Week 5 Preview: App State vs Boise State

After a tough 38-22 loss at Southern Miss and a much-needed bye week, Appalachian State (2-1) now turns its attention to a high-profile non-conference showdown against Boise State on the blue turf of Albertsons Stadium.

The Mountaineers are looking to respond after self-inflicted mistakes and injuries proved costly two weekends ago. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1.

App State

Missed opportunities defined App State’s trip to Hattiesburg.

Despite moving the ball well with 470 yards of total offense, the Mountaineers came away empty on three separate red-zone drives thanks to interceptions— with one being returned for a 99-yard touchdown.

Starting quarterback AJ Swann left the game early with a knee injury, while starting left tackle Kayden Ramsey also left, forcing true freshman Noah Gillon and Dennell Nix Jr. into extended action.

To make matters worse, backup quarterback JJ Kohl had already been ruled out after suffering an injury during practice, leaving the Mountaineers thin at the most important position. The timing could not have been worse, and head coach Dowell Loggains pointed to execution and discipline as areas App State must improve, stressing that the Mountaineers have been their own worst enemy at times.

Thankfully, with a much-needed bye week, players were able to rest and recover. Loggains gave a rare answer to an injury question during Mountaineer Talk, noting that AJ Swann did practice this week and that after JJ Kohl was a game-time decision last week, we could be seeing a healthy quarterback room— a positive sign for the offense.

App State has demonstrated balance and explosiveness on the offensive side of the ball, boasting a ground game that can challenge any opponent. Running back Rashod Dubinion currently ranks 11th nationally in rushing yards, while true freshman Jaquari Lewis has flashed burst and quickness in limited action. The backs give the Mountaineers a reliable threat to complement their aerial attack.

Through the air, App State has been just as dangerous. The Mountaineers rank 3rd in the nation in passing offense, averaging 357.7 yards per game. Swann will be back at the controls with a talented receiving corps featuring Dalton Stroman, Jaden Barnes, and Izayah Cummings, along with the hopeful return of Arkansas transfer Davion Dozier after suffering an injury before the season began. This group has shown the ability to stretch the field. The passing game is built to test a Boise State secondary that has already allowed over 225 yards per outing.

Defensively, inconsistency has been the theme. Against Lindenwood, App State dominated the stat sheet— holding the Lions to -1 rushing yards and generating eight sacks. Yet the game itself was far more competitive than it should have been, raising questions about finishing drives and putting teams away.

That concern carried into the Southern Miss game, where the defense managed only one sack courtesy of linebacker Thomas Davis, and struggled to pressure quarterback Braylon Braxton. The Golden Eagles’ ability to counter with quick throws and a physical run game showed how quickly momentum can shift when App State’s front isn’t disruptive.

Still, the defense has shown potential. The linebacker group is fast and aggressive, while the secondary has forced timely turnovers. To beat Boise State, the Mountaineers will need to find the consistency they’ve lacked through the first three weeks.

Boise State

Now comes the stiffest test yet: a road trip to the blue turf and a battle of the two biggest brands in the Group of Five.

Boise State (2-1) enters the game with momentum, fresh off a bounce-back win, and brings the physical disciplined identity that has long defined the program. Offensively, the Broncos remain a run-first team, averaging well over 200 yards per game a season ago and still boasting a deep backfield consisting of last week’s breakout back, Dylan Riley, after he left Air Force in the dust with 171 yards on the ground and put four touchdowns on the board.

On defense, Boise is a mixed bag. Up front, the Broncos boast disruptive talent like Jayden Virgin-Morgan, who led the team with 10 sacks last season, and senior linebacker Marco Notarainni, a steady presence in the middle.

But the secondary has been a liability— Boise is giving up 225.7 passing yards per game, ranking just 85th nationally. Corners A’Marion McCoy and Jeremiah Earby are experienced but have been inconsistent, and head coach Spencer Danielson has publicly acknowledged the struggles.

For App State, this game is about proving they can finish drives, clean up mistakes, and compete against a respected opponent on the road. For Boise, it’s another chance to reinforce its home-field dominance and patch up a secondary that has yet to play to its potential.

But beyond the X’s and O’s, this matchup carries weight because of who these programs are. Appalachian State and Boise State are arguably the two biggest brands in the Group of Five, each with a history of giant-killing upsets, conference titles, and national recognition. From App State’s iconic win at Michigan to Boise’s unforgettable Fiesta Bowl triumph, both programs have defined what it means to be a G5 power.

Saturday’s showdown isn’t just a non-conference clash; it’s a meeting of stander-bearers. For fans of the sport, few games on the Group of Five calendar carry as much tradition, intrigue, and pride as App State vs. Boise State.