Postgame Notes from App State vs. Arkansas State

POSTGAME NOTES: Arkansas State 30, App State 29
 
Arkansas State became bowl eligible with its win, while App State finished the season at 5-7.
 
The score was tied after each of the first three quarters before finishing with a one-point difference.
 
The Mountaineers still lead the all-time series 4-2 against the Red Wolves.
 
App State lost for the first time this year when winning the turnover battle.
 
Season attendance at Kidd Brewer Stadium totaled 190,878 fans for an average of 31,813 per game. The 31,813 average is fourth highest in school history and marks the fifth straight season The Rock has averaged crowds of more than 30,000.
 
OFFENSE
 
Quarterback JJ Kohl completed 26 of 39 passes for 271 yards with two touchdowns and no turnovers. Over his last three games played, he threw for four touchdowns with no interceptions.
 
True freshman Jaquari Lewis topped 100 rushing yards for the second straight game. He finished with 22 carries for 108 yards and added four catches for 21 yards.
 
Sam Mbake had a career high in catches for the second straight game. He made nine grabs for 68 yards and caught his first touchdown as a Mountaineer.
 
In his final collegiate game, Dalton Stroman had three catches for 64 yards, with a pair of spectacular diving catches that included his fourth touchdown of the season. His 16 career touchdown receptions are ninth-most in program history.
 
Also playing his final collegiate game, tight end David Larkins posted career highs in catches (6) and receiving yards (72).
 
DEFENSE
 
The Mountaineer defense forced three turnovers for the second straight game.
 
Playing in his final collegiate game as a seventh-year senior, Kevin Abrams-Verwayne had career highs with 10 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
 
Ethan Johnson also had a career-high 10 tackles in his final collegiate contest.
 
Elijah Mc-Cantos posted a career-best nine tackles before exiting the game after a targeting call.
 
Colton Phares snagged his third interception of the season to account for the Mountaineers' third takeaway of the game early in the fourth quarter. His pick led to App State's go-ahead score to take a 26-23 lead.
 
DJ Burks forced a fumble, while Kyle Arnholt and Brayshawn Littlejohn both recovered fumbles.
 
SPECIAL TEAMS
 
Dominic De Freitas attempted a school-record seven field goals, making five of them (one of the record). He had one blocked and missed the potential game-winning 45-yarder as time expired.
 
De Freitas finished his true freshman season with 20 field goals made, Chandler Staton's program record set in 2021.