Michigan Football 2014: Game 1 vs. App. State

Many tried to view this game as a way to "exorcise" the demons from 2007, but the two games could not have been any different.  The App. State team of 2007 was very good - the 2014 version is, by all accounts, very bad.  The 2007 Wolverines were ranked 5th to start the season following a 2006 season which saw them climb to the No. 2 ranking and lose a close game in Columbus before falling again in the Rose Bowl.  The 2014 Wolverines begin the season unranked and with a lot of question marks.

Nonetheless, Michigan avenged the loss with a resounding 52-14 win at Michigan Stadium.  Most of the excitement centered around the defense, which Defensive Coordinator Greg Mattison described as the deepest squad he has had at Michigan.  They held the Mountaineers to just 280 total yards of offense and held a relatively inept offense in check.  The early game "big plays" which have plagued Michigan in earlier seasons were nowhere to be seen today.  

The area of concern heading into this season was the offensive line.  The departure of Lewan and Scofield from an already poor line a year ago left many wondering how this young line would hold up.  Considering the caliber of the opponent, the offensive line did not make too many mistakes.  The line could have gotten a little more push against an undersized offensive line, but most fans won't complain seeing De'Veon Smith and Derrick Green rush for a combined 285 yards and 3 touchdowns.  

Devin Funchess, who will transition to a full-time WR this year, changed to the No. 1 jersey prior to the game.  Funchess opened his 2014 campaign, and the new era of the No. 1 jersey with 3 touchdown receptions.  His final TD reception was "Calvinesque" as he was draped by two defenders.  

Brady Hoke (who after three seasons of wearing nothing but blue shirts decided to wear a white one today), moves to 3-1 in season openers and 3-0 at Michigan Stadium.  

Michigan will travel to Notre Dame next week for the final game of the storied rivalry (until it is renewed, maybe).  Michigan will face the return of Everett Golson and an Irish team that crushed the Rice Owls on their opening weekend.  The night game will prove to be a nice early season challenge for Michigan.