It has been a long fourteen years since Appalachian has hosted a football game in Boone on the opening weekend of the college football season. And in those fourteen years, much has changed on the mountain. Some things don't change however, and that is the excitement that builds each season for Mountaineer football. This years team leaves behind the past two years that were pretty atypical for this program. The transition from one division to the next isn't for just anyone. For Appalachian it came with a multitude of growing pains on the field and on the sideline. Freshman were all over the field the last two seasons, learning the difference between Western Carolina and South Alabama. Scott Satterfield had his plate full as well as he had to learn the hard way in his first eighteen games what it takes to be a head coach. Fast foward to 2015, and all those freshman are now starting with loads of experience under the belts. The head coach and his staff figured out the brand of football it takes to win in the bowl division. And now, the Mountaineers, who are not far from removed 1-6 and 1-5 starts the last two seasons, are suddenly considered contenders in the Sun Belt and favorites to secure a bowl bid in December. Until then, there is plenty of work to do and it starts this weekend with the Howard Bison.

please continue reading at http://www.bigctailgate.com

N.P.

bigCasu wrote:It has been a long fourteen years since Appalachian has hosted a football game in Boone on the opening weekend of the college football season. And in those fourteen years, much has changed on the mountain. Some things don't change however, and that is the excitement that builds each season for Mountaineer football. This years team leaves behind the past two years that were pretty atypical for this program. The transition from one division to the next isn't for just anyone. For Appalachian it came with a multitude of growing pains on the field and on the sideline. Freshman were all over the field the last two seasons, learning the difference between Western Carolina and South Alabama. Scott Satterfield had his plate full as well as he had to learn the hard way in his first eighteen games what it takes to be a head coach. Fast foward to 2015, and all those freshman are now starting with loads of experience under the belts. The head coach and his staff figured out the brand of football it takes to win in the bowl division. And now, the Mountaineers, who are not far from removed 1-6 and 1-5 starts the last two seasons, are suddenly considered contenders in the Sun Belt and favorites to secure a bowl bid in December. Until then, there is plenty of work to do and it starts this weekend with the Howard Bison.

please continue reading at http://www.bigctailgate.com

You never cease to amaze me with your insight and articulateness. The only thing I might add is that the transition had its bumpy roads, but it's impressive how quickly Coach Satterfield stopped the bleeding and righted the ship.

Howard's Knob- 33
Hungry Howie's- 17

It's finally here folks! Feels like Christmas.
GO APP!

bigCasu wrote:It has been a long fourteen years since Appalachian has hosted a football game in Boone on the opening weekend of the college football season. And in those fourteen years, much has changed on the mountain. Some things don't change however, and that is the excitement that builds each season for Mountaineer football. This years team leaves behind the past two years that were pretty atypical for this program. The transition from one division to the next isn't for just anyone. For Appalachian it came with a multitude of growing pains on the field and on the sideline. Freshman were all over the field the last two seasons, learning the difference between Western Carolina and South Alabama. Scott Satterfield had his plate full as well as he had to learn the hard way in his first eighteen games what it takes to be a head coach. Fast foward to 2015, and all those freshman are now starting with loads of experience under the belts. The head coach and his staff figured out the brand of football it takes to win in the bowl division. And now, the Mountaineers, who are not far from removed 1-6 and 1-5 starts the last two seasons, are suddenly considered contenders in the Sun Belt and favorites to secure a bowl bid in December. Until then, there is plenty of work to do and it starts this weekend with the Howard Bison.

please continue reading at http://www.bigctailgate.com

RP

2015 Ring Chasers 41
Not The Buffalo Bills 14

Bowl-Bound: 47
Harvard of Color: 24

7 pounds of ground bison ready for the tailgate. 1 for every point they are going to score. I think it's time we come out and make a statement. No more slow starts. #RingQuest2K15 starts Saturday. Get ready App Nation.

THE Appalachian State University 52
Ground BISON 7

Defense flexes its muscle to get the year started right !

APP - 38
Howard - 3

Oh C how I wait for these days thru the year. Thank you so much! and "Happy New Year" to all my tailgate buddies.
N.P.

Last Pick i made was the first Furmson Game of 2005! How did that work out?

the team has had to listen about losing to Liberty and the slow start two years in a row, all summer long, if anything they come out too pumped up and over prepared, this game gets ugly, quick. App 54 Howard 17 (they score 2 tds late on our third and 4th string)

Work approximately 2 miles or so away from Howard University, I'll be wearing my App attire tomorrow.
Prediction:

Apps 48
Tatonka 10

Let's NOT be their meechgan. Men with long guns 35 send them back north 3

I think we see a new attitude coming out of the tunnel Saturday...

App State 56
Howard 12

Yes! This day has finally arrived. My patience was wearing thin, but we're back and I think this is going to be Satterfields breakthrough year. High expectations for this team, and I believe we have approached this season with a tougher attitude about beginning the year. Not only will we finish strong, we are going to start strong.

Longrifles 49

It's what's for Dinner 14

App State 56
Howard 6

Thanks Big C! Nice write up.

App - 46

Howard - 14

Thanks BigC

Hope for a better start to game and season.

Howard - 14
App - 45

I'm looking for a shutout. 42-0 Yosef!

Nice preview, although you get a negative rep point for giving me flashbacks to that FAMU game. That was my senior year and I came back early from Thanksgiving break to attend. Our corners gave their receivers a 10-15 yard cushion all day, they picked us apart, and we never adjusted.

Anyway, back to happier times - no such angst this week.

Black and Gold - 51
Black and blue - 10