The Michigan Wolverines look for some redemption from a game seven year ago when they take on the Appalachian State Mountaineers today in college football action. The game is scheduled for a noon start time and it will be televised nationally on ESPN2. Currently the odds for the game have Michigan as a huge favorite to win.

Michigan and the college football world were shocked seven years ago when Appalachian State came into the Big House and knocked off the Wolverines. This time around, Michigan won't be asleep at the wheel and it's not the same Appalachian State team that was winning national championships in the mid-2000s. Michigan finds itself outside of the Top 25 rankings and they are looking for something to prove coming into this one.

The Wolverines sputtered on offense last year, often times looking pedestrian and without a sense of self worth. They went out and picked Doug Nussmeier to run their offense, hiring him away from the Alabama Crimson Tide. Nussmeier is an offensive mind that wants to run the football but also be flexible as well. Michigan needs an offensive coordinator that fits their packages and they opened up the checkbook to hire the guy they feel is the right hire.

Devin Gardner and Devin Funchess will look to hook up down the field in this one. The Wolverines are going to want to stretch the field this season, but also pound it inside with their tailbacks, led by true sophomore Derrick Green, who didn't see a whole lot of time on the field last season.

Appalachian State has moved to the Sun Belt Conference and now are playing with the FCS crop of schools on a consistent basis. They no longer are the sleeping giants of college football and the win over Michigan in 2007 probably helped them reach this level. Because they are at the highest level of college football they have more scholarships and players as well. 

Last year the Mountaineers were just 4-8, the school's first losing season since 1993. Michigan was a disappointing 7-6. Both schools want to improve this season and getting a win in the opening game is very important.

Michigan's offensive line needs to gel together and improve as the season moves along. In this game we think they'll be able to move the Appalachian State defensive front and allow the Wolverines to run the ball effectively. This game won't be a repeat of 2007.

Free Pick: Michigan 41, Appalachian State 14

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