App State's defense delivers final blow to Oregon State in 27-23 win
Boone, N.C. — App State’s defense delivers final blow to Oregon State in 27-23 win.
In what can only be described as one of the most beautiful fall days Boone has seen in awhile, it was fitting that the Mountaineers stood tall and delivered a victory in front of the home fans.
For only the second time in history, Yosef descended down to the field from a zipline. After the conclusion of the national anthem, American flag in hand, Yosef got the party started at The Rock and the crowd and team were ready.
Quarterback AJ Swann was shown as the starter on the video board but it would be former back up JJ Kohl who would actually get the start on the field, after a quick three-and-out by the Beavers offense.
Kohl would lead the team to a 10-play, 55-yard drive ending in a Dominic De Freitas 49-yard field goal. On the ensuing Cash McVay kickoff, the Beavers David Wells Jr. would return the ball just 18 yards before fumbling and giving App State a short field. The Mountaineers would cash in again, but this time with a JJ Kohl six yard scramble to the house for six.
It was 10-0 Mountaineers quickly. During the TV timeout, the home crowd recognized and acknowledged former player and coach Shawn Clark. In fitting fashion, instead of a moment of silence, a moment of noise was presented to the crowd and they responded in kind, showing their love and appreciation for their former head coach who passed two weeks ago at the young age of 50.
Back on the field, the Beavers would pick up their first first-down of the day but three straight incompletions from Maalik Murphy later, they would punt again. App State would make quick work of the ensuing drive, needing just three plays and 75 yards to take a commanding 17-0 lead all within the first quarter of play. That drives biggest play came on a 68-yard completion to wide receiver Davion Dozier, who was playing just his second game of the season.
Dozier would end the day as the leading receiver with four receptions for 140 yards and a touchdown.
Have a day, Davion!
He’s up to four catches for 140 yards in his second career game for App State.#GoApp pic.twitter.com/EZcfoT8DkF
— App State Football (@AppState_FB) October 4, 2025
The App State offense would sputter for the rest of the first half, punting twice and missing a 41-yard field goal be De Freitas. This is when the Beavers would finally take advantage and get on the board. Two straight touchdown drives would see the Oregon State cut the lead to just three points at the break, 17-14. David Wells Jr. rushed for one and caught another, helping to atone for his earlier fumble.
The third quarter would be the last of any significant offense in this game, as App State would open the second stanza with a 13-play 76-yard scoring drive– culminating in a 28-yard touchdown pass from Kohl to Dozier. OSU would respond in just seven plays and cover almost as many yards– falling just one short– in their own 75-yard scoring drive, after Murphy found Cornell Hatcher Jr. in the endzone from just 15 yards out.
App State would add another De Freitas field goal and take a 27-21 lead into the final quarter.
The defenses on both sides would finally show themselves in this one. App State would punt twice and give up a safety but Murphy would throw two interceptions, the last occurring with just 19 seconds to play.
Freshman defensive back Juan Berchal would deliver the monstrous hit on Oregon State’s leading receiver on the day, Trent Walker. As the hit was delivered, the ball popped into the air and, after being juggled a few times, reeled in by Zyeir Gamble who smartly went to the ground just a few steps later. Not just a crushing blow on that play, but also to the hopes of the Beavers claiming their first victory on the year.
Pop and a pick! pic.twitter.com/E4oascWTTl
— App State Football (@AppState_FB) October 4, 2025
Trent Walker could still be in the conversation for player of the game, even with the loss, after finishing with 13 receptions for 179 yards.
But it will be App State who will move to 3-2 on the year overall and look for their first win of the conference slate (0-1) as they travel to Atlanta to play Georgia State next week.
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