Hat tricks by pass-hungry defenders Tae Hayes and Clifton Duck coincided with a timely aerial contribution from an unlikely source.
Appalachian State’s defense set a school record with six interceptions, including a record-tying three apiece from its two starting cornerbacks, and true freshman wide receiver Malik Williams threw the tiebreaking touchdown on a trick play with 5:45 remaining in the Mountaineers’ 45-31 homecoming victory against New Mexico State on Saturday.
App State (3-2, 2-0 Sun Belt) trailed twice in the fourth quarter and overcame a fourth-quarter deficit in a victory at Kidd Brewer Stadium for the first time since its 31-29 win against UL Monroe in 2014.