Michigan Wolverines: Appalachian State — Come On Up

Posted at 5:30pm — 8/28/2014

Michigan Wolverines: Appalachian State — Come On Up

Yes, it was a monumental game; that upset of Michigan by the Appalachian State Mountaineers in 2007 at Michigan Stadium. It was kind of the un-perfect storm for Michigan. Michigan was playing a lower division team that was on a run of national championship titles. Coach Carr did not believe in players not enjoying summer and voluntary work really was just that in his last few years. Michigan was out of shape compared to most teams entering a season. Michigan was playing against a well thought out spread scheme that produced several players that went on the NFL. It was 1-AA and FCS David against the winningest program in Division One history.

Oct 5, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines former head coach Lloyd H. Carr before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsCarr tried to warn the locals, but his words went unheeded. Michigan struggled with the Mountaineer speed and the Wolverine offense pretty much went on a sleep walk mission. Still, Michigan woke up enough to put together a closing drive for a medium distance field goal. The special team assignments and execution broke down and the kick never got a chance to avoid disaster. Appalachian State made instant history. The Mountaineers deserved the credit as much as Michigan deserved the blame. The team from Boone was well prepared and took advantage of Michigan’s weaknesses.

Was that win by Appalachian State the biggest upset ever? Maybe, maybe not, but the result was profound and shock waves of all types, and in all directions, rolled through the college football community. Tremors still survive, although time is minimizing the magnitude of the aftershocks.

As written before on this site, good for Michigan in putting Appalachian State back on the schedule. This may revolve around respect more than revenge.

For months those speaking of this Saturday’s game have referenced that both programs are different from the 2007 match-up. This is clearly correct. Both teams have had good and bad moments since that game. Mountaineer legendary coach, Jerry Moore, and Lloyd Carr are gone from the scene and the reins have been turned over to Scott Satterfield and Brady Hoke. Appalachian State made a difficult decision to play up one level with the big boys of college football. So, things have indeed changed as time has passed. Satterfield played and coached under Coach Moore. He has been successful as an offensive coach, offensive coordinator, and offensive system designer. Coach Satterfield has been given credit for devising the Appalachian version of the spread and mentoring successful skilled players that turned out big numbers and big wins.

Boone, North Carolina is on the great ridge in the Valley and Ridge geologic province. Anyone hunting great geology will find it in this area. Boone is at 3300 feet elevation, a feature that prevents the brutal daily summer heat of the South. For years, Boone, like Ann Arbor, has been included on various lists of great American cities and best places to live.

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Doc4Blu

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