New Orleans Bowl 2018: Appalachian State downs Middle Tennessee

3. Darrynton Evans posted another huge game for the Mountaineers

All season long, Darrynton Evans has been a catalyst for the efficiency of the Appalachian State offense. The redshirt sophomore broke out for a 1000-yard rushing season this year, and he also provided catching ability out of the backfield.

Against Middle Tennessee in the New Orleans Bowl, Evans put up his fourth straight 100-yard rushing game to help fuel the big win over the Blue Raiders. By halftime Evans had already posted 83 yards on just eight carries, and he kept up the hard running in the second half once the two teams returned to the field.

With Appalachian State holding a lead and hoping to grind down the clock, Evans became a pivotal part of the strategy. Evans finished the day with 108 yards and on 14 carries, and he added a 21-yard kick return for good measure.

Evans will be a back to watch coming into 2019, as he hopes to set himself up for a possible late-round flyer at the 2020 NFL Draft. He set himself up for a breakout campaign next season after dominating the Blue Raiders at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on the opening day of bowl season.