App State Survives Charlotte Test, But There Is Plenty to Clean Up

(Summary, not a transcription)

Intro: Appalachian State beat Charlotte 26-21 to reach 3-0, but let a 26-7 fourth-quarter lead shrink to five points.

App State Showed Its Ceiling

For most of the game App State was the better team. Malachi Singleton threw for 331 yards and two touchdowns, Jaquari Lewis ran for a score, and the defense forced turnovers.

The Fourth Quarter Changed Everything

Charlotte scored twice in the fourth, including an interception-return touchdown. That play is singled out as especially costly.

Charlotte Deserves Credit

Despite staying 0-3, the 49ers kept fighting and made the finish uncomfortable.

Singleton Is Becoming the Story

Singleton went 28-of-42 and looks increasingly comfortable. The author adds that App State will need more than offense against stronger opponents.

The Verdict

Starting 3-0 against Maine, East Carolina and Charlotte deserves credit. Still, the author sees the collapse as a warning, and the next challenge is turning early lessons into consistency.

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