Record Crowd Sees App State Prevail Over Pirates

BOONE, N.C. — Record-tying crowd. Renewed rivalry. And a satisfying, bounce-back result.

Facing East Carolina in Boone for the first time since 1979, App State pulled away in the second half to claim a 43-28 victory against the Pirates with a crowd of 40,168 rocking Kidd Brewer Stadium on Saturday. That total matches the stadium record set last year for North Carolina's season-opening visit to the High Country.

The Mountaineers (2-1) intercepted three passes and recorded four sacks while overcoming two defensive touchdowns scored by the Pirates, who led 21-10 in the second quarter. One of those touchdowns was a short pick-sick touchdown return, but Joey Aguilar fired three touchdown passes…