 starts. Their offense is predicated on zone attack run schemes and elements of the triple option with senior running back Marcus Cox leading the way.

Cox finished the past the three seasons with at least 1200 yards running the ball whiling rushing for a career high last season with 1,423 yards and 11 total touchdowns. Obviously, the Canes’ defense will be expected to be asked to defend the run game in order to win.

Defensively, the Mountaineers return eight starters from their 11-2 season a year ago. Through two weeks, Appalachian State is allowing an average of 394.1 yards a game (169.9 rushing/180.5 passing).

Similar to the Florida Atlantic game plan, Mark Richt will utilize one on one match-ups on the outside against the Mountaineers if they bring pressure similar to what they did in the Tennessee game. Miami needs Brad Kaaya to play better.

Last week, Kaaya ended the game 17 of 31 in passing attempts with only 191 yards and two interceptions versus FAU. Miami’s offense will rely on the superior run game of Mark Walton and Joe Yearby to deplete the Appalachian State defense.

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The Miami Hurricanes face their toughest opponent thus far this season. Can the Canes’ take a punch? Can the Mountaineers generate a knockout in the biggest home game in their school’s history? If the Canes come out flat, they could be in deep, deep trouble. If they come ready to play, the Hurricanes should handle business in Boone.