TROY, Ala. — App State's inspired run to an East Division title gave way to a hard-fought defeat in the Sun Belt Championship Game on Saturday, as homestanding Troy pulled away in the second half to claim a 49-23 victory in rain-soaked Veterans Memorial Stadium.
The Mountaineers (8-5) overcame a 14-0 deficit to tie the score early in the third quarter and had possession near midfield while trailing 21-17 entering the fourth. Two touchdowns six seconds apart from Troy (11-2), with a defensive fumble return off a sack immediately following a run-heavy touchdown drive from the Trojans' offense, produced an 18-point margin.