Appalachian State fends off late Elon rally, 31-21

Published Sep. 21, 2013 11:03 p.m. ET

foxsports

Marcus Cox gained the most critical of his game-high 149 yards with touchdown run from the 3 with less than 90 seconds remaining as Appalachian State avoided an upset loss at Elon, 31-21 on Saturday night.

The Phoenix (1-3), who have not beaten Appalachian State since LBJ was in the White House, launched a furious rally in the game's late stages, scoring 21 unanswered points and closing to within 24-21 with 3:43 left. Elon's Mike Quinn started the rally in the final minute of the third quarter, hitting Kierre Brown for 5 yards. B.J. Bennett and Karl Bostick each rushed for TDs in the fourth.

Two quarterbacks combined for 404 yards passing and three TDs as Appalachian State (1-2) avoided an 0-3 start for the first time since 1993. Kameron Bryant passed for 199 yards and 2 TDs, Jamal Londry-Jackson added 205 yards and a TD.