Michigan 52 Appalachian State 14

Michigan team 135 did all it could to erase the memory of 2007’s disastrous loss to Appalachian State,  jumping out to a 35-0 halftime lead and eventually winning 52 – 14.

Before today’s game, receiver Devin Funchess announced he’ll wear the infamous #1 jersey worn exclusively by elite Michigan receivers.  By the end of the day, not a single person in the Big House questioned if he had earned it.  Funchess is the first player in Michigan history with 3 receiving touchdowns on opening day.  He ended the day with 95 yards on 7 catches, all coming in the first half.

Aug 30, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Devin Funchess (87) makes a catch for a touchdown over Appalachian State Mountaineers defensive back Doug Middleton (21) and defensive back Jordan Ford (12) in the second quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Recap

The first quarter was the Devin and Devin show as Gardner found Funchess in the end zone twice.

App. State provided no contest earning only 74 first half yards.

Derrick Green and De’Veon Smith each had 60 yard rushes in the second quarter, leading to Funchess’ 3rd touchdown and a Smith TD as the floodgates opened.

Top cap off the first half, back-up linebackers made a splash as Mike McCray blocked a punt and Ben Gedeon returned it 30 yards for a touchdown.

Early in the third, Green busted off another 60 yard run and two plays later capped the drive with his first touchdown run of the season.

After Michigan took a 49-7 lead halfway through the 3rd quarter, both teams inserted backups and traded scores running out the clock.

Noteworthy Nuggets

Michigan rushed for 350 yards today after averaging only 125 yards per game in 2013.

Greg Mattison has said the defense will use more press coverage and it smothered App. State today allowing only 11 yards on 14 pass attempts in the first half.

True Freshman left tackle Mason Cole played okay, but he was beat early for a sack on Devin Gardner.

App State had success running out of the shotgun when Michigan’s defense was caught stunting and shifting.  This is worthy eyeing in the future.

Matt Wile missed a 48 yard field goal attempt in his first game as the full time kicker.

Star recruit Jabrill Peppers got dinged up early after a low block and didn’t return to the sideline for the 2nd half

This was a nice win for Michigan and it’s fans.  It appears they are on the right path for 2014.  What do you think?  Let us know!