BOONE, N.C — The first fumble recovery of the fourth quarter produced the go-ahead points. The second recovery sealed an emotional, dramatic rivalry win at The Rock.
App State defenders Caleb Sandstrom and Colton Phares made critical plays in the final six minutes, both recovering fumbles that they forced, and those takeaways were sandwiched around Dominic De Freitas go-ahead field goal from 23 yards out with 2:02 remaining in a 26-24 win against Marshall on Saturday in Kidd Brewer Stadium.
It was Black Saturday and Heroes Day in Boone, with a crowd of 31,322 on hand to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the 2005 national title team and cheer on a 2025 squad that overcame a double-digit deficit against the Thundering Herd (5-6, 3-4).