5 Ways Appalachian State Beats Unc

Quick Links :

The Appalachian State Mountaineers and the North Carolina Tar Heels have a long-standing rivalry in the world of college football. While UNC has traditionally been considered the stronger program, Appalachian State has consistently proven to be a formidable opponent. In recent years, the Mountaineers have even managed to come out on top in several matchups against the Tar Heels. Here are five ways Appalachian State beats UNC:

Superior Team Defense

Appalachian State's team defense has been a key factor in their victories over UNC. The Mountaineers have consistently shown the ability to shut down the Tar Heels' offense, holding them to low scores and limiting their ability to move the ball. In 2019, Appalachian State held UNC to just 10 points, with the Tar Heels' offense struggling to find any rhythm. The Mountaineers' defensive unit has been led by standout players such as linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither, who has been a nightmare for opposing offenses.

The Importance of Defensive Line Play

The defensive line has been a crucial part of Appalachian State's success against UNC. The Mountaineers have been able to pressure the Tar Heels' quarterback and disrupt their offense, making it difficult for them to establish a rhythm. In 2018, Appalachian State's defensive line sacked UNC quarterback Nathan Elliott four times, holding the Tar Heels to just 13 points. The Mountaineers' ability to dominate the line of scrimmage has given them a significant advantage in their matchups against UNC.

Strong Running Game

Appalachian State's running game has been a key factor in their victories over UNC. The Mountaineers have consistently been able to establish a strong ground game, with running backs such as Darrynton Evans and Camerun Peoples leading the way. In 2019, Evans rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown against the Tar Heels, helping the Mountaineers to a 34-31 victory. Appalachian State's ability to run the ball effectively has allowed them to control the clock and limit UNC's opportunities on offense.

The Impact of a Strong Running Game on Play Action Passing

A strong running game has also allowed Appalachian State to be effective in the passing game. The Mountaineers have been able to use play-action passing to great effect, with quarterback Zac Thomas finding open receivers down the field. In 2018, Thomas threw for 224 yards and two touchdowns against UNC, with many of his completions coming on play-action passes. The Mountaineers' ability to run the ball effectively has set up their play-action passing game, making it difficult for the Tar Heels to defend.

Coaching Experience

Appalachian State head coach Shawn Clark has been a key factor in the Mountaineers' success against UNC. Clark has consistently been able to outmaneuver the Tar Heels' coaching staff, making adjustments at halftime and finding ways to exploit UNC's weaknesses. In 2019, Clark's decision to go for it on fourth down late in the game paid off, with the Mountaineers converting and eventually winning the game. Clark's experience and ability to make adjustments have given Appalachian State an edge in their matchups against UNC.

Recruiting Advantage

Appalachian State has also had an advantage in recruiting, particularly in the state of North Carolina. The Mountaineers have been able to attract top talent from the state, with many players choosing to stay close to home and play for Appalachian State rather than UNC. In 2020, the Mountaineers signed a highly-touted recruiting class, with several players from North Carolina choosing to sign with Appalachian State. The Mountaineers' ability to recruit top talent from the state has given them an edge in their matchups against UNC.

Home Field Advantage

Appalachian State's home field advantage has also been a key factor in their victories over UNC. The Mountaineers have consistently been able to feed off the energy of their crowd, with Kidd Brewer Stadium providing an intimidating atmosphere for opposing teams. In 2019, Appalachian State's crowd was electric, with the Mountaineers feeding off their energy to come from behind and win the game. The Mountaineers' home field advantage has given them an edge in their matchups against UNC.

Now that you've read about the five ways Appalachian State beats UNC, let's hear from you! What do you think is the most important factor in the Mountaineers' success against the Tar Heels? Share your thoughts in the comments below!