App State Athletics Football History vs Wake Forest University

The Appalachian State Mountaineers football program is the intercollegiate football team for Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. The Mountaineers compete in Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and are members of the Sun Belt Conference.

Appalachian State began playing organized football in 1928. The team competed independently before joining the North State Conference in 1931. The Mountaineers won their first conference championship in 1937, and they have won a total of 22 conference championships. App. State jumped to Division I-AA (now known as FCS) in 1972. The Mountaineers won three national championships in Division I-AA, in 2005, 2006, and 2007. They are the only team in North Carolina, to win an NCAA national championship in football.

Some of the top players from App State that made it into the NFL are:

• Demetrius McCray
• Akeem Davis-Gaither
• D. J. Smith
• Dexter Jackson
• D'Marco Jackson
• Nick Hampton
• Cooper Hodges
• Corey Lynch
• Leroy Howell

Appalachian State made the move to FBS in 2014. The Mountaineers have had some success in FBS, but they have yet to win a conference championship. They have played in two bowl games, losing to Ohio in the 2015 Camellia Bowl and to Middle Tennessee State in the 2019 Camellia Bowl.

Take a deep dive into the history and origins of the top gridiron teams and programs at the collegiate level. We celebrate the game of American football right from its roots. The concept started with youngsters of different schools competing against each other and the game at that level still thrives.

College football – a tapestry woven from roaring stadiums, electrifying plays, and passionate rivalries. But beyond the spectacle, lies the beating heart of the sport: the college football programs themselves. Each one, a unique ecosystem of tradition, strategy, and vibrant personalities, shaping the future of the game and inspiring generations of fans. In this series, we'll delve deep into these programs, exploring their storied histories, iconic figures, and the intricate dance of coaching philosophies and player development that shapes their triumphs and challenges. So, grab your jersey, settle in, and prepare to be swept away by the captivating world of college football programs, where legends are forged, dynasties built, and every Saturday becomes a battleground for gridiron glory!