Week 7 Preview: App State at Georgia State

Appalachian State travels south this weekend to face Georgia State in a Sun Belt East matchup that pits two teams both searching for their first conference win. The Mountaineers have never lost to the Panthers, but Saturday’s game could test that streak as both teams look to define their midseason identity.

App State Last Week

Appalachian State (3–2, 0-1 Sun Belt) enters this week coming off a hard-fought 27–23 win over Oregon State. The Mountaineers showed grit late, holding off a late Beavers rally while continuing to refine their offensive balance. Head coach Dowell Loggains praised the defense’s composure but noted the offense “still left points on the field” due to penalties and missed opportunities.

The quarterback room remains the focus in Boone. Both AJ Swann and JJ Kohl are expected to compete in practice this week to determine the starter. Swann, who missed time with a lower-body injury, appears ready to return, while Kohl proved steady in relief against Oregon State. Having both healthy gives Loggains flexibility and depth heading into a crucial conference stretch.

Statistically, the Mountaineers remain one of the most explosive offenses in college football. App State added former Arkansas receiver Davion Dozier onto the field, and he took the top off of the Beaver defense with over 140 yards and a score and App State has found consistent production from running back Rashod Dubinion, who sits 7th in the nation in rushing yards. Yet consistency has been an issue, as the offense has alternated between dominance and stagnation depending on protection and discipline.

Defensively, App State continues to trend upward. The Mountaineers held Oregon State under 100 rushing yards, creating key red-zone stops while tightening up in the second half. The front seven, led by veterans Thomas Davis and Colton Phares, will look to disrupt Georgia State’s two-quarterback system and limit the Panthers’ rushing creativity. The Defense won the game for App State last week after consecutive stops on the 1-yard line and a stadium-shaking hit that led to a takeaway.

Georgia State Last Week

Last week, the Panthers (1-4, 0-1) fell to JMU 14-7. While the Panthers played stout run defense, the offense could not take the momentum after going up 7-0 in the first quarter. After the game, Head Coach Dell McGee said, “It was a very disappointing loss.”

Head coach Dell McGee has been candid about his team’s depth issues, saying, “We have some guys down on several positions on both sides of the ball.” Georgia State listed seven players out and four as doubtful, with nine of those on defense, forcing adjustments to their defensive schemes and personnel rotations.

Offensively, the Panthers continue to use a two-quarterback system. TJ Finley handles most passing reps, leaning on accuracy and decision-making, while Cameron Brown offers a change-of-pace with his rushing ability. McGee explained the balance needed between the two: “There has to be a balance, and you can’t go all in on one style because they are different guys.” Playmakers such as Ted Hurst and Rashad Amos provided the Panthers with key yardage.

Defensively, they held James Madison to just 285 yards total offense for the game; only 74 yards were allowed through the air, but the Panthers were gashed on the ground with a total of 218 yards rushing with 5.5 yards per carry allowed. The game itself was a flag fest with 26 total penalties for 218 yards.

Special Teams for the Panthers have not gone to plan either, they are 1-6 on field goal attempts with their only make being against Memphis on September 6th.

Why This Game Matters

For Appalachian State, this game represents a chance to build on its win over Oregon State and make a statement in the Sun Belt East. With both quarterbacks healthy and the defense showing cohesion, the Mountaineers have an opportunity to prove they can sustain clean, dominant performances.

For Georgia State, it’s about digging in and fighting back. With so many injuries, their depth will be tested. An upset in Boone would not only snap a long losing streak to App State, but also validate McGee’s early-season message of resilience and adaptation under pressure.

Both teams enter with things to prove: App State striving for consistency, and Georgia State pushing to show it can compete despite adversity. Saturday’s showdown offers a measuring stick for both programs at a pivotal point in their seasons.