Shocker in Ann Arbor

Quite possibly the biggest upset in the history of college football: the Appalachian State Mountaineers defeat the AP #5 ranked Michigan Wolverines 34-32 in Ann Arbor, MI. Appalachian State controlled much of the game, leading from midway through the 2nd until midway through the 4th. Michigan then stormed back after mistakes by the Mountaineers defense and offense. But Appalachian State drove 69 yards with no timeouts remaining and kicked what would be the game winning field goal with less than a minute remaining. The Wolverines would get another shot as Michigan QB Chad Henne (more below) connected with Mario Manningham for 46 yards to get to the Mountaineers 20 yard line with 6 seconds left. Appalachian State blocked the kick - their 2nd of the game - and pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the history of NCAA Football. Mike Hart had a huge game for the Wolverines, compiling 23 carries for 188 yards and 3 touchdowns - the last being a 54 yard scamper and giving UM the lead with 4:46 left in the 4th.

Being a HUGE Penn State fan (who demolished FIU 59-0 in Happy Valley today) I am ecstatic. But being a Chad Henne fan I am disheartened. I've known Chad for over 10 years and played football with him throughout high school in West Lawn, PA at Wilson High School. He is a character guy and has tremendous talent, regardless of what some Wolverine faithful say. I truly wanted him to have a monster year and take Michigan as far as possible (without hindering Penn State's chances, obviously). But this loss is going to hurt Chad's reputation and legacy at Michigan. He is a big time QB, most likely to be selected in the first 3 rounds of the 2008 draft. He has the physical and mental skills to produce. He is not cocky or arrogant; really a classy guy. Unfortunately sometimes personal views are linked to wins and losses and with Chad not yet beating Ohio State (0-3) or winning a bowl game (0-3) he may be seen as a bust. He already is one of most prolific passers in the history of Wolverine football, and that's saying something. It's unfortunate that his senior season started this way. I wish him the best of luck the rest of the way and hope that the Wolverines rebound...they are welcomed to lapse on Sept. 22nd though :-).