RE-CAP:
Y-T-D: 6-3 +14.8 Units
*SMU/TTech Pending
Notes: Not sure why every broadcast is making such a gigantic deal about the upset yesterday. Appy St. is the top ranked FCS Team and two time defending National Champion. Appy State lost 23-19 to NC State last year, and 24-0 to LSU in 2005. We saw studs Edwards (QB)....a old Michael Vick style QB, RB Kevin Richardson, CB C. Lynch (2 time All American), and a couple of great Olineman. Bottom Line, if the Big 10, SEC, Big 12 are going to continue to schedule DIV 2 schools, then its the nature of sports to have an upset here and there. All I heard Saturday by the so-called pros is words like "appalling" "Season-Ender" "Worst Upset in History"???? Huh?
C'Mon, when we watch the NCAA Tourn, we expect David to beat Goliath once in awhile.....the aftermath? We hear "Cinderalla is wearing the slipper"...............and then we forget about it....after all, noone expects a Cinderella to actually win the whole enchalada.
Now, I see everyone wants Carrs head on a platter, and he was right....he needed to take blame, but, lets not forget that Michigan has a ton of Senior experience, and the bottom line is none of those guys stepped up and rallied their teammates. No SENIOR LEADERSHIP!!
I'm sick of the pundits condemning the Michigan program, because "They" ranked Wolverines #5...........it really makes these idiots look stupid, because the bottom line is that it was their pre-season rankings that makes them look foolish. Its one of the reasons I NEVER look at early rankings when capping the first 4 weeks of the season. The fact that Div 1 schools have 85 full ride slots, while Div 2 schools only have 63 isn't that great of disparity; you can only put 11 players on the field at once. These "experts" on ESPN and other networks, are making this sound like some sort of travesty, which really takes away the glory and abilities of the Mounties program.........not cool! Perhaps they should take some of the blame for putting Michigan at #5?
If anything, I think this is fantastic as it will certainly make ADs and Coaches take a hard look at the benefits of scheduling so-called teams to steam-roll.
As a former Div 1 player I can empathize with Wolverines players, as this has to hurt, and now the press gets to pile on. Lets remember these are just kids.........
As far as Carr is concerned? Its the nature of sports that when things like this happen, there has to be a fall guy. Despite Carr's ability to take Wolverines to a Bowl every season since he took over the helm, and has claimed Big 10 Title 5 of 7 seasons...........his recent losses to Ohio State has opened the door to critics. The "Big House" doesn't appear to have the greatest home field advantage as previously thought. Michigan teams have always struggled against elusive Qb's, this time it belonged to a Div 2 school.........
The challenge/question will be how will Michigan respond? That will be the true test of Carr and his Senior Leaders.............lets quit rubbing it in, and see what the rest of the season holds. My guess is this Appy team would beat a hell of a lot of Div 1 schools this year, and should they win the National Championship again, it could take some heat off Wolverines, provided they can respond to this adversity.............a win against Oregon could start the healing.
Upset of the Millenium? I doubt it.........I have seen some other "close calls" over the years...the difference in this one was a Blocked Field Goal. Our hats should be off to a extremely talented Appy St program.
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USC Concerns: I watched last nights game with Idaho, and have to wonder if this team will be playing for a National Championship. I have a lot of respect for Carrol, but his inability to get his team up for Vandals last night was cause for concern. Talent? No doubt, but I saw too much showboating and swagger from a team that hasn't proven anything yet. I realize Carrol was playing very vanila and he didn't want to show too much for future opponents, but the #1 Ranked Team didn't make the statement I expected........and frankly, I would take Edwards from Appy St. over Booty, who showed me little. This team may have too much talent! Will they be willing to share the spotlight with each other? At times I thought Keo from Idaho was the best player on the field last night. Obviously, it is hard to get up for team of the calibre of Idaho (just ask Michigan).....but the Number 1 ranking, playing in the spotlight, opening night???? I expected a lot more.
Cal/Tenn game lived up to its billing. I would be nervous if I was any team in PAC 10 after watching Bears that looked awfully good!
These are just my opinions, and yes, I'm bored........not much going on today, and needed a break while breaking down next weeks matchups. BTW: I'm not a Michigan fan, nor a Big 10 Fan per say, although i have always been a Penn State guy. I'm just sick of the Commentators making such "rude" statements and taking away from Appy St. limelight. Every fan knows that if you let a "lesser" team hang around, anything can happen; although I don't know if Appy St. is a "Lesser" team..............
Have a Good One Guys!
