Appalachian State how good will they be?
Was curious as to what to expect when we play AS on August 30th. Though the article is dated (February 2014) it does provide some insight about the team. One thing for certain they will be experienced and will have one of the most experienced OL in the country. Michigan will need to pay attention.
http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2014/2/10/5354930/appalachian-…
August 20th, 2014 at 6:15 PM ^
August 20th, 2014 at 1:23 PM ^
Last game of the series? That they chickened out of? That they cancelled by delivering a letter moments before a game started so they would get two games and we would get only one? Surely you jest. Oh, yeah: Fuck Notre Dame.
August 20th, 2014 at 1:47 PM ^
August 20th, 2014 at 1:24 PM ^
...that helped lead them to a 4-8 record in Division 1-AA last year. They are not good, and they share almost nothing in common with the Jerry Moore powerhouse of the previous decade.
Michigan is a heavy favorite for a reason. Change their name to "Random West Virginia University," and there would be less than zero concern.
August 20th, 2014 at 2:16 PM ^
August 20th, 2014 at 3:05 PM ^
It would be so cool if West Virginia had directional schools like Michigan. Imagine the possibilities: Western West Virginia, Eastern West Virginia, Northern West Virginia...
August 20th, 2014 at 3:22 PM ^
The State University of Southwestern West Virginia at South Williamson.
Which would actually be in Kentucky.
August 20th, 2014 at 1:37 PM ^
Last time they were coming off two championship seasons on their way to a third. Last year not so much. Am I worried? Not really. Will I have bad flashbacks in my mind until the end of this game? Yep.
August 20th, 2014 at 1:30 PM ^
They will score 0 points on our starting defense. Book it.
August 20th, 2014 at 6:12 PM ^
August 20th, 2014 at 1:49 PM ^
August 20th, 2014 at 1:56 PM ^
I would love to see Michigan hang more than 70 points on them. This is really hard to do in today's age because of the ways the clock has changed. Having said that, there are two ways this can happen: defensive scores and special teams scores. If our defensive line is as good as is projected, and our secondary and linebackers are sure handed, interceptions are there for the taking. And I'd have to see Peppers take a punt return to the house, let alone Norfleet finally busting one.
Normally, there is a significant drop off in ability once the starters are pulled. However, I think our defense is so deep it won't matter. I also think that with the RB & WR competition, we're going very deep in this game. The only place I see starters playing deep into the game is on the OL, and even there, I wouldn't be surprised to see the 2nd team get lots of playing time once the margin is well over 4 TDs.
August 20th, 2014 at 2:01 PM ^
In fact, I'd rather enjoy that.
August 20th, 2014 at 6:20 PM ^
August 20th, 2014 at 2:13 PM ^
I think the starting OL should play the entire game no matter the score so they can get a bunch of reps.
August 20th, 2014 at 2:58 PM ^
I bet Hoke and Nuss agree with you!
August 20th, 2014 at 2:10 PM ^
hahaha, thanks for the good laugh.
August 20th, 2014 at 2:30 PM ^
as long as practical. Who needs the practice more, the starters or the backups?
This is a new offense. Those in game reps are limited and have enormous value. Maybe rotate the 6th and 7th guys in and out of the line some, but as long as they aren't burned out give the starters every rep. They play ND next week and the offense especially the line needs the experience. Let Nuss get as deep into the playbook as he's willing to show. I'd hold Morris out for most of the game for the same reason, let DG develop as much of a feel for his receivers as possible.
I know we need to get the 2s experience so it's a trade off and that the starting line will likely change when Graham can play, but the more snaps those guys get in the first game the better.
August 20th, 2014 at 2:34 PM ^
We work out the kinks on offense. Defense stuffs them.
August 20th, 2014 at 2:45 PM ^
I hope you're wrong. If Michigan scores 20 on this team this site will have a meltdown.
August 21st, 2014 at 7:49 PM ^
I don't recall a meltdown post Akron - only relief. I really don't think the offense is going to be great/good until mid season if then. It takes time to get a new system down, freshmen to compete... it just takes time.
August 21st, 2014 at 7:49 PM ^
I don't recall a meltdown post Akron - only relief. I really don't think the offense is going to be great/good until mid season if then. It takes time to get a new system down, freshmen to compete... it just takes time.
August 20th, 2014 at 3:02 PM ^
I won't be happy unless they are taken to the shed.
August 20th, 2014 at 3:16 PM ^
August 20th, 2014 at 6:09 PM ^
August 20th, 2014 at 3:31 PM ^
All the coaches need to remember was the first game was the downfall of Lloyd Carr (getting slaughtered the following week didn't help).
August 20th, 2014 at 3:35 PM ^
USA Today ranked them #119 this year.
They ranked Michigan 35th.
August 20th, 2014 at 4:23 PM ^
A guy who works for me went there and is a big App State fan.
He says they will suck this year -- much different from when we last played them and they were coming off multiple D2 championships.
The line for the game is something around 35, but I convinced him to set it at 20 since Michigan never blows any out (other than Delaware State). I tried to get him to wear a Michigan helmet all day Peppers-style if we covered the 20 pts, but he refused so we're just betting a lunch on it.
August 20th, 2014 at 4:54 PM ^
August 20th, 2014 at 5:54 PM ^
August 20th, 2014 at 6:38 PM ^
For an entire march down the field, every single play, until they prove they can stop it.
I suppose breaking one on the first play in a drive would count but I'm more into a grinding drive. We're going to need to grind on ND the next week so might as well get some practice.
August 20th, 2014 at 8:20 PM ^
August 20th, 2014 at 8:43 PM ^
Hopefully the Michigan football team won't be stoned this time.