There really were some bright spots.
Deshon Stoudemire caught a 37-yard touchdown pass from Gunnar Watson that gave Troy a 7-3 lead over Appalachian State. Two second-quarter Trojan interceptions -- by senior safety Kyle Nixon and linebacker KJ Robertson -- stopped Mountaineer marches in Troy territory. Carlton Martial made 18 tackles.
That concludes the highlights.
Final score: Appalachian State 45, Troy 7.
The Mountaineers (9-2, 6-1) clinched the Sun Belt East championship with the victory. They will meet West champ Louisiana on Dec. 4 for the league title in Lafayette, La.