Did that Just Happen?

The football world was shocked today, in one of the most unlikely of ways, and what does it mean for the teams, players, and communities involved? Well, lets get to the upset. It seems like just an average non-conference slot game, Appalachian State against the University of Michigan, in the Big House in Ann Arbor. It seemed that the fifth ranked Wolverine squad would be able to handle to the former I-AA school team, especially with the leadership provided by senior quarterback Chad Henne, senior runningback and Heisman trophy candidate Mike Hart, and one of the best offensive linemen in the nation in Jake Long, all of which decided to return to the great blue north for a shot at a national championship. Yet, things would be wild and crazy, and one of the most shocking games of the year, took place on opening Saturday. Mike Hart's short run started the game off right for the maize and blue, 7-0 in the first quarter, yet APP tied the game at 7 apiece when Dexter Jackson took a pass from Armanti Edwards 68 yards to the endzone. Michgian seemed to handle its offense in stride, with a pass from senior Chad Henne guided to the endzone by Greg Matthews to end the scoring in the first quarter 14-7 UM. Then things fell apart in various places during the second quarter, as Michigan's defense, (ranked highly in 2006, yet with few returning starters in '07) crumbled. Appalachian State QB Armanti Edwards utilized both his arm and legs to throw two TD passes and run in another to make the score 28-14 before the University of Michigan of players could stop the streak nearing halftime to tally a field goal from 22 yards out, score at the half, 28-17, APP favored. The second half favored Michigan's offense alongside shades of their prominent defense, allowing a total of 6 points, two field goals, in a complete 30 minutes of play. Two field goals were tacked on for each, making the score 31-20, still in the hands of the upstart team from North Carolina. Mike Hart, whose day would end in a noble 188 rushing yards along with three rushing TD's, would reach the endzone on a 4 yard try, and with a failed 2-point conversion, made the score 31-26. Hart would then reguvinate the sellout crowd in the Big House, with a 54 yard touchdown run to put the Wolverines up by 1 point, 32-31. A blocked Wolverine field goal attempt would result in the most miraculous of drives for all underdog fans, and the most dreadful and shocking for residents of Ann Arbor. A 69 yard Mountaineer drive on 7 total plays took them to the five yard line of the wavering Wolverine squad, where they would tack on what seemed to be the game winning field goal, 34-32. Still, Michigan still had some tricks up their sleeve, as Chad Henne would throw a long pass to Mario Manningham, hauled in inside the APP 20 yard line, a perfect opportunity to end the game on a winning note. Yet the 37 yard field goal attempt was doomed to fail, and with 6 seconds left on the game clock, was blocked by APP defender Corey Lynch and returned it well over 50 yards. Not for a touchdown, but easily chewed up the remaining time, and sealed the what is most likely the greatest upset in NCAA football history. Never, in the history of the Associated Press NCAAF rankings, has a team from a lesser division defeated a ranked football team from D-IA. Much less a top ten opponent ( Michigan was ranked number 5, but is sure to drop) as did their hopes for a national championship, and maybe even being barred from a BCS Bowl game.

But now what is the effect on both teams? Surely the Mountaineers from Appalachian State, North Carolina, will remember this game, but will anything ever become of it? I don't belive so, considering that they do not have the consistent skills to compete for a solid full Division I ranking, Now toward the shocked city of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Fans, alumni, and school members of the team are devastated. Their program becomes the first in history to succomb to this variety of loss. The Wolverines are almost sure to fail to compete for the BCS National Championship game in Louisiana, and this recollection will certainly affect them for several years after this settles down. Worse yet, this football program which was perceieved to be a contender to challenge teams like USC and LSU for the title has now been faced with the reality of losing out on the National Championship, Rose Bowl, and maybe even the Big 10 Conference Championship. Head coach Lloyd Carr was speechless, and nothing he can conjure can heal this dramatic blow to Wolverines all over the country. After presenting all these stats, angles, and viewpoints, all I can say is, "Did that Just Happen?"