Elon gets its shot at Appalachian

Now it's Elon's turn.

Appalachian State has knocked off one Southern Conference challenger after another this season, and now the Phoenix gets its shot Saturday in Boone. Should Elon win, the teams would be tied at 6-1 in the league race. And a win for either squad would assure that program of at least a tie for the conference title. Wofford, already battered by the Mountaineers, could make it a trio temprorarily at the top with a win over Samford.

Comparative scores -- Wofford beat Elon 55-20, ASU beat Wofford 70-24 -- might suggest difficulties for the Phoenix in Kidd Brewer Stadium. But keep in mind that on better days, Elon has beaten Georgia Southern, Samford, Furman and The Citadel this season, just has Appalachian has done.

"They probably have the best rushing defensive line that we're going to see in the Southern Conference," Appalachian QB Armanti Edwards said today. "They go hard, they like to blitz alot, so we have to get the ball out quick and keep our heads up and be ready."

Both teams are 8-2 overall.

The Phoenix is third in the league in total defense, allowing 315.7 yards a game, 133.2 of that on the ground.

That makes it interesting, since ASU averages 262.1 yards on the ground.

Offensively, Elon QB Scott Riddle leads the league in passing yards (247.1) and loves to get the ball to wide receiver Terrell Hudgins, who now leads the SC in career receptions (262), TDs (35) and receiving yards (3,544).

--Stan Olson