BOONE, N.C. - Demetrius McCray's interception with 18 seconds left stopped Montana's final drive and preserved Appalachian State's 35-27 victory Saturday night in the first regular-season meeting between the perennial Football Championship Subdivision powers.
The Grizzlies (1-1), who won their two postseason meetings with the Mountaineers (1-1), drove from their 11 to the Appalachian State 42, converting two fourth downs, before McCray's second pickoff of Trent McKinney.
McKinney's 87-yard pass to Dan Moore brought Montana within a point, 28-27, with 8:54 left, but Chris Lider missed the extra point. Steven Miller's second touchdown run increased the Mountaineers' lead to 35-27.
Jamal Jackson's 25-yard pass to Andrew Peacock early in the fourth quarter broke a 21-21 tie. Jackson completed 24 of 34 for 260 yards, his ninth consecutive game over 200 for Appalachian State.
The Mountaineers extended their regular-season home winning streak to 18 and gave coach Jerry Moore his 235th career victory.
AP/ WFMY News 2 Sports