CHAMPAIGN - Of all the phone calls, e-mails and pats on the back that will be coming the direction of Appalachian State head coach Jerry Moore this week, Ron Zook might want to add his thanks.

Illinois' head coach is grateful not because Appalachian State pulled off one of the mind-boggling upsets in college football history Saturday by jolting fifth-ranked Michigan 34-32 on the Wolverines' home field.

Zook would never publicly rejoice at a conference brother's misfortune, even if privately he felt doing hand springs. Former Illini coach Ron Turner's distaste for Michigan might have prompted a public fist pumping, but Zook hasn't been around long enough for that.

No, Zook's gratitude lies in realizing Appalachian State sounded an alarm louder and more clearly than any speech he could have made this week as Illinois slides into the role of favorite while preparing to host Western Illinois Saturday evening.

Even before Zook has a chance to warn what can happen when favorites become too casual, the Illini players said Monday they've been contemplating the message sent by Mountaineers.

"That just shows that anything can happen on any give day," Mattoon's Kyle Hudson said of the startling upset. "That's why you play the game. We're going out and practicing this week to get better. We're not taking this game lightly at all."

Offensive lineman Martin O'Donnell said an upset of that magnitude is an alarm clock that sounds at the perfect time. And it's one that resonates throughout college football.

"I think it's a lesson for everyone," he said. "You can't take any team lightly. Every team has a lot of talent, and that was really apparent in that game."

Linebacker Brit Miller of Decatur didn't know what to think when he first heard the Appalachian State score.

"You know, it was definitely a shocker," Miller said Monday. "You think Michigan will go out and handle their business against anybody in the nation. I wasn't sure what to think about it, and then I saw the highlights on TV.

"Those guys on Appalachian State, they were playing hard and they had some good athletes. They were well matched. Michigan maybe took them a little too lightly ? I'm not sure. But it goes to show that anyone can win.

"You have to go out every week and play like you're playing Ohio State."

For the past few seasons, Illinois has been in the role of underdog far more often than it has been in the role of favorite. When you've won just four times in more than two years, it's hard to imagine a team could find itself overconfident.

I'm not suggesting that will happen. But Illinois will have to deal with some distractions this week in order to maintain the kind of focus that Zook wants for Western, a team that survived an overtime battle against South Dakota State.

One distraction is playing the home opener in a Memorial Stadium setting that includes a renovated north end zone seating structure that brings 5,000 student fans to the edge of the action.

Another is the anticipation of bouncing back from a close call against Missouri, getting this season on track with the return of quarterback Juice Williams, who played less than two quarters against the Tigers after suffering an eye injury.

The main point to be learned from Appalachian State's victory at Michigan is to take nothing for granted. All college football teams, regardless of their pedigree, have talented athletes with big dreams.

Appalachian State's victory over Michigan rocked the world of college football. But the truth is, Western Illinois over Illinois might not even raise an eyebrow. Understanding that should keep Illinois grounded in a proper dose of humility.

Mark Tupper can be reached at mtupper@herald-review.com or 421-7983.