Appalachian State QB Edwards wins Walter Payton Award

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Appalachian State quarterback Armanti Edwards won the Walter Payton Award on Thursday night as Football Championship Subdivision's top player, while Eastern Washington defensive end Greg Peach took the Buck Buchanan Award.

Also, James Madison coach Mickey Matthews received the Eddie Robinson Award.

Edwards rushed for 941 yards and 11 touchdowns, and passed for 2,902 yards and 30 touchdowns for the Mountaineers this season. He ranked second nationally in passing efficiency, completing 64 percent of his attempts.

Peach received the Buchanan Award as the top defensive player in the FCS. He lead the subdivision in sacks with 18 for a loss of 103 yards and tackles behind the line of scrimmage with 22.5 for a loss of 133 yards.

Matthews received his second honor as top FCS coach, the first coach to do so. James Madison finished 10-1 in the regular season, its best finish in history. The Dukes also won the Colonial Athletic Association title.

James Madison was eliminated last weekend from a shot at a second national championship after falling to Montana.

The awards announcements come the night before Montana faces Richmond in the national championship game in Chattanooga.