App State: They're a Team in the SoCon (For Now)

Isaac Butts, he of the 2 inch vertical leap

College of Charleston (14-7, 6-3)
Appalachian State (8-11, 4-4)
TD Arena
Tipoff at 7pm on CofCSports.com

For the only time this season, and perhaps the last time as conference foes, App State and the College of Charleston will meet tonight at TD Arena. Despite a 59-56 record over the past four seasons, the Mountaineers are responsible for knocking the Cougars out of the SoCon Tournament in 2 of the past 3 postseasons. I have vivid memories of each.

In 2010 I had the fortune of sitting behind a bearded, wife-beater clad App State fan who squealed with delight as he chanted "Drive home safe y'all" through crooked teeth with saliva escaping from the sides of his grin. Little did that guy know I had already booked my room in Charlotte for 3 nights. Last year history repeated itself as interim coach Byington and the post-Goudelock Cougars folded in their first tournament game to the Mountain People. That was when Isaac Butts, who was promised a sugary treat should his team be victorious, rumbled his way to nearly double his career average in points per game. Another early exit for the Cougars.

Like the College circa this past fall, the writing is on the wall for App State to be conference realigned next year. The Mountaineers are looking to ride the wave of success from their football program all the way to greener pastures. Did you know their football team won back-to back-to back national championships from 2005 to 2007? You thought the SEC was the only producer of college football champions didn't you? Wrong again you smug CofC fan!

But seriously for all their backwoods thinking and CofC-bashing I always look forward to matchups with App State. Donald Sims with his NCAA rule-defying old age, Omar Carter with his unfulfilled SoCon POY expectations...it all makes for passionate basketball. Should be a good one tomorrow night.