Appalachian State already has one huge upset in program history, and they are trying to add another on Thursday in Tennessee.
Way back in 2007, Appalachian State headed to Michigan to play against the Wolverines at the Big House. Heading into the contest, the Wolverines were ranked fifth in the nation, and were supposed to blow out the Mountaineers. Despite Appalachian State being the favorite to win the FCS Championship, Michigan was still expected to roll.
What happened was one of the biggest upsets in college football history, as the Mountaineers defeated Michigan 34-32. The Mountaineers held a 28-17 halftime lead, and were clinging to a two-point lead in the closing seconds. As Michigan attempted a game-winning field goal, the Mountaineers Corey Lynch blocked the kick, sending Appalachian State to the improbably victory.
On Thursday, the Mountaineers football program again headed into hostile territory. This time, they would be facing the Tennessee Volunteers, who are the ninth-ranked team in the nation. The Volunteers have one of the best running backs in the country in Jalen Hurd, but it was Appalachian State’s running back who stole the show in the second quarter.
With his team already leading 7-3, Marcus Cox made a ridiculous catch near the left sideline before racing down for the end zone. With a defender in his way, Cox put his shoulder down and barreled in for the touchdown, putting the Mountaineers up 13-3.
The difference between 2007 and today is that the Mountaineers are now an FBS school. Cox is regarded as one of the best running backs in the country, and on Thursday, he showed why. He is an incredible playmaker, and will once again be a difference making in the Sun Belt Conference in 2016.
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The Volunteers are expected to be a challenger in the SEC East Division in 2016, but they will need to get it together if they hope to escape the upset in their opener.