Nate

Noel

It’s a brutal development for the 26-year-old running back. Ahmed is scheduled to enter free agency next offseason. Hopefully, his rehab goes well and the Colts extend his contract. The team correspondingly signed undrafted free agent rookie RB Nate Noel.

Noel (5'10/190) had three carries for 50 yards in the first quarter for the Mountaineers, but didn’t log a touch in the second quarter. Coming out of the halftime break, it was announced on the ESPN broadcast that Noel would be questionable to return with an injury. Running back Camerun Peoples should see some additional work for Appalachian State if Noel is unable to return.

Noel converted a five-yard scoring chance to give the Mountaineers a 31-7 lead in the third quarter. The freshman had a long gain of 24, and kept the chains moving in what turned out to be a very easy victory for the Sun Belt favorites. With the strong game, the 5-foot-10, 190-pound tailback goes over the thousand-yard mark, and it’s the fourth touchdown on the season. Noel will add to his totals next week in a matchup with Georgia Southern.

Noel (5'10/190) ended up missing the second half of last week’s 45-19 win over Georgia Southern due to this injury. It’s not clear at this time if he will miss time or if he will play through it. Noel is the guy that moves the ball on the ground for the Mountaineers with his counterpart Camerun Peoples being the back they use in the red zone. Luckily he has some extended time to get healthy as they don’t play until Tuesday, he would be a big loss if he can’t suit up.

Noel (5'10/190) more than doubled his rushing yard total on the season against the Thundering Herd while averaging 9.4 yards per carry in the process. He also showed some big-play ability with a 41-yard run as well. As the Mountaineers look to build off of this big win, Noel is going to be a key piece for them, as he is a dynamic back. The Mountaineers travel to Georgia State next Saturday where they will look to improve to 4-1 on the season.

While he didn’t manage to find the end zone, Appalachian State running back Nate Noel did lead the team in rushing vs. ECU, totaling 126 rushing yards on 15 carries.

Noel (5'10/175) got his usual amount of touches behind Camerun Peoples -- who ran for 69 yards on 18 carries -- and once again was impressive with those carries. His touchdown was a 70-yard run that showed off his speed and gave the Mountaineers a 31-20 lead. Both Noel and Peoples should be back next year, and they should form a formidable running attack for a program that has had no trouble running the football in the past. The Mountaineers are 8-3, and could -- maybe should -- be heading to a bowl game this winter.

You know it’s a good day when your backup racks up over 100 yards rushing and a touchdown. You know it’s a great day when that kid is a true freshman. Noel (5'10/175) had not seen any carries in the team’s previous two games, but stepped up in a huge way when called upon on Saturday. Sure, it’s just Campbell, but for a true freshman to get that kind of experience and rip off some nice runs has to instill confidence in him moving forward.