Appalachian State went into Rhodes Stadium not only to face Elon, but to avoid the first 0-3 start since 1993.

The Mountaineers walked off the field with a 31-21 victory over Elon, which ended all chances of a winless season.

Not only did the team win, but App State saw a breakout performance from true freshman running back, Marcus Cox.

App State led 24-7 at the half and, after a scoreless third quarter, seemed to be in control. However, the Phoenix didn’t give up and would score two more unanswered touchdowns to bring them within three, the score 24-21.

Elon’s quarterback Mike Quinn led the charge with 26 completions for 229 yards and one touchdown.

The Mountaineers had one drive to put the game away and that’s all the team ended up needing.

Marcus Cox accounted for all 75 yards of offense on the Mountaineers’ final drive and the touchdown from three yards out to seal the victory. He finished with 308 all-purpose yards and had three total touchdowns.

App State was also glad to have Sean Price back in the lineup after serving a two-game suspension. He caught a game-high eight passes for 99 yards and one touchdown.

The quarterback storyline continues for App State as both Jamal Londry-Jackson and Kameron Bryant played substantial minutes throughout the game.

Londry-Jackson ended with 16 completions for 205 yards and one touchdown while Bryant had 9 completions for 199 yards and two touchdowns.

In all, the passing duo accounted for 404 yards, almost double Elon’s total.

Scott Satterfield enjoyed a waterfall of Gatorade from his team for his first career win as head coach.

“Gatorade never felt so good,” Satterfield said in a tweet after the game.

The Mountaineers return to Kidd Brewer Stadium for their second SoCon battle against undefeated Charleston Southern on Sept. 28 during App State’s Family Weekend. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Story: ANDREW CLAUSEN, Sports Editor