ELON -- On a pristine autumn afternoon, Elon fans opened their tailgates like Appalachian State.
They partied like Appalachian State. They bragged about imminent glory like Appalachian State.
But there was one slight distinction. Elon's football team still doesn't play like Appalachian State. The 27-10 final score -- it wasn't nearly that close -- verified the status quo and certified the Mountaineers' fifth consecutive Southern Conference championship.
About an hour after sundown, Commissioner John Iamarino marched onto the field and awarded the trophy, suitable for bus transport back to Boone. One potential complication: If Western Carolina somehow upsets ASU next week and Elon ties for first, the league would have to spring for a duplicate trophy.
Equality would end right there. This wipeout, with a record Rhodes Stadium crowd of 14,167 watching, assured ASU (8-2, 7-0 SoCon) of the league's automatic NCAA playoff spot. Elon (8-2, 6-1) had been ranked sixth in the national media poll, one rung above ASU, and might get an at-large bid even if it stumbles at Samford.
A Western win in Boone might seem outlandish except for one unknown medical fact. Quarterback Armanti Edwards took a shot while throwing a pass just before halftime and something happened to his right knee, which limited his repertoire thereafter.
Edwards reported minimal pain and maximum uncertainty, pending further tests. He could skip the WCU game as a precaution before ASU pursues its fourth NCAA title in five seasons.
"As long as we stay injury-free," Edwards said, "we'll be a very tough team to go up against."
Unstoppable early
The senior quarterback was unstoppable in the first half, scoring touchdowns on three straight possessions immediately after ASU picked off Scott Riddle passes. Edwards ran for 73 yards and completed 21 of 24 passes for 281 yards without an interception.
He sat out the opening series of the third quarter, then returned under orders from Coach Jerry Moore to stop running and rely on passes or handoffs. Moore's psychology and confidence changed with a 21-0 lead.
"In a way," Moore said, "I think we were sort of the underdog. They were the No. 1 team in the nation in defense. If you've got anything to you at all, the challenge is going to make you rear your ugly head up."
Pete Lembo, the Elon coach, found nothing ugly about ASU's performance. He delivered a glowing playoff endorsement undiluted by speculation about Edwards' fitness. "I think what they're doing is peaking right now," Lembo said. "That's obviously what you need to do at this time of year. They seem to be healthy. They're obviously very confident.
"I think their defense has played a lot better as the season has gone on. I think their defense is running to the football better, and I'm really impressed with their special teams. I know there have been some years, even when they've won the national championship, that maybe their special teams took a back seat to their offense and their defense, but I'll tell you, that kickoff-coverage unit -- I mean, there are some big, physical dudes running down the field."
Lembo figures the win guaranteed the Mountaineers a first-round home game and set up the strong possibility of a second-rounder at home, available to the top four seeds if they advance.
Edwards expects nothing less. "We haven't played an away playoff game ourselves all the years we've been here," he said, "and we're not looking forward to it now."
With Elon as the road map, they're looking forward to bigger things.
lrawlings@wsjournal.com.
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