Game Info:
This was to set up with an easy game for the Michigan Wolverines against the Appalachian State Mountaineers to open the season. Michigan was entering the season with a great shot at the BCS National Championship among other teams. And for Appalachian State, they were just a smaller school in the FCS. Michigan was excited to start off a great season, however, they got more than they bargained for.
The day was September 1st, 2007 and was to serve as the opening game for both teams. Starting off at 12:00 PM ET, the Big House was fully packed and ready to go for a new season. Everyone predicted a Michigan win, but no one predicted one of the biggest upsets in sports history.
Summary:
Michigan started us off receiving the first half. The Wolverines made easy work of the App. State defense and scored fast. MIC-7 APP-0. It was looking that Michigan was locking down the App. State offense. However, a bad read by the defense opened a hole for Armanti Edwards for 68 yards and a score. MIC-7 APP-7. The next two drives by two resulted in two equal punts across the field. Michigan had some success on their next drive against the Mountaineers with a score. MIC-14 APP-7. Appalachian State wasn’t going to stay far behind for a while and spent 5 minutes on a scoring drive. MIC-14 APP-14.
Michigan received the kickoff and was determined to get some points on the board. But a great defensive effort from App. State forced the Wolverines to punt. The Mountaineers capitalized on this opportunity and with a 20 yard pass form Armanti Edwards, App. State scored. MIC-14 APP-21. Michigan moved down the field in the next drive. And with a try on 4th and 5, the Wolverines couldn’t complete. App. State then used this as momentum and scored a touchdown from no other than Armanti Edwards. MIC-14 APP-28. Michigan answered the next drive with a field goal from 22 yards out. MIC-17 APP-28. This took everyone shocked into halftime on what was going on.
The Mountaineers started the new half off with an interception. This sparked a strong Michigan offensive drive that led to a 42 yard field goal. MIC-20 APP-28. App state wasn’t ready to led the upset slip, so they moved down into the Michigan 12 and kicked a field goal. MIC-20 APP-31. A handful of drives went by with a fumble by each unit and a missed field goal from the Mountaineers. Then Michigan showed up with a rushing touchdown of 4 yards and a failed 2 point conversion kept the score at a 6. MIC-26 APP-31. Multiple punts and a forced interception by App. State then led to a Michigan drive. Michigan’s Mike Hart rushed it 54 yards for a touchdown, but failed the 2 point conversion again. MIC-32 APP-31.
Appalachian State threw a pick to Michigan, which shifted momentum once again. Michigan failed to kick a 43 yard field goal due to it being blocked. Then Appalachian State was thirsty to get the upset done. And from 24 yards out, Julian Rauch nailed the field goal to take the lead. MIC-32 APP-34. Michigan was moving further and further on their last drive of the game. Michigan had gotten into the App. State 20, where they were ready to try for the win. It was up for a second (maybe not even that) and was blocked again, where and App. State player took it down the field with time expiring. The Mountaineers had pulled off the upset.
Key Players:
Michigan:
Mike Hart, RB (23 Carries, 188 Yards, 3 TDs)
Mike Hart might’ve been one of the players on Michigan who was affected the most by this loss. This comes because in one of his biggest performances the result had shadowed his play. However, Hart was drafted to the Indianapolis Colts where he played 3 years. Now he serves as the running backs coach for the Indiana Hoosiers.
Appalachian State:
Armanti Edwards, QB App State (17-23, 227 Passing Yards, 3 Passing TDs, 62 Rushing Yards, 1 Rushing TD)
Armanti Edwards was probably the most influential player on the App State offense that day. This man was flying passes across the field with some great placements and ran efficiently, too. Armanti Edwards was drafted in 2010 by the Panthers, then was passed around by many other NFL teams. Armanti now plays for the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League and now at wide receiver.
What Happened After?
Michigan: The Wolverines suffered another upset loss the next week to Oregon before going on an 8 game winning streak. They then dropped 2 more to Ohio State and Wisconsin. They played Florida in the Capital One Bowl and own 41-35 to move to 9-4 on the season.
Appalachian State: The Mountaineers went on a winning hiatus throughout the season. They picked up only 2 losses on the season between Wofford and Georgia Southern. Appalachian State finished their season strong by plowing through the FCS Playoffs and picking up a FCS Championship. This meant the Mountaineers finished 13-2 on the season that year.
Photo Credits:
https://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/picture-gallery/sports/college/football/2014/08/25/michigan-appalachian-state/14601697/
https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/armanti-edwards-dear-app-state
