Observations on the win over Appalachian State, 52-14

Michigan earned 6 red zones for 38 points while Appalachian State earned 2 late red zones for 14 points. The Wolverines raced out to a 35-0 halftime advantage, and moved the score to 42-0 when the Mountaineers scored their first TD with 7:12 to go in the 3rd quarter.

Devin Gardner was 13 of 14 for 173 yards with 3 TDs to Devin Funchess who grabbed 7 catches for 95 yards. Derrick Green netted 170 yards on 15 carries for a TD, and De'Veon Smith gained 115 yards on 8 carries for 2 more TDs. Drake Johnson, Justice Hayes and Wyatt Shallman also carried for another 56 yards on 8 carries, and Gardner had 5 carries for 9 net yards after one sack was deducted. Offense had 560 net yards in only 55 plays with 24 first downs so they pretty much moved at will converting 5 of 8 on third down, and forced into only one punt. Their only turnover was a red zone interception thrown by Shane Morris. Suprisingly, Khalid Hill got the start at Tight End and Joey Burzynski started at Right Guard.

Defense stopped the Mountaineers with 280 yards in total offense, 14 first downs and 7 of 20 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. The Wolverines forced no turnovers, but came up with two sacks by Taco Charlton and Chris Wormley. Desmond Morgan and James Ross led the defense with 6 tackles each, Joe Bolden, Ondre Pipkins and Dymonte Thomas had 5 tackles each. Jabrill Peppers started at Nickel, but left with a leg injury followed a cut block penalty and never returned.

Peppers returned a punt for 6 yards, and Norfleet filled in returning another for 9 yards. Matt Wile hit one of two field goal attempts, and was 7 of 7 on extra points; he also kicked off 9 time with 5 touchbacks. Will Hagerup punted once for 46 yards. Michael McCray blocked a punt, and it was returned by Ben Gedeon for a 32 yard TD.

It was a good tune-up for the Irish next week. Go Blue!

Coach and Player Interviews Hoke on August 27 Box Score and Player Participation Highlights Replay of Game Postgame Interviews