Appalachian State seemed to outgrow the FCS over the last decade. Now it will get its chance to prove the program it built can continue winning in the FBS.
Appalachian State is one of four teams reportedly entering the Sun Belt Conference. The others are Georgia Southern, New Mexico State and Idaho. The Winston-Salem Journal was first to report on Appalachian State's move. SB Nation reported on Georgia Southern. Those moves will be announced Wednesday, according to reports. CBSSports.com said New Mexico State and Idaho will be announced later in the week.
The most interesting name in that group is Appalachian State, which gained fame in 2007 when it beat Michigan, but has won way more games than just the one everyone remembers.
From 2005 to 2012, the only time Appalachian State didn't win at least a share of the Southern Conference title was in 2011, when it finished second behind Georgia Southern, a strong SoCon program in its own right. The Mountaineers won three FCS titles from 2005-2007. Winning 10 games became the norm at Appalachian State under coach Jerry Moore, who stepped down following the 2012 season after 24 years at the school. It was time for the school to move to a larger proving ground. The Winston-Salem Journal said the move could happen for the 2014-15 season.
With the extra scholarships at the FBS level and the increased exposure, it will be intriguing to see what kind of success Appalachian State can reach in college football's highest level.
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