Football History

Tucked away in Boone, North Carolina, is the successful football program of Appalachian State University. The team has made the students, faculty, alums, and fans proud to support them at home and away games. App State has an excellent tradition of quality pigskin play and is a perennial contender for their respective conference title and sometimes even a post-season bowl game.

On the following pages, we will cover:

-The Program's Origin

-The Biggest Games in School History

-The Program's Top Players

-The Program's Most Significant Coaches

-The Program's Logo and Mascot History

-The Teamm's Helmet Designs Over Time

-and so much more

Learn more Gridiron history of the team on this page!

Nestled in the picturesque Appalachian Mountains, Appalachian State University boasts a football program that has defied expectations and carved its own unique path in college football history. From humble beginnings to national prominence, the Mountaineers have built a legacy of resilience, talent, and unwavering spirit.

-Early Years and Southern Conference Dominance (1928-1981)

Appalachian State's football journey began in 1928, navigating independent play and regional competition. Under legendary coaches like Kidd Brewer, the Mountaineers established themselves as a dominant force in the Southern Conference, capturing six championships and developing a reputation for tough, gritty play.

-FCS Dynasty and "The Greatest Upset in College Football History" (1982-2013)

Appalachian State's transition to the FCS ranks in 1982 marked the start of a golden era. The Mountaineers, led by coaches like Jerry Moore, built a dynasty, capturing five FCS national championships, including the iconic 2007 upset of No. 5 Michigan – a victory forever etched in college football history.


-FBS Arrival and Sun Belt Success (2014-Present)

Appalachian State's bold move to the FBS in 2014 ushered in a new chapter. The Mountaineers quickly adapted, securing Sun Belt Conference championships, bowl victories, and further giant-killing wins, including a thrilling upset of No. 20 Tennessee in 2016.


-Beyond Victories: A Culture of Excellence and Community Spirit

Appalachian State's success goes beyond the scoreboard. The program is known for its commitment to academic excellence, fostering well-rounded student-athletes. The "Black and Gold" fan base creates an electrifying atmosphere at Kidd Brewer Stadium, making every game a memorable experience.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for the Mountaineers
With a rich history, dedicated coaching staff, and passionate fanbase, the future of Appalachian State football is bright. The Mountaineers continue to strive for excellence, inspiring generations of players and fans with their unwavering determination and "never give up" attitude.

For more on the App State football program history and news/events check out the official page of the team appstatesports.com on the button above.

Appalachian State football has carved its unique path in college football history, defying expectations and achieving remarkable feats. Here's a summary of their ten most significant moments, showcasing their resilience, talent, and unwavering spirit:

-2007 Upset of No. 5 Michigan (2007):
In this iconic David vs. Goliath moment, he propelled App State onto the national stage, defeating the heavily favored Wolverines 34-32 on a last-second blocked field goal.

This victory cemented the program's reputation for "giant-killing" and sparked a national conversation about the potential of FCS teams.


-2022 FCS National Championship (2022):
After a 10-year hiatus, Appalachian State returned to FCS glory, defeating North Dakota 30-17 to capture their 5th national championship.
This victory marked the culmination of a remarkable season and reaffirmed the Mountaineers' dominance within the FCS ranks.
3

-2019 Sun Belt Championship and Bowl Wins (2019):

Appalachian State capped off a historic season by winning their 3rd Sun Belt Conference Championship and five consecutive bowl games.
This period of sustained success cemented their place as a top contender in the Sun Belt and showcased their ability to compete at the highest level.
4

-2016 Sun Belt Championship and Upset of No. 20 Tennessee (2016):

App State announced their arrival in the FBS with a dominant performance, winning their first Sun Belt Championship and defeating the ranked Volunteers 20-13.
This victory demonstrated their ability to transition smoothly to the FBS and set the stage for future success.


-2005 FCS National Championship (2005):
Appalachian State captured their 3rd FCS National Championship with a thrilling 21-16 victory over Northern Iowa.

This victory solidified the program's status as a national powerhouse and established its dynasty within the FCS.
6

-2020 New Orleans Bowl Victory (2020):

App State's 5th consecutive bowl win was a nail-biting affair, defeating UAB 31-17 in overtime.
This victory showcased the team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes situations.
7

-2018 Sun Belt Championship (2018):

App State's 2nd Sun Belt Championship came after a thrilling 34-31 overtime victory against Louisiana.
This victory demonstrated their overcoming adversity and winning close games against conference rivals.
8

-2015 Camellia Bowl Victory (2015):

App State's first bowl win in the FBS era came against Ohio 31-29 in the Camellia Bowl.
This victory marked a significant moment in the program's transition to the FBS and boosted its national profile.


-2006 FCS National Championship (2006):

App State captured their 4th FCS National Championship with a 28-16 victory over Northern Iowa.
This victory further solidified their dynasty and cemented their place as one of the most successful programs in FCS history.


-2014 FBS Transition and Upset of No. 9 South Carolina (2014):

App State announced their arrival in the FBS with a stunning 34-31 upset victory over the ranked Gamecocks.
This victory was a bold statement of their competitiveness and aspirations within the FBS landscape.

These ten moments represent only a fraction of Appalachian State football's rich history and achievements. Their dedication to excellence, ability to overcome adversity, and unwavering belief in themselves have made them a beloved and respected program in the college football world. As they continue their journey, the Mountaineers promise to create unforgettable moments and inspire future generations of athletes and fans.

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One of the Greatest Games ever played occurred on September 1, 2007 Appalachian State vs. Michigan. It was a regular-season college football game between the Appalachian State Mountaineers and Michigan Wolverines held at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, and was the first game of the season for both teams.

Appalachian State, a team from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), was a 31-point underdog against Michigan, a team from the Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and a perennial power. However, Appalachian State pulled off a stunning upset, winning the game 34-32.

The Mountaineers jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, and they never looked back. They led 28-17 at halftime and 31-26 after three quarters. Michigan tied the game at 32-32 in the fourth quarter, but Appalachian State kicked a field goal with 26 seconds left to win the game.

The upset was one of the biggest in college football history. It was the first time that an FCS team had beaten a top-five FBS team, and it sent shockwaves through the college football world.

The win helped to put Appalachian State on the map, and it inspired other FCS teams to believe that they could compete with FBS teams. It is still considered one of the greatest upsets in college football history.

Here are some of the key moments from the game:

Appalachian State quarterback Armanti Edwards threw for 286 yards and two touchdowns.
Wide receiver Dexter Jackson caught 10 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown.
Defensive end Jeremy Jarmon had two sacks and a forced fumble.
Michigan quarterback Chad Henne threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns.
Running back Mike Hart rushed for 105 yards.

A great way to reflect on the history of the Appalachian State Mountaineers football programs is to check out the different styles and designs of helmets the team has worn over the years. Blaise D'Sylva has the image presentation of the nostalgic looks through the history of App State football.

The Appalachian State Mountaineers' football helmet design reflects the team's evolution and enduring spirit, boasting a vibrant history intertwined with school pride and a touch of Appalachian flair. Let's take a walk down memory lane:


Early Days (1928-1961):

-No Helmets: In the early days of Appalachian State football, players took the gridiron with leather caps or straw hats for minimal protection.

-Leather Shells (1930s-1940s): Simple leather helmets offered more security but lacked visual identity.

-Single Orange Stripe (1950s-1961): Finally, a maroon helmet emerged, adorned with a single white stripe down the center and a basic "AS" decal.

[b]The Mountaineer Rises (1962-1999):[b/b]

-Yeti Logo Debuts (1962): The iconic "Yeti" logo, a fierce blue mountain goat with horns, first graced the maroon helmet, symbolizing strength and resilience.

-Evolution of the Yeti: Over the years, the Yeti underwent subtle refinements, becoming more detailed and menacing.

-Gold Accents (1980s-1990s): Dual gold stripes replaced the single white stripe, adding a touch of Appalachian sunshine.
Modern Era: Refining the Tradition (2000-Present):

-Flying "A" Logo (2000-2018): A stylized "A" with wings, symbolizing speed and agility, replaced the Yeti but retained the maroon and gold color scheme.

-Return of the Yeti (2019-Present): The beloved Yeti triumphantly returned, now modernized with sharper lines and a fierce gaze.

-Particular Variations: Throughout the years, limited-edition helmets have emerged for specific games or milestones, showcasing alternate color schemes, unique logos, or commemorative elements.

Kidd Brewer Stadium is a stadium in Boone, North Carolina, United States. It is the home field of the Appalachian State Mountaineers football team, which competes in the Sun Belt Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. The stadium opened in 1962 and has a seating capacity of 30,400.

The stadium is named after Kidd Brewer, who served as the head coach of the Appalachian State Mountaineers football team from 1940 to 1960. Brewer led the Mountaineers to four Southern Conference championships and is considered one of the most successful coaches in the program's history.
Kidd Brewer Stadium has been the site of several memorable moments in Appalachian State football history, including the Mountaineers' upset victories over No. 5 Michigan in 2007 and No. 20 Tennessee in 2016.

The stadium has also hosted a number of other events, including concerts and high school football games.
Kidd Brewer Stadium is located on the Appalachian State University campus, just off Highway 321. The stadium is easily accessible by car and is also served by a number of public transportation options.


Here are some additional details about Kidd Brewer Stadium:
Address: 270 Stadium Dr, Boone, NC 28607, USA
Seating capacity: 30,400
Opened: 1962
Named after Kidd Brewer, head coach of the Appalachian State Mountaineers football team from 1940 to 1960
Notable events: Upset victories over No. 5 Michigan (2007) and No. 20 Tennessee (2016)

The rivalry between Appalachian State and Wake Forest football is a relatively young one, but it has quickly grown to be one of the most heated in the state of North Carolina. Here's a brief history of the series:

Early Years (1941-1997):

The two teams first met in 1941, with Wake Forest winning 35-0.
The series was sporadic in the early years, with only five games played between 1941 and 1997.
Wake Forest dominated the early encounters, winning all five games by an average margin of 22 points.
Appalachian State's Rise and Rivalry Grows (1998-2013):

The rivalry began to heat up in the late 1990s as Appalachian State, then an FCS powerhouse, challenged Wake Forest to closer games.
In 1998, Appalachian State pulled off a stunning 24-21 upset victory, marking their first win over the Demon Deacons.
The series became more frequent after Appalachian State's victory, with the two teams playing seven times between 1998 and 2013.
The Mountaineers continued to compete well, winning three of those games and keeping the rivalry competitive.
FBS Era and Increased Competition (2014-Present):

Since Appalachian State's transition to the FBS in 2014, the rivalry has taken on a new level of significance.
Both teams have been competing for Sun Belt Conference championships, adding another layer of intensity to the matchup.
The series has been tightly contested during this era, with Wake Forest holding a slight 3-2 edge.
The most recent encounter in 2022 saw Wake Forest win a close 34-31 battle, highlighting the continued competitiveness of the rivalry.