There's no need to remind Michigan fans what happened last time they played Appalachian State - that kind of memory sticks around. For those of you who recently arrived on Earth from another solar system...in 2007, the Wolverines were stunned by the FCS Mountaineers, losing 34-32 on their home turf.
Seven years later, Appalachian State is back, and attempting to come away with another unprecedented upset of the Wolverines.
2013 Records:
Michigan: 7-6 (3-5)
Appalachian St: 4-8 (4-4)
Last Meeting: 2007, Appalachian State won 34-32
Key Stat: The last time Appalachian State headed to the Big House, they came away with a victory despite being outgained by nearly 100 total yards.
Michigan Outlook: The Wolverines know exactly what happened the last time they hosted Appalachian State, and will do everything they can to make sure that doesn't happen again.
That 2007 team was stronger than the team that will take the field on Saturday. Coming off a 7-6 season, Michigan will look to start off 2014 on the right note, as well as rid themselves of some of the demons lingering from the 2007 upset.
Senior quarterback Devin Gardner returns to lead the offense after a strong 2013 in which he threw for 2,960 yards and 21 touchdowns, along with rushing for over 400 yards and 11 more scores.
The Michigan offense struggled despite their star quarterback, finishing outside the top 100 in rushing yards. Establishing the run in 2014 will go a long way towards strengthening the offense as a whole.
Appalachian State Outlook: The Mountaineers' upset over Michigan in 2007 put them on the college football radar. After a 4-8 2013, Appalachian State will try to remind the nation about what happens when higher-profile opponents don't take them seriously.
Their recent matchups with FBS teams haven't gone nearly as well as the 2007 Michigan game - they were trounced by Georgia 45-6 last year, and 66-13 by Virginia Tech in 2011.
Appalachian State will try to catch lightning in a bottle twice, but this time, Michigan knows better than to take them lightly.
What to watch for: Michigan will look to establish a more balanced offensive attack against Appalachian State, designed to take some heat off of Devin Gardner.
Without graduated receiver Jeremy Gallon, new targets will have to emerge for Devin Gardner - Devin Funchess has promise, but keep an eye on sophomores Amarah Darboh and Jehu Chesson. TE Jake Butt will be an important player for the Wolverines this season, but he's still rehabbing from an ACL injury and won't play Saturday.
If Appalachian State can keep the Wolverines' passing attack in check, they can force Michigan to run the ball - something that didn't go well for them at all last season. If Michigan can assert themselves on offense early, this won't be close. If they struggle to move the chains...things could get interesting.
What they're saying:
Jabrill Peppers wows teammates with ability
Miller excited about line progress, second chance
Game Prediction:
Michigan - 48, Appalachian State - 14
Michigan has endured seven years of ridicule after underestimating Appalachian State last time around. That won't happen again, and against a weaker Mountaineers squad than they faced in 2007, the Wolverines should take care of business with ease.
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