LSU could be Appy State's next victim

BOONE, N.C. — As a member of Appalachian State's staff drove a cart onto the practice field, it was hard to miss the large block letters adorning its side: ASU 34, Michigan 32.

It's hard to go anywhere in this pretty mountain town without seeing some banner, sign or picture commemorating what might just be college football's biggest upset ever. There are plenty of tributes in restaurants and bars, too, celebrating the Mountaineers' three straight national championships in the Football Championship Subdivision.

But you won't find any of the players still celebrating that title. When the cart drives past, no one stops to glance at the score that changed their lives.

The Mountaineers are too busy getting ready to top last year's stunner.

Appalachian State opens the season Aug. 30 at No. 7 LSU in a nationally televised matchup of the defending national champions from college football's top two divisions. Appalachian State has a quarterback, Armanti Edwards, the school is plugging as a Heisman Trophy contender, and enough speed at the skill positions to scare any team — even the mighty Tigers in Baton Rouge.

"They always bring up Michigan. It kind of gets annoying," said the electric Edwards, who accounted for 38 touchdowns last season. "We didn't win a ring off of Michigan. After that we went through a whole season. Luckily, we had our heads on straight."

Appalachian State has been the Michael Phelps of the former I-AA since coach Jerry Moore's switch to the spread offense gained traction midway through the 2005 season. The Mountaineers have won 36 of their last 40 games, averaged 42.7 points last season and are the overwhelming favorites to win a fourth straight national title.

Yet it's Edwards running wild on the Wolverines and Corey Lynch's blocked field goal on the final play at the Big House that continue to dominate conversations.

"Armanti right now is seeing so many more things down the field than he did a year ago," Moore said.

Notes

• Quarterback Ben Mauk is taking his case for another year of eligibility at Cincinnati back to the NCAA. At the request of both sides, a judge in Hardin County, Ohio, postponed a hearing scheduled today in Mauk's lawsuit against the NCAA. That puts the lawsuit on hold while Mauk submits new information to support his contention that a foot injury prevented him from playing as a freshman.

• Eight Georgia Southern players, included two projected starters, were suspended for the season opener against No. 1 Georgia for undisclosed violations of school rules.