ASU, Elon have much at stake

Three to watch

Michael Johnson

The Western Carolina freshman earned Southern Conference rookie of the week honors for his 116-yard rushing performance against Elon last week. The Decatur, Ga., native rushed eight times for 93 yards in the first half. Adding 31 receiving yards, he finished the day with a career-best 147 all-purpose yards.

David Ingram

N.C. Central's sophomore cornerback has 17 passes defended this season, with 14 breakups and three interceptions. That ties him for 10th on the school's single-season pass-defended list.

Terrell Hudgins

Elon's senior wide receiver became the Football Championship Subdivision career leader in receiving yards last Saturday. With a 44-yard reception, the Rocky Mount native surpassed Jerry Rice, who at Mississippi Valley State amassed 4,693 yards from 1981-84. Hudgins has 4,812 receiving yards with two games remaining.

Observations

Something's got to give

When Appalachian State (7-2, 6-0 Southern Conference) and Elon (8-1, 6-0) meet today, it will be a matchup between the nation's No. 1 offense and No. 1 defense. The Mountaineers are averaging 491.8 yards per game, while Elon is holding teams to 213.1 yards per game.

Elon wants to snap skid

Appalachian State has won seven consecutive games since losing to East Carolina and McNeese State to start the season. Elon has its best start to a season since 1986. The Mountaineers have won the past 13 contests against the Phoenix, edging Elon 24-16 last season.

Don't miss

Appalachian State at Elon

3 p.m., Rhodes Stadium

The winner of today's game clinches at least a share of the Southern Conference title and earns an automatic berth in the FCS 16-team, single-elimination tournament. A victory for the Mountaineers would give them five consecutive conference championship titles. Tickets are still available for this game.

N.C. Central at Winston-Salem State

1 p.m., Bowman Gray Stadium

These rivals meet for the 43rd time today in a series that is tied 21-all. N.C. Central has won three out of the past four games, though the Rams defeated the Eagles 35-10 in their last game in Winston-Salem on Nov. 10, 2007. The Eagles (2-7) have a slightly better record than the Rams (1-8). Both teams are trying to end their seasons stronger than they started.

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