Ann Arbor, Michigan 8.30.2014
Most importantly, this game is being played against the team that arguably derailed the program after the then top-5 Wolverines lost a shocker at home to the then “Division 2” Mountaineers. A team chock full of seniors and future NFL talent got complacent, and allowed a vastly under powered team to steal one at the Big House. Note: Coach Carr retired after that season (which ended in a bowl win over a Tebow led Florida team) and Big Blue entered what is referred to as the “dark times” which saw the programs consecutive bowl streak end abruptly after Rich Rodriguez flipped the program on it’s head. From that point until this season there has been no sense of urgency and a lack of star power as the nations winningest program saw itself slide into a state of obscurity. The upcoming season is a new day and a new start for a team trying to regain it’s prestigious identity. Defensive End Frank Clark shared his thoughts on any possible repeat by the Mountaineers “When you see things on the internet like “we back for round 2” it’s going to fire you up and you are going to do whatever you have to do to win the game.
UofM all but ran the table in the first half. Seeing heralded true freshman Jabril Peppers on special teams and nickelback is also a cue that Michigan is not the team we have been accustomed to seeing over the last half decade. Peppers did leave the game at halftime, but he will be good to go this week for Notre Dame.
While the offense and defense played spectacular as whole units, one name will be buzzing in Ann Arbor for the time being. That player, is Devin Funchess. Funchess, a converted tight end and new bearer of the historic #1 made sure there was no doubt that he was qualified for that responsibility. In the first half alone, Funchess broke a season opener record for Big Blue and Hauled in three touchdowns. While it may not be time to crown the young man just yet, it is clear that he has developed a chemistry with QB Devin Gardener.
Both running backs for Michigan got to see the field today and while neither one has solid grip on the workhorse role they both showed out. In the first half, De’Veon Smith carried the ball 6 times for 99 yards and touchdown. Top running back recruit and sophomore Derrick Green showed a flash of speed we haven’t seen since his highschool days and managed 85 yards on 8 carries, while breaking off a 59 yard scamper to end the first half.
The second half opened right back up with Green busting a 62 yard run followed up by a hard nosed touchdown run to put the Wolverines up 42-0. At this point in the contest, both Michigan running backs averaged over 10 yards a carry and both had over 100 yards and a touchdown. The offensive line and receiver units played a huge role in this as both running backs had some huge lanes to run through with only undersized DB’s left to stop them.
Michigan’s shutout was broken after a 75 yard drive and a stylish catch in the corner endzone by Sims McElfresh. The Mountaineers tried to keep the momentum going by onside kicking on the ensuing possession but the ball did not travel the required distance.
Shane Morris checked in for the Wolverines just before the 3rd qtr wrapped up. His first pass showed some great pocket presence but his following throw was intercepted at the 3 yard line. He would remain in the game for the rest of the 4th quarter.
Appalachian State would find the endzone once more but this time against UofM’s second team. Running back Marcus Cox would take the carry while starter Terrance Upshaw left the game averaging over 6 yards a carry with over a 100 yards on the ground.
Matt Wile would knock in another field goal and bring the Wolverines up 52-14 with just over 3 left in the 4th quarter.
The final score: 52-14
Stat Lines:
Passing: D. Gardner (MICH) – 173 YDS, 3 TD
Rushing: D. Green (MICH) – 15 CAR, 170 YDS, 1 TD
Receiving: D. Funchess (MICH) – 7 REC, 95 YDS, 3 TD
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