After falling behind East Carolina 17-0 and trailing 27-7 at the half, Appalachian State's football team could have rolled over like a helpless dog and took the severe beating that many ECU and ASU fans thought might happen after that forgetful first quarter.
ASU had other plans, that included almost coming back to win the game behind freshman quarterback Travaris Cadet. With star QB Armanti Edwards sidelined after a lawnmower accident this summer, Cadet did his best Edward's impersonation nearly leading his Mountaineers to a unbelievable comeback win.
With ASU trailing 29-21, Cortez Gilbert intercepted a Patrick Pinkney pass at the 33 yard line and returned it to the 49 yard line. Cadet led the black and gold to the ECU 22, but had to settle for a Jason Vitaris 43-yard fieldgoal that cut ECU's lead to 29-24 with 3:24 left to go.
ASU got the ball back after a huge three-and-out and moved the ball to midfield, but a sack on first-and-10 forced Cadet to spike the ball on the next down. After an eight yard strike to Blake Elder, ASU faced a fourth-and-10 and Cadet's pass to CoCo Hillary was just out of reach ending what looked like to be a miraculous comeback by the Apps.
ASU showed their worth Saturday to many who didn't believe the Mountaineers could hold their own with the so called 'big boys' of college football. ASU is poised to have another great season which could enventually lead to a 4th national championship title in five years for the school.
