Much like Florida Atlantic, the Appalachian State football team’s playmaker couldn’t come at a better position: quarterback.

Senior Richie Williams is among the top quarterbacks in NCAA Division I-AA, and while the talent top to bottom doesn’t compare to I-A, the talent up top at times can. That’s the impression KU coach Mark Mangino got of ASU’s starting slinger.

“He led the conference last year in passing,” Mangino said. “He’s very athletic and runs the ball well.”

Sound familiar? How about FAU’s quarterback Danny Embick, who used his scrambling to buy time, and incidentally threw for 299 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions?

Against Eastern Kentucky last week, Williams passed for 234 yards and added 66 yards rushing – the fifth consecutive game he’s racked up 300 yards of total offense.

“We didn’t have a negative play in the course of the whole ballgame,” ASU coach Jerry Moore said. “We had no turnovers. That gives you a chance against any ballclub regardless.

“Richie took care of the ball. He made some key plays himself in the last four or five minutes of the game : I was pleased with his overall handling of the game. He made good decisions.”

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The victory shot Appalachian State into the Division I-AA Top 25, securing the last slot in the poll. The Mountaineers have had memorable moments against I-A opponents, too, most recently a 20-16 victory over Wake Forest in 2000.

But the last three I-A opponents the Mountaineers have faced – Wyoming, Hawaii and Marshall – have all resulted in losses by more than three touchdowns.

That doesn’t faze Mangino. Though I-AA teams generally lose nine out of 10 games against the top level of NCAA football, there’s always that one ready to bite.

“We’re not going to tell you they’re a Big 12 team. They’re not,” Mangino said. “But are they capable of winning any game if a team that they’re playing against does not prepare well, does not stay focused, does not play smart football? You bet.

“We plan on playing good football. We’re confident we will.”