The Appalachian State Mountaineers have transformed their bowl game appearances into must-watch events that keep fans on the edge of their seats. Since making the jump to FBS in 2014, App State’s proven they’re not just happy to be invited to the party – they’re here to steal the show.
With six bowl victories in seven appearances, the Mountaineers have built a reputation for bringing their A-game when the stakes are highest. Their high-octane offense and rock-solid defense have made them the darlings of the postseason, turning what could be mundane mid-December matchups into highlight-reel spectacles that college football fans can’t resist.
App State’s Bowl Game History and Success
Appalachian State’s bowl game journey showcases an exceptional record of achievement in postseason play. The Mountaineers have established themselves as consistent performers on college football’s bowl stage since joining the FBS ranks.
Notable Bowl Game Victories
App State’s first bowl appearance resulted in a 31-29 victory over Ohio in the 2015 Camellia Bowl. The Mountaineers secured a memorable 34-0 shutout against Toledo in the 2017 Dollar General Bowl, marking their largest margin of victory in bowl competition. Their 2019 New Orleans Bowl triumph featured a dominant 31-17 win against UAB, demonstrating their offensive prowess. The 2020 Myrtle Beach Bowl saw App State defeat North Texas 56-28, setting a program record for points scored in a bowl game.
Bowl Game Winning Streak
App State maintained a perfect 5-0 bowl record from 2015 to 2019, establishing one of the most impressive postseason runs in Group of Five history. The streak included victories in the Camellia Bowl (2015, 2016), Dollar General Bowl (2017), New Orleans Bowl (2018, 2019). Each win came against different conference opponents: Ohio, Toledo, Middle Tennessee State, UAB. The Mountaineers outscored their opponents 157-74 during this stretch, averaging 31.4 points per game while holding opponents to 14.8 points.
The 2023 Cure Bowl Preview
The 2023 Cure Bowl features Appalachian State (8-5) facing Miami (OH) (11-2) on December 16 at FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, Florida. This matchup presents an intriguing contrast of styles between two programs with strong bowl game traditions.
Team Performance Analysis
Appalachian State enters the Cure Bowl with momentum after winning four of their last five games. The Mountaineers’ offense averages 34.8 points per game behind a balanced attack that generates 442.2 yards of total offense. Their defense allows 27.5 points per game while creating 19 turnovers this season. Miami (OH) captured the MAC Championship with a defensive-minded approach, limiting opponents to 15.8 points per game. The RedHawks’ offense averages 25.9 points per game through an efficient ground attack that controls time of possession.
Key Players to Watch
Joey Aguilar leads App State’s offensive charge with 3,546 passing yards 33 touchdowns. Nate Noel powers the ground game with 834 rushing yards 5 touchdowns. Kaedin Robinson emerges as the top receiving threat, recording 773 yards 10 touchdowns. Miami (OH) counters with quarterback Brett Gabbert’s efficient play, tallying 1,634 passing yards 14 touchdowns. Rashad Amos anchors the RedHawks’ rushing attack with 850 yards 12 touchdowns. Defensive standout Matthew Salopek leads the team with 126 tackles 5.5 tackles for loss.
| Statistical Comparison | App State | Miami (OH) |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 34.8 | 25.9 |
| Points Allowed | 27.5 | 15.8 |
| Total Offense (YPG) | 442.2 | 325.7 |
| Turnover Margin | +5 | +12 |
Historic Matchups and Rivalries
Appalachian State’s bowl game history features several compelling matchups that have cemented their reputation in college football. These contests showcase the program’s ability to compete at the highest level against diverse opponents.
Most Memorable Bowl Games
The 2015 Camellia Bowl stands out as Appalachian State’s first FBS bowl appearance, resulting in a thrilling 31-29 victory over Ohio. The 2017 Dollar General Bowl delivered a historic performance with App State’s first bowl game shutout, dominating Toledo 34-0 through a combination of stifling defense and efficient offense. The 2020 Myrtle Beach Bowl set multiple program records as the Mountaineers scored 56 points against North Texas, marking their highest-scoring bowl game performance. The 2019 New Orleans Bowl victory over UAB demonstrated App State’s versatility with a balanced 31-17 win, featuring three touchdown passes from Zac Thomas and a strong defensive showing that limited UAB to 292 total yards.
| Bowl Game | Year | Opponent | Score | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camellia Bowl | 2015 | Ohio | 31-29 | First FBS bowl win |
| Dollar General Bowl | 2017 | Toledo | 34-0 | First bowl shutout |
| Myrtle Beach Bowl | 2020 | North Texas | 56-28 | Program record points |
| New Orleans Bowl | 2019 | UAB | 31-17 | 3 TD passes |
App State’s Bowl Game Impact on Program Growth
Appalachian State’s consistent bowl game success has transformed the program’s trajectory since joining the FBS. The Mountaineers’ impressive 6-1 bowl record demonstrates their evolution into a nationally respected program.
Recruiting Benefits
App State’s bowl game performances attract top-tier talent to Boone, North Carolina. The program’s recruiting rankings jumped 15 spots in 247Sports’ rankings following their three consecutive bowl victories from 2015-2017. High school prospects from 28 states signed with App State between 2018-2023, marking a 40% increase in geographical diversity compared to pre-bowl game years. The team’s consistent postseason appearances enable coaches to showcase the program’s winning culture during recruitment visits. Recent recruiting classes feature 12 three-star recruits, including players who previously committed to Power Five programs.
National Recognition
Media coverage of App State’s bowl games reaches millions of viewers across ESPN networks. The program’s memorable victories garnered features on SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays five times since 2015. Major sports publications like The Athletic regularly highlight the Mountaineers’ postseason achievements, establishing App State as a prominent Group of Five program. Television ratings for App State bowl games average 2.1 million viewers, surpassing several Power Five bowl matchups. The team’s social media following expanded by 300% since their first bowl appearance, reflecting growing national interest in the program.
Impact on Sun Belt Conference
Appalachian State’s bowl game success has transformed the Sun Belt Conference’s national perception since joining in 2014. The Mountaineers’ 6-1 bowl record establishes the conference as a competitive force in postseason play.
Conference revenue has seen substantial growth due to App State’s bowl appearances:
- Media rights increased by $8.2 million annually
- Bowl game payouts rose 45% from 2014 to 2022
- Merchandise sales expanded 75% during bowl seasons
The Mountaineers’ achievements sparked improvements across the conference:
- Four Sun Belt teams earned bowl bids in 2022
- Conference teams posted a .571 bowl winning percentage since 2015
- TV viewership for Sun Belt bowl games increased 62%
Recruiting patterns show elevated interest in Sun Belt programs:
| Category | Pre-2014 | Post-2014 |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Star Commits | 82 | 156 |
| Out-of-State Recruits | 38% | 52% |
| Average Class Ranking | 89.3 | 76.8 |
App State’s consistent bowl performances created strategic advantages for conference scheduling. ESPN broadcasts expanded coverage of regular season Sun Belt games from 35 to 58 games annually. The conference secured premium time slots during championship week alongside Power Five conferences.
Conclusion
App State’s remarkable bowl game success stands as a testament to their program’s growth and resilience. Their 6-1 record has not only elevated the team’s national profile but also contributed significantly to the Sun Belt Conference’s rising prominence in college football.
The upcoming Cure Bowl against Miami (OH) presents another opportunity for the Mountaineers to showcase their competitive spirit and add to their impressive postseason legacy. As they continue to build on their bowl game achievements App State remains a compelling example of how consistent excellence can transform a program’s trajectory and impact the broader college football landscape.
