CONWAY - A disastrous finish to the first half left Appalachian State trailing by 10 points Friday night at Coastal Carolina. But with Henry Hasselbeck taking control of the offense and Jaquari Lewis finding the end zone four times, the Mountaineers turned a frustrating evening into a much-needed Sun Belt Conference victory.

Lewis rushed for 85 yards and four touchdowns, while Hasselbeck accounted for 237 yards of total offense as App State rallied for a 35-32 victory at Brooks Stadium, snapping a four-game losing streak against the Chanticleers.

The Mountaineers (4-2, 1-1 Sun Belt) trailed 24-14 at halftime before scoring 21 unanswered points to seize control of the game. Coastal Carolina (2-5, 1-2) pulled within three points late in the fourth quarter, but App State's rushing attack delivered the final first downs needed to preserve the win.

"We made some nice adjustments and manned them up a lot more than playing all those zones," App State head coach Dowell Loggains said of the defensive turnaround. "We just made a stronger commitment, you know, to the run game."

That commitment produced 253 rushing yards and helped the Mountaineers finish with 516 yards of total offense.

Hasselbeck, who split first-half quarterback duties with injured starter Malachi Singleton before playing the entire second half, rushed for 125 yards on 21 carries. His performance ranks second among App State quarterbacks in the program's FBS era, just one yard shy of Taylor Lamb's 126-yard outing against Toledo in the 2016 Camellia Bowl.

Hasselbeck also completed 9 of 12 passes for 112 yards, including a 31-yard touchdown to Sam Pickett III that extended App State's lead to 35-24 with 6:41 remaining.

The touchdown capped a remarkable offensive reversal after the Mountaineers failed to score during the second quarter.

Coastal Carolina had taken control with 17 unanswered points before halftime, including a 58-yard field goal by Nico Cavanillas Alti as time expired. The kick followed a costly App State possession in which the Mountaineers reached the Coastal 1-yard line before a chop-block penalty and a fumbled snap by Singleton erased the scoring opportunity.

Instead of potentially tying the game, App State entered the locker room facing its largest deficit of the night.

Loggains acknowledged that the sequence required more than tactical adjustments.

"If you want to be the team we want to be, you can't find ways to lose a game," Loggains said. "In that scenario, we found a way to lose the half."

The Mountaineers responded by leaning on their offensive line, their quarterback's mobility and Lewis' ability to finish drives.

After both teams opened the third quarter with punts, Hasselbeck directed a nine-play, 74-yard touchdown drive. Lewis capped the possession with a 12-yard run, cutting Coastal's lead to 24-21 with 7:59 remaining in the period.

App State's defense then supplied the game's pivotal turnover.

Safety Devin Henderson intercepted Coastal quarterback Deuce Bailey, giving the Mountaineers possession near midfield. Henderson had dropped a potential interception one play earlier but immediately capitalized on his second opportunity.

"I feel like it was a game changer play," Henderson said afterward.

The offense made the turnover count, covering 58 yards in 10 plays. Hasselbeck and J'Marion Burnette helped move the ball on the ground before Lewis scored from 3 yards out to give App State a 28-24 lead with 2:20 remaining in the third quarter.

It was Lewis' fourth rushing touchdown of the night, placing him among a small group of Mountaineers to accomplish the feat in the program's FBS era.

Only Cam Peoples and Daetrich Harrington had previously scored at least four rushing touchdowns in an FBS game for App State. Peoples holds the program's FBS single-game record with five against North Texas in the 2020 Myrtle Beach Bowl.

Lewis credited the offensive line for creating the opportunities.

"All week I preached to O-line, just get me the hole open and I'm going to make sure they're satisfied," Lewis said.

While the offense found its rhythm, App State's defense began limiting the explosive plays that had fueled Coastal Carolina's first-half success.

The Chanticleers had scored on their opening possession when Bailey connected with Tristian Gardner for a 21-yard touchdown. After App State answered with two Lewis touchdowns to take a 14-7 lead, Bailey found Robby Washington for a 71-yard score early in the second quarter.

Bailey later threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Ben Verges, giving Coastal a 21-14 advantage before the long field goal extended the margin.

The Coastal quarterback finished with 298 passing yards and three touchdowns, but App State held the Chanticleers scoreless in the third quarter.

Loggains said the defensive improvement came after a first half in which the Mountaineers surrendered too many big plays.

"I don't think we played well enough on defense," he said. "We played just well enough to win the game, but gave away too many yards, way too many explosive plays."

App State's offense provided some breathing room midway through the fourth quarter.

Following a Coastal punt, Hasselbeck needed only four plays to move the Mountaineers 69 yards. He opened the possession with a 17-yard completion to Pickett, then helped set up the touchdown with a 12-yard run.

On the scoring play, Hasselbeck connected with Pickett for a 31-yard touchdown, the quarterback's first career touchdown pass.

Hasselbeck said the offense had emphasized getting the ball to its playmakers during halftime.

"We told him in the locker room at halftime like, 'Hey, we're going to come to you,'" Hasselbeck said of Pickett. "That moment, it was Sam Pickett's time to shine."

Pickett finished with five receptions for 78 yards, while Singleton completed 12 of 14 passes for 151 yards before giving way to Hasselbeck for the second half.

Coastal Carolina refused to go quietly.

Bailey led a 75-yard touchdown drive that ended with Jaden Allen-Hendrix scoring on a 2-yard run with 3:11 remaining. A successful two-point conversion pass to Dominic Lee-Knicely brought the Chanticleers within 35-32.

But Coastal never got the ball back.

Hasselbeck opened App State's final possession with an 11-yard run, and Lewis followed with a 16-yard gain. The Mountaineers eventually faced third-and-1 at the Coastal 39, where Lewis gained 2 yards to secure the first down and allow App State to run out the clock.

The victory ended App State's three-game losing streak at Brooks Stadium and marked its first win over Coastal Carolina since 2021.

For the Mountaineers, the performance offered evidence of an offense capable of controlling games on the ground, even with uncertainty surrounding its starting quarterback.

For Hasselbeck, the opportunity to take over in the second half came with confidence in the players around him.

"A strong part of it is trust," he said. "We got as many guys in that locker room and I trust all of them and I know they trust me."

App State will have little time to celebrate. The Mountaineers return to Boone for a Thursday night Sun Belt matchup against James Madison, with the game scheduled to air nationally on ESPNU.

Saturday night’s ACC Network game from Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh will be the 113th meeting between the NC State Wolfpack and the North Carolina Tar Heels. The Tar Heels, recovering from a loss at Clemson, are preparing to face their rivals in the final game of the 2023 regular season. The Tar Heels’ offense, which averages 38.1 points per game, is the 12th highest nationally, and they’ve been successful on third downs, converting 49.7% of them. Quarterback Drake Maye and running back Omarion Hampton have been key players, with Maye throwing at least one touchdown pass in 10 of the 11 games this season and Hampton rushing for 100 yards in six consecutive games.

On the other side, the Wolfpack have been formidable opponents under the guidance of head coach Dave Doeren, the winningest coach in school history with 80 wins at NC State. They are one of only four teams in the Power 5 that have won eight or more games in each of the last four seasons. Their defense, which leads the ACC in total defense and scoring defense vs. league opponents, has been particularly impressive. In the last nine games, the Wolfpack defense has allowed just 88.5 rushing yards per game. During that span, three opponents have rushed for less than 100 yards. This game promises to be a thrilling end to the regular season, with both teams bringing their A-game to the field for bragging rights and a claim to best FBS team in the state.

NCAA Division II Playoffs (Round 2)

Lenoir-Rhyne vs Benedict: The Lenoir-Rhyne Bears are set to face the Benedict Tigers in the NCAA Division II playoffs this Saturday. The Bears have had a strong season, with an 11-1 record and an average of 40.17 points per game. Their rushing game is led by Dwayne McGee, who has gained 1213 yards with an average of 110.27 yards per game. In the passing game, Jalen Ferguson has completed 111 out of 154 attempts, throwing for 1468 yards and 16 touchdowns. The receiving corps is led by DeAree Rogers, who has made 43 catches for 621 yards and 6 touchdowns. On defense, Jon Ross Maye leads the team with 86 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. The Bears' defense has been particularly effective, with 35 sacks and 13 interceptions this season. The team's overall performance has been impressive, with an average of 443.7 yards per game. This game promises to be a thrilling encounter, with the Bears looking to leverage their strong performance this season against the formidable Tigers.

NCAA FCS Playoffs (Round )

Gardner-Webb vs. Mercer: This Saturday, the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs, under the guidance of Head Coach Tre Lamb, a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award, will face off against the Mercer Bears in the NCAA FCS playoffs. The Bulldogs have had a strong season, with back-to-back conference championships for the first time since 2002 and 2003, and an undefeated home record. Their offense, led by Lamb, has been aggressive, averaging 34.7 points per game in conference games and converting 24 of their 37 fourth-down attempts. On the defensive end, Ty French has set a new school record for career sacks with 30.5 and has been named a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award. Running back Narii Gaither has also made history, becoming just the second player in program history to rush for at least 3,000 yards. The Bulldogs have a record of 9-36 against FCS teams ranked inside the national polls, but they defeated #13/14 UT Martin earlier this season. Freshman quarterback Jaylen King, a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, has gone 5-1 in his first six career starts, including leading the Bulldogs to a 38-34 upset victory over #13/14 UT Martin. This game promises to be a thrilling encounter, with the Bulldogs looking to leverage their strong performance this season against the formidable Bears.

North Carolina Central vs. Richmond: This Saturday at 3pm, the NCAA FCS playoff game between North Carolina Central and Richmond is set to be a thrilling showdown. NCCU, with a record of 9-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play, has been a force to reckon with this season. They have outscored their opponents 403 to 296, averaging 36.64 points per game. Their rushing attack, led by Latrell Collier with 684 yards and 8 touchdowns, and Davius Richard with 579 yards and 15 touchdowns, has been particularly potent. Richard has also been impressive in the passing game, completing 60.98% of his passes for 1915 yards and 20 touchdowns. On the receiving end, Devin Smith and Joaquin Davis have been key contributors, with 505 and 404 receiving yards respectively. On the defensive side, Jayden Flaker leads the team with 74 total tackles and 4.5 sacks. With a rare appearance in the FCS playoffs, NCCU is poised to give a tough fight to the University of Richmond.

Honoring NCCFB Legend Armanti Edwards 

App State vs. Georgia Southern: App State will host Georgia Southern at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone in a game that will be broadcast on ESPNU Saturday afternoon at 3:30. App State leads the series 21-16-1 overall and 14-5-1 in Boone. Leading the Mountaineers’ offense is quarterback Joey Aguilar with 2,975 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, receiver Kaedin Robinson with 45 catches for 609 yards and 8 touchdowns, and running back Nate Noel with 787 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. Andrew Parker Jr. paces the App State defense with 98 tackles. The game will be a significant event, as it's not only the regular-season finale but also Senior Day, and the retirement of QB Armanti Edwards’ No. 14 jersey will take place at halftime. App State is also vying for a Sun Belt Championship Game berth. The team needs to beat Georgia Southern and have JMU win at Coastal Carolina to advance to face West champ Troy on Dec. 2.

As the NCHSAA football playoffs head into the fourth round, anticipation is high for thrilling matchups and historic achievements. Among the standout narratives is Tarboro's remarkable 16th consecutive post-Thanksgiving appearance, the longest streak in North Carolina. The Vikings, eyeing an eighth straight fourth-round presence, have been dominant in the East Regional, clinching the title six years in a row.

In a clash of resilience and ambition, Tarboro faces East Bladen, the No. 13 seed, marking their deepest playoff run since 2009. Wilson Prep, making only its second playoff appearance, is set for a post-Thanksgiving debut, while West Columbus looks to build on last year's near miss, determined to break through the fourth round after a hiatus since 1985.

Robbinsville, a familiar face in the fourth round with six appearances in the last decade, seeks redemption after falling short in the third round last season. North Rowan, making its first fourth-round appearance since 1992, aims to recapture the glory of its 1992 state runner-up finish.

In the 2A bracket, Clinton and Nash Central are making significant playoff strides, with Clinton making its first fourth-round appearance since 2019, and Nash Central celebrating its inaugural entry into the round. Whiteville, back after a 1987 2A Championship, showcases their resilience in the 1A Classification, while Northeastern returns for the seventh time since 2010.

The 3A bracket sees perennial contenders Havelock and Crest making their mark once again, with Havelock on its 14th fourth-round appearance and Crest in its 15th. Southern Alamance is set for its fourth-round debut, adding an element of unpredictability to the mix.

In the 4A bracket, Rolesville continues its dominance with a fourth consecutive appearance, while Cardinal Gibbons looks for redemption after last year's second-round exit. Butler, making its seventh fourth-round appearance, faces Independence, marking the Patriots' return after a hiatus since 2009.

The excitement is further amplified by the notable high-scoring encounters in the third round, setting the stage for a gripping fourth round. Notably, the clash between Nash Central and Hertford County produced a record-breaking combined score, securing its place in the NCHSAA Football Record Book.

As fans gear up for the upcoming matchups, the stage is set for a weekend of thrilling football action, where history will be made, and teams will battle for a coveted spot in the Regional Finals.

As the clock struck noon on Selection Sunday, football fans across the nation eagerly tuned in to witness the unveiling of the 2023 FCS playoff bracket. The anticipation reached its peak as the NCAA Division I Football Championship Committee revealed the field of 24 teams competing for the prestigious title.

Two teams from North Carolina, Gardner-Webb and North Carolina Central, found themselves among the chosen few. For the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs, it was a testament to their resilience throughout a challenging season. Despite facing one of the toughest nonconference schedules in FCS football, the Runnin' Bulldogs secured significant victories against Elon and #13 UT Martin. They stumbled along the way, facing tough losses to FBS Appalachian State and fellow playoff team Austin Peay. However, as conference play unfolded, Gardner-Webb turned the tide, finishing strong with a 5-1 record and clinching the conference championship for the second consecutive year.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the North Carolina Central University Eagles soared into the playoffs on the wings of an impressive season. Fresh off winning the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and the HBCU national championship, the Eagles showcased their strength in a schedule that included marquee matchups against UCLA and a trip to the Circle City Classic in Indianapolis. Victories against South Carolina State and Norfolk State highlighted their success, while a challenging loss to Howard kept them out of the Celebration Bowl for a second year in a row but opened the door to the FCS playoffs.

As the bracket unfolded, fans marveled at the matchups that would define the road to the national championship in Frisco, Texas. Gardner-Webb was slated to face Mercer in the first round, a game that promised intensity and excitement. Meanwhile, NC Central prepared for a showdown with Richmond, setting the stage for a clash between two formidable opponents. Both North Carolina teams will play away from home for the first round of the playoffs with a win putting each team on the road at one of the top eight national seeds.

Top 8 seeds

1. South Dakota State
2. Montana
3. South Dakota
4. Idaho
5. Albany
6. Montana State
7. Furman
8. Villanova

The playoff journey begins on Thanksgiving weekend on ESPN+, with the first-round matchups set to captivate audiences across the nation. 

BOILING SPRINGS – In a commanding display of offensive and defensive ability, Gardner-Webb notched an impressive 34-10 victory over Charleston Southern, securing the Runnin’ Bulldogs second straight conference title.

Coach Tre Lamb's Gardner-Webb offensive machinery churned out an impressive 448 total yards, with a remarkable 308 yards coming from their potent rushing attack. The Runnin' Bulldogs contained the Charleston Southern offense, holding them to 248 total yards, with only 92 yards on the ground.

The scoring summary tells a tale of a Gardner-Webb squad overcoming a slow start and exploding on the gridiron in the second half. The first quarter saw Jay Billingsley's precision, nailing field goals from 48 and 22 yards out, setting the tone for the Runnin' Bulldogs. Brendan Jackson's one-yard touchdown run further solidified Gardner-Webb's early lead. Despite a responsive eight-yard touchdown run by Charleston Southern's TJ Ruff in the second quarter, the Runnin' Bulldogs held their ground. The third and fourth quarters featured standout plays, including Jackson's second touchdown run and a spectacular 43-yard pass from Jaylen King to AJ Johnson, sealing Gardner-Webb's dominance and capping a convincing victory.

Gardner-Webb's victory wasn't merely an offensive showcase; it was a testament to disciplined play across all aspects of the game. The Runnin' Bulldogs demonstrated their defensive tenacity by holding Charleston Southern to a mere 10 points. Ty French's stellar performance set a new program record for career sacks at 30.5, surpassing Gabe Wilkins' previous record of 29.0 from 1990-93. The Gardner-Webb defense's formidable display limited Charleston Southern to a mere 81 yards in the second half and held opponents to less than 100 rushing yards for the third consecutive game.

Up Next

Gardner-Webb (7-4, 5-1) awaits its destination for the 2023 FCS Playoffs. The FCS Selection Show airs on ESPNU on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 12:30 PM.