Saturday, August 30, 2014

Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI

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Appalachian State will be looking to impress in their first game as an official FBS team, but they will have a tough test as they have to go to Michigan to take on the Wolverines.

In coach Scott Satterfield's first year in charge at Appalachian State last season, he had a tough time beating teams that the Mountaineers used to have an easy time defeating. They finished the year with a 4-4 record in the Southern Conference and a 4-8 record overall.

Appalachian State, who will be playing in the Sun Belt for the first time this year, will be hoping that having 17 of their starters return this season will help to ease the transition. Mountaineers running backs had 21 touchdowns in 2013 and will be looking to carry the offense once again this year.

Michigan started the 2013 season as most people expected by winning their first five games and looked like a potential contender. However, they lost six of their final eight games and were dominated in their bowl game by Kansas State. They finished with just a 3-5 record in the Big Ten.

Senior quarterback Devin Gardner, who passed for 21 touchdowns and ran for 11 others in 2013, will attempt to help Michigan bounce back this year. Michigan was known for giving up a lot of big plays last year, but blue chip freshman cornerback Jabrill Peppers should help the Wolverines in that area.

Guy's Pick: Take Michigan

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