Singleton throws for 3 TDs in 1st half as App State opens season by beating FCS-program Maine 55-3

BOONE, N.C. (AP) — Malachi Singleton threw for 291 yards and three touchdowns on 22-of-24 passing to help Appalachian State open its season by beating FCS-program Maine 55-3 on Saturday.

Singleton had 18 completions for 250 yards and three scores in the first half as App State led 31-0. Singleton connected with Sam Pickett III for touchdowns of 14 and 7 yards in the second quarter.

Jaquari Lewis added a 12-yard touchdown run on App State's first possession of the second half to make it 38-0. Nate Branch had a 36-yard touchdown run early in the fourth and Jackson Grier scored on a 28-yarder three minutes later.

App State outgained Maine 647-250, with 299 yards coming on the ground. The Black Bears were held to just 12 first downs.

Lewis finished with 11 rushes for 69 yards for App State. Caleb Pitts and Colton Phares each intercepted a pass.

Eddie Buehler, in his second collegiate game, completed 18 of 32 for 198 yards for Maine (1-1).

It was the third meeting between App State and Maine, which traveled to Boone and won FCS playoff games over the Mountaineers in 2002 (14-13) and 2011 (34-12).

Maine: Hosts Merrimack next Saturday.

App State: At East Carolina next Saturday.

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