[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen the Michigan Wolverines scheduled the Appalachian State Mountaineers for their 2014 season opener, many Wolverines fans cringed. Why schedule the team that handed Michigan their most embarrassing loss in program history just seven years earlier?
But, for every coach and player associated with the Wolverines – sans running backs coach Fred Jackson – this would be their first time facing the Mountaineers. It was an opportunity for the Wolverines to redeem the program for their 2007 loss and begin to redeem the disappointment of the entire 2013 season.
Offense
Devin Funchess had seven catches for 95 yards and three touchdowns in Saturday’s victory. Photo/Wikimedia Commons
In last week’s season preview, I “boldly” predicted that Devin Funchess would finish the season with 10+ touchdowns on the season. Little did I know that he would get nearly one-third of the way there in the first 30 minutes of football he would play.
Funchess was unstoppable from the opening kickoff. Whether it was speed to get by, strength to power through, or athleticism to out-jump the defenders, Funchess was a one-man highlight show. He finished the game with seven catches for 95 yards and three touchdowns.
After the offensive line, Devin Gardner came into the 2014 season with a lot of question marks – mainly in regards to his accuracy and decision-making ability. Gardner started to answer some of those questions with a strong start to the year, finishing 13 of 14 for 173 yards, three touchdowns and no turnovers.
The most impressive aspect of the game that Gardner displayed was pocket presence. In the past, Gardner was guilty of scrambling at the slightest bit of pressure. In Saturday’s game, Gardner maneuvered the pocket very well while keeping his eyes downfield – the most obvious example of this was on his second touchdown pass.
For as good as Funchess and Gardner were, the best aspect of the game for the Wolverines offense was the running game. Yes, you read that correctly, the Wolverines – who struggled to run the football against anybody last year – absolutely dominated the line of scrimmage and finished the day with 36 carries for 350 yards and three touchdowns.
De’Veon Smith and Derrick Green – both highly-touted sophomore running backs – stole the spotlight as they combined for 23 carries for 285 yards and all three scores. More importantly, they both showed improved vision to find running lanes and the ability to break arm tackles. They both struggled mightily to do those things last season.
The much-maligned offensive line for the Wolverines struggled early in the game (the team only had 10 carries for 36 yards after the first quarter). However, they found their groove and enjoyed the Wolverines must successful rushing day (not including quarterback rushing yards) since 2007.
It will be interesting what the Wolverines do with Graham Glasgow (who started all 13 games in 2013 – nine at center and four at guard) returning this week from suspension. Brady Hoke stated after the game that he was unsure if the team would make any changes.
Defense
The final numbers might not show it, but the Wolverines defense dominated – especially in the first half.
In eight first half drives, the Mountaineers ran 28 plays for 74 yards and never got further than Michigan’s 45-yard line. The first half also allowed Greg Mattison to show that he was not joking this summer when he said the Wolverines would be much more physical and aggressive this season.
The biggest struggle for the Wolverines defense was Jake Ryan at middle linebacker. On multiple occasions Ryan was too aggressive and it led to him over-pursuing ball carriers. However, Ryan is an All Big Ten talent that was just switched to middle linebacker this past off-season, so the level of concern is not high for the Wolverines.
True freshman, Jabrill Peppers, started the game at the nickel cornerback position and played well before exiting the game at halftime due to an ankle injury – Hoke reported after the game that Peppers would be fine for next week’s game. He finished with two tackles and only allowed one reception.
The deepest position of the Wolverines defense, the defensive line, was also the most dominant in yesterday’s game. With the ability to rotate 10 players up front, the Wolverines were able to stay rested and cause havoc at the line of scrimmage for the Mountaineers. They were only able to finish with one sack, but Kameron Bryant was under pressure all day and only averaged 3.1 yards per pass attempt.
The schedule will only get tougher for the Wolverines defense, especially next week at Notre Dame. It will be a struggle to contain Brian Kelly’s up-tempo, high-scoring offense. In order for the Wolverines to have success next week, their defensive line must be mindful of pass rush lanes and keep Everett Golson in the pocket.
The Wolverines should boast one of the best defenses in the country this season and yesterday was a strong start.
Three Stars
1. Michigan’s offensive line
2. Devin Funchess
3. Devin Gardner
Up Next
Away: Notre Dame (Saturday, September 6) – 7:30 p.m. on NBC
One last trip to South Bend – at least for the near future – for the Wolverines. Michigan has dominated the rivalry of late, winning seven of the last eight matchups. Everett Golson is back from his season-long suspension in 2013, but Notre Dame is missing four projected starters on defense – three to suspension and another to injury. As usual, it should be a close matchup. But, until Michigan proves they can win tough road games, I give the slight edge to Notre Dame, 24-17.
