BOONE, N.C. -- Bentlee Critcher kicked a 39-yard field goal with 29 seconds remaining to give Appalachian State a 31-29 victory over Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday night in the programs' first meeting.

Two pass-interference calls on the Mountaineers' 53-yard drive helped set up the winning kick by Critcher. The punter took over as place-kicker midseason against Liberty, missing a would-be game-winner on his first attempt in the loss.

The Warhawks (3-6, 2/3 Sun Belt) led 29-28 with 1:42 left after Pete Thomas' 3-yard pass to Ajalen Holley. However, Thomas threw incomplete on the conversion attempt.

Taylor Lamb was 25-of-35 passing with 276 yards, two touchdowns and an interception as the Mountaineers won their third straight.

Marcus Cox rushed for 94 yards on 21 carries, including a 7-yard score that put Appalachian State (4-5, 3-2) ahead 28-23.

Thomas was 20 of 41 for 244 yards and two touchdowns for Louisiana-Monroe, which has lost five straight.