Ken Rogers column: Troy, Appalachian State share similarities, including high expectations

Appalachian State quarterback Zac Thomas was the Sun Belt's Offensive Player of the Year as a sophomore last season.There are going to be twists and turns, humps and bumps and maturity will be required, but the Sun Belt Conference’s East Division, according to preseason forecasts, will be decided on Nov. 29.

That’s when Appalachian State and Troy, who were picked 1-2, respectively, in the coaches’ preseason poll, collide at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Typically, these preseason picks largely reflect the previous year’s standings. Indeed, it was Appalachian State that beat Troy 21-10 at Boone, N.C., in the final game of the 2018 regular season and captured a share of the division crown. The…