Enemy Coming in Peace to talk Michigan and Mountaineer Game

[JTApps1]

On defense we are in pretty good shape minus some experience with our backups at LB and DB. Last year we made the switch to the 3-4, and there were a lot of growing pains with that transition. At one point we had as many as 6 freshmen starting, and we shuffled guys around quite a bit trying to find the best fit for them.

JT,

The trenches is where I wonder if App State will capable of sustaining, it seems like you guys have gotten bigger from last year weight wise, and I know the NT is a monster. But was looking at the weights of your front seven on the D and on average they are giving up 50 pounds on average, and I can only imagine subs would be of same girth or smaller - Your O-line seems pretty well on size most bing in the 300 range and decent for subs - but heck most of our DEs are weight equivalent of App's DL - as I don't know are your guys super fast quick twitch players? I just am not sure App can win the war of weardown attrition.

I believe our starters at DE have legit size with 275 and 260, but their top backups are noticeably smaller. One of them (Dada) is very small for a DE at 235, but he is as quick as any DE that I have ever seen. At NT our 3 deep is 330, 325, 260 so as long as we can rotate the top 2 we will be fine. The OL is a similar story as we should start (based off what I'm hearing) 310, 290, 285, 295, 305. Our 2nd string will have one at 315 and the rest around 275 as most are young. We are still building FBS depth on the lines, and are likely a year or two away from being where we want to be.

[MAD Doctor]

Of course, there is the risk of us overlooking Michigan, with Campbell coming to our place the next week

Seriously, we are young and in transition, and have a 0% chance of sneaking up on our opponents, who would love to beat us by triple digits. However, we are Mountaineers, and we will show up and play to the last whistle. Just like in '07, I won't be betting the house and trailer on the game, but just like then, I'll be rooting and believing that we belong on the same field.

[moehler]

SKWDCOP, you keep mentioning our starting NT, Fernandez, interesting story, last year he was an offensive line man, but because of injuries, they moved him to the NT, and next thing you know, he was starting, its was a crazy situation, he had never played the position, they just threw him out there with no training and told him to go find the ball. Amazingly, he picked the position quickly, and play as well as could be expected considering the circumstances. Now, he understands the position, and by all accounts he has been one of the stars of the camp, very strong, very quick. I cant imagine Michigan will be able to single block him, your never move him off the line with one guy, if your forced to double team him, that should give our linebackers a chance to fill the gaps and make some plays behind the line. What worries me is because of his size, he is not going to be able to play every down, he is going to need rest, this means our subs, which considerably smaller, are going to have to somehow, hold the line until we can get Fernandez back in the game, if they can hold up for a series or two, I like our chances on our line holding up against your OL.

[moonshine]

Speaking of your staff interested to see how you all feel or felt about the hire/promotion - as I wrote in my article the release of Moore was a headscratcher to me - proven repeat national champion, winning still and letgo - then replaced from within - if there was a problem (which you all were still winning) why keep part of the supposed problem - or was it simply age driven - once again I do not no the inner workings of the hire departure and program, just seems bizzarre as an outsider.

I don't speak for all App fans but the way that Moore was let go personally left a sour taste in my mouth. I thought it could have been handled better especially considering all his accomplishments within our program. By all accounts, Moore had no interest in coaching at the FBS level. IIRC, he had a one year extension to finish off the 2012 season and I imagine he felt he deserved another extension after having another good year, which he did if you just looked at the record. Many of our fans felt (we have really high expectations after winning 3 straight titles and shocking the college football world) the program had slid over the past few years prior to Moore being let go even though he was winning the conference and recording double digit wins. This was mainly due to our poor performance in the playoffs at home.

However, Satterfield was brought back more or less as the head coach in waiting. While I don't agree with how Cobb handled the coaching transition, I don't disagree with the move. I'd much rather Satt get his feet wet in a lame duck transition year going against FCS competition than to throw him into the fire of a full FBS slate in his first year as head coach. It also allowed him to start getting his own players into the program so the program could hit the ground running once we entered the Sun Belt. I believe Satt will stick around and not jump at the first opportunity if he's successful. I think he'll follow in Moore's footsteps in that sense which could give App long term stability at the HC position.

Hopefully most App fans will keep a level head about this year. I'm not expecting a great W/L record but I want to see improvement in all facets, including the coaching! 2015 and 2016 is when I'll personally start placing expectations on a Satt led team.

[Saint3333]

2012 was not a one year extension, it was the last year on his contract. Moore didn't want to it to be known it was his last year, the admin granted his wish. I do agree the communication of it in December 2012 could have been handled better by both parties.

[DaphneUrquhart]

App returns the most experienced O-line in the nation. Will that experience translate into serious offensive production? Will those with experience be beaten out by redshirt freshmen or true freshmen? We'll find out on the 30th.

Daphne,

That experience of O is what scares me the most about App State, well that and the Behemoth NT you have. Do you think your QB has the same skill as 2007, it was last year and the limited video I saw he seemed tenative running the option and better passing. I also fear that RB sneaking out on wheel routes he's a terror in the open.

It would be nearly impossible to have another QB like Armanti Edwards. His sense of the game and everything going on around him were beyond compare.

Bryant is a solid QB who has been working on his arm strength. His leadership is evident on and off the field. This year he won't have the issue of stepping over the returning senior starter that had to be worked through last year. He improved noticeably with each game he played last year.

[moonshine]

2012 was not a one year extension, it was the last year on his contract.

I stand corrected. I also get that Moore, being the stand up guy that he is, didn't want to make a big deal out of his last year and keep the focus on the team. Really wish we could have sent him off better as he deserved it!

[moehler]

I think we can all agree that someday, all will be forgiven on both sides, and we can honor him the way he deserves, I believe he still lives in Boone, so there is always hope.

[sixtoes9134]

SKWDCOP
The Jerry Moore departure/release is entirely too complex to get into on here at any level of detail.

In short, his departure was handled poorly by the University, but it was time for him to retire.

There were a lot of problems that were not visible to folks outside the University, yes still winning, but recruiting was on the decline and players we did have were not gelling with certain coaches who had been brought in to replace people like Shawn Elliot and Scott Satterfield who left the program.

By the time Satterfield came back as ASST HC, the program was in disarray. We also had players getting in trouble left and right and many felt they no longer had to work hard to win.

We all hope Coach Satterfield proves to be a great, he's been here as a student athlete and coach since the early 90's, except for FBS OC stints at Toledo and FIU.

[APPARJ]

SKWDCOP
The Jerry Moore departure/release is entirely too complex to get into on here at any level of detail.

In short, his departure was handled poorly by the University, but it was time for him to retire.

There were a lot of problems that were not visible to folks outside the University, yes still winning, but recruiting was on the decline and players we did have were not gelling with certain coaches who had been brought in to replace people like Shawn Elliot and Scott Satterfield who left the program.

By the time Satterfield came back as ASST HC, the program was in disarray. We also had players getting in trouble left and right and many felt they no longer had to work hard to win.

We all hope Coach Satterfield proves to be a great, he's been here as a student athlete and coach since the early 90's, except for FBS OC stints at Toledo and FIU.

For what it's worth - that is a fantastic summary.

[SKWDCOP]

Thanks for the Coaching information, did not mean to pick a scab if I did...just seemed weird to me.

Like I said the QB video saw I liked your guy throwing a heck of a lot better than running/option.

Thanks for all the DL and OL comments, I think there will be the difference in the game - I have to agree with the App poster, cannot remember who it was that said not an FBS level trench squad yet on both sides, some yes but not most. Trust me we under RR did not.

Any other question concerning Michigan's squad, there have been some good ones.

Where do you all think you will have a problem against the Michigan squad?

[Rekdiver]

simple....depth on the lines and our DB' s against UM passing. If Um grinds it out we will tire mid 3rd quarter. Our 07 team was confident and veteran with 5 or 6 of that team ending up in the NFL. This team is barely off the teet....

[SKWDCOP]

simple....depth on the lines and our DB' s against UM passing. If Um grinds it out we will tire mid 3rd quarter. Our 07 team was confident and veteran with 5 or 6 of that team ending up in the NFL. This team is barely off the teet....

You guys are running 3-4 as i understand, from video and elsewhere are your DBs more man or zone, do they press a lot? I saw a recent video were coach Satterfield said he was not happy during a practice where some deep balls went over the DBs.

[JTApps1]

SKWDCOP, you keep mentioning our starting NT, Fernandez, interesting story, last year he was an offensive line man, but because of injuries, they moved him to the NT, and next thing you know, he was starting, its was a crazy situation, he had never played the position, they just threw him out there with no training and told him to go find the ball. Amazingly, he picked the position quickly, and play as well as could be expected considering the circumstances. Now, he understands the position, and by all accounts he has been one of the stars of the camp, very strong, very quick. I cant imagine Michigan will be able to single block him, your never move him off the line with one guy, if your forced to double team him, that should give our linebackers a chance to fill the gaps and make some plays behind the line. What worries me is because of his size, he is not going to be able to play every down, he is going to need rest, this means our subs, which considerably smaller, are going to have to somehow, hold the line until we can get Fernandez back in the game, if they can hold up for a series or two, I like our chances on our line holding up against your OL.

I wouldn't call Darian Small "considerably smaller" seeing that he is 6'2 325.

[Rekdiver]

I have to give the UM guy 2 rep points . One for coming on the site with intelligent discussion and the second for his service to our country .

[Rekdiver]

Although being a squid cop should be be a -1

[SKWDCOP]

Rekdiver,

Thanks, especially for the penalty! So were you guys excited when you found out you were scheduled to play Michigan again? I can tell you the Wolverine fan base for the most part was not. Not because you do not deserve to be on the field with us, your history, championships, and your players work alone means they are deserving. But because they see it as a no-win situation. I mean as previously said that victory in 2007 cannot ever be erased or vanquished. The week leading up to the game all will hear in the news and media on a continual basis about the victory in 2007, this is football and we all know anything can and will happen (as 2007 proved - no team takes the field to lose), so fear of another loss to App State (though most are doubtful of a repeat), and even if Michigan wins (by Power 5 rules) they should and not only win but destroy the Mountaineers (So what if the wolverines won but only by a field goal or TD). So this was not a popular choice by most M fans. You all may not know but you have a kindred team University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) the same year you beat us they beat Alabama by a touchdown it does not get the airtime your guy's victory does though probably because we were ranked not sure if Bama was.

[hapapp]

Rekdiver,

Thanks, especially for the penalty! So were you guys excited when you found out you were scheduled to play Michigan again? I can tell you the Wolverine fan base for the most part was not. Not because you do not deserve to be on the field with us, your history, championships, and your players work alone means they are deserving. But because they see it as a no-win situation. I mean as previously said that victory in 2007 cannot ever be erased or vanquished. The week leading up to the game all will hear in the news and media on a continual basis about the victory in 2007, this is football and we all know anything can and will happen (as 2007 proved - no team takes the field to lose), so fear of another loss to App State (though most are doubtful of a repeat), and even if Michigan wins (by Power 5 rules) they should and not only win but destroy the Mountaineers (So what if the wolverines won but only by a field goal or TD). So this was not a popular choice by most M fans. You all may not know but you have a kindred team University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) the same year you beat us they beat Alabama by a touchdown it does not get the airtime your guy's victory does though probably because we were ranked not sure if Bama was.

I think our fans had a mixed reaction to the news. We liked it because we realized it would bring back memories of 2007 and give us a bit of a national spotlight. But, on the other hand, we don't want the 2014 game to overshadow what we did in 2007 especially if we lose by the spread.

All in all, I think it has created an interesting situation for us as we play an FBS schedule for the first time. It will give us some indication of where we are and what we can expect going forward, as well as giving us a national audience for our first game of the new era we embark upon. It does run the risk, however, of putting us behind the eight ball if we lay an egg in Ann Arbor.

[SKWDCOP]

"I think our fans had a mixed reaction to the news. We liked it because we realized it would bring back memories of 2007 and give us a bit of a national spotlight. But, on the other hand, we don't want the 2014 game to overshadow what we did in 2007 especially if we lose by the spread."

Hap,

Thanks had not thought about that perspective. Here is some more information from my Bama thoughts above. The Tide were ranked 22cnd when they played and lost to ULM (FCS also). Michigan because of its loss to App State would drop from the rankings (end of the season ended up ranked 18th).

Here is something else you all might not have been aware of – your school changed the AP voting process. As a result of Michigan's loss to Division I-FCS Appalachian State, the AP Poll changed its policy on not allowing pollsters to vote for Division I-FCS opponents. Now, if the Division I-FCS team has played an Division I-FBS team, they are eligible to be voted for in the AP Poll.

[DaphneUrquhart]

Rekdiver,

Thanks, especially for the penalty! So were you guys excited when you found out you were scheduled to play Michigan again? I can tell you the Wolverine fan base for the most part was not. Not because you do not deserve to be on the field with us, your history, championships, and your players work alone means they are deserving. But because they see it as a no-win situation. I mean as previously said that victory in 2007 cannot ever be erased or vanquished. The week leading up to the game all will hear in the news and media on a continual basis about the victory in 2007, this is football and we all know anything can and will happen (as 2007 proved - no team takes the field to lose), so fear of another loss to App State (though most are doubtful of a repeat), and even if Michigan wins (by Power 5 rules) they should and not only win but destroy the Mountaineers (So what if the wolverines won but only by a field goal or TD). So this was not a popular choice by most M fans. You all may not know but you have a kindred team University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) the same year you beat us they beat Alabama by a touchdown it does not get the airtime your guy's victory does though probably because we were ranked not sure if Bama was.

Over the years since the 2007 win I've watched videos of the game many, many times. Those videos have announcers mentioning UM's #5 pre-season ranking and its chances for both Big 10 and national championships. I believe that's what made our victory so amazing - not that we beat UM but that we beat that particular UM team.

Our son and I went to UM the first time because we weren't about to pass up what we saw as the only chance we'd ever have to watch a football game where football history lives. I can still remember joking with one of the ushers who welcomed us to the Big House and asked what I thought the score would be. I replied, "Oh, we'll be up by two touchdowns at halftime. Y'all will make a comeback in the third quarter, but we'll still win by 3." We all had a good laugh over that ... until halftime.

When I heard we were returning to Michigan, I wondered why UM would want to do that for exactly the reasons you cite. The best UM can do is come away with a 0.500 record against a team from a town that's smaller (even when school's in session) than the UM undergraduate student body. If the game is anywhere near close at any point in the game, UM fans not in the stadium will be subjected to constant replays of the end of the 2007 game. If UM wins by 35+, it will be "yeah, shouldn't have scheduled a cupcake". That all adds up to a no win situation in my mind for UM.

Personally, I would have been satisfied to live with my very pleasant memories of 2007. Of course, I will be in Ann Arbor on the 30th. I will be cheering like a true App fan for the black and gold. I will, once again, enjoy visiting where football history lives and enjoy the people of UM. Should we lose by a ton, I'll nod sagely to myself and think of the payout we get for the effort. Should the game be at all close, I'll be greatly encouraged about our move to FBS. Should we win ... Well, all I can say is that I-75 through Ohio is much nicer with an App sticker on the car and a win in the books.