BOONE, N.C. — The college football season isn't over, but Appalachian State already has guaranteed itself of a No. 1 national ranking in one defensive category.
By allowing just eight passing touchdowns during the 2018 season, the Mountaineers will finish in a first-place tie with Mississippi State. The Bulldogs had allowed only five entering their bowl game against Iowa on Tuesday, but the Hawkeyes had three touchdown passes in a 27-22 victory.
App State tied for the lowest mark in the last three FBS seasons, as Northwestern allowed only five in 2015 and eight led the country in 2016, 2017 and 2018.