Appalachian State has played like a team on a mission the last two weeks and with Southern Conference foe Elon coming to Boone for homecoming weekend the Mountaineers will need to keep the intensity level high in order to make it three victories in a row.

ASU and Elon have had some classic battles in recent years, with three of the last four games being decided by eight points or less. The contest has been known to take on quite a physical tone and this season's matchup shouldn't be any different.

Elon, who is currently below .500 on the season, will be looking to spoil ASU's party and finally knockoff the Mountaineers after dropping the last 16 in the series.

That said, in order to get a better understanding of what Appalachian must do to leave Kidd Brewer Stadium with yet another victory over The Phoenix, we turned to former Mountaineer running back Cedric Baker Boney to get his keys to the game.

CEDRIC'S THREE KEYS TO THE GAME

KEY NO. 1

Mountaineers running the ball efficiently against Elon's defense

The Phoenix has struggled stopping the run this year giving up 237.2 yards per game and opponents are averaging 5.7 per rushing attempt. With the success of the running game last week against Coastal Carolina, look for the Mountaineers to continue the momentum with big plays on the perimeter with Steven Miller, Tony Washington, and Andrew Peacock. Then mix that in with Rod Chisolm and Michael Frazier running in between the tackles. Look for the Mountaineers to have a lot of success on the ground.

KEY NO. 2

The Mountaineers' defensive backs stopping Elon's Aaron Mellette

Aaron Mellette is one of the top receivers in the FCS. He has 37 catches, 423 yards and 7 touchdowns this year. Last year against the Mountaineers Mellette had 14 catches for 236 yards with a touchdown. The last time Elon played at App in 2010 Mellette had 3 touchdown catches. Mellette has had a lot of success against the Mountaineers. The Phoenix offense wants to get the ball to Mellette as much as possible, so the Mountaineers' secondary has to know where Mellete is at all times or he will make big plays. I think Demetrius McCray will have Mellete man-to-man for most of the game. It is going to be interesting to see two of the top FCS players go head-to-head.

KEY NO. 3

Mountaineers keeping their composure

Elon is known for trash talk, especially the week of the game and during the game. The last several years Elon feels like they should have beaten the Mountaineers. It is a lot of hatred and bitterness toward the Mountaineers. The Mountaineers can't get caught up in the trash talk and foul play. ASU does not need any unsportsmanlike penalties or ejections in an important game like this. If the guys can keep their composure and play sound football they will win this game.