If you want proof that Penn State fans dislike the Michigan Wolverines more than any other conference foe, all you had to do was listen to how loud and enthusiastic they were last Saturday as they watched Appalachian State’s big upset on televisions scattered around the concourse at Beaver Stadium following the win over Florida International.

With the possible exception of Spartan Stadium and Ohio Stadium, it’s hard to imagine any other place getting so excited to see the Wolvies being embarrassed. Although if the truth is told, lots of college towns got a chuckle at U-M’s expense last weekend because it is the team everybody loves to hate. There probably isn’t a more arrogant program or fan base in the country.

I believe the loss will have an impact on the Big Ten race. If a Div. I-AA team can get a win at Michigan Stadium, it has to provide hope for everybody else. The feeling here is that the Wolverine’s will bounce back and contend for the crown, but their cloak of invincibility at home has been shattered.

The Nittany Lions will be there in two weeks for one of the program’s biggest conference openers ever. And even though they haven’t left Ann Arbor with a victory in nearly 11 years, they won’t be as intimidated as in past years.

Appalachian State also provided a blue print for how to beat Michigan. Exploiting U-M’s archaic pass defense with three and four wideout sets is a good place to start. But more than anything, App State showed what can happen if a team goes into the Big House expecting to have success. – NEIL GEOGHEGAN.