Michigan Preview

So, this uncertain season opens with a very interesting game.

Simply put, BG is playing on the road on a Big Ten floor and this is one you'd think you'd have a shot at winning.

The Michigan program seems to be on the way back.  Juwan Howard is reported to have the country's top recruiting class in the fold for next season.  For this year, however, this does not appear to be a great Wolverine team.  They are picked 6-8th by ESPN's basketball experts and 9th by CBS Sports.

Also, while this is a road game, there won't be a building full of fans exacerbating the home-court advantage.

In short, this is a game where the team picked to win the MAC could be dangerous.  Michigan is ranked #25--all the better if BG pulls the upset.

If you want a fuller preview of the Wolverines, you can check here.

The basic idea is this.

• Last year they were 19-12 but finished with a kenpom of 16.
• Their biggest loss was Zavier Simpson, who was 2nd-team All-Big Ten last year.  He will be a hard person to replace.
• They have Isaiah Livers and Franz Wagner.  These are both good players but they did not make the All-Big Ten team.
• Beyond these two guys, they are counting on a couple of transfers.
• One is Mike Smith, who transferred from Columbia, and the other is Chaundee Brown Jr, who is a transfer from Wake Forest.
• A UM observer noted the story of Jaaron Simmons, who transferred from OU to UM with great numbers and never contributed. One thing did not translate to the other.  (Simmons remains the UM staff).

One trivia note.  Michigan has a freshman from Toledo whose name is Zeb Jackson, Jr.  Falcon fans will remember that name, as his Dad was a RB for the Falcon football team back in the day.  In fact, The Blade reported that Coach Huger and Zeb Jackson were roommates in their days at BG.

So off we go.  Under normal circumstances, we would have been anticipating this game for months.  It came about quick this time, but it appears it will be played and BG has a shot to pull the upset.