A big time Big Ten matchup is going down in Seattle, as the Washington Huskies host No. 4 Michigan. Both teams are coming off completely different outcomes in their previous games. The Wolverines were handed their first loss of the season, while the Huskies secured their biggest win of the year. Will Michigan be able to turn it around on the road, or will Washington keep the momentum rolling? Let us dig in.
We should be looking at the bounce back of the century here, as the No. 4 Michigan Wolverines look to get back in the win column after suffering their first loss of the season this past weekend against Wisconsin. They fell 91 to 88 as an 18.5-point home favorite. Absolute Super Bowl type victory for the Badgers. Now Michigan finds itself laying 12.5-points on the road in Seattle against a Washington team coming off an 81 to 74 win over Ohio State. This spot has me pinned against the wall. I have to lay the 12.5 with Michigan.
Bounce Back City, USA
The Wolverines have been nearly perfect to start the season, completely dominating their competition. Prior to the loss against Wisconsin, Michigan had been beating top 100 teams by an average of 24 points per game. They have steamrolled just about everyone in their path. Zoom in a bit further and it gets even more impressive. Against top 50 teams, Michigan is winning by an average of 28.1 points. Insane. Statistically, they have been better against top 50 competition than against top 100. They rank inside the top eight nationally in both offensive and defensive efficiency, excelling at attacking the glass and controlling the interior.
I do not love that this is Michigan's fourth true road game and easily their toughest road test to date. That said, Washington is just 1-3 against top 50 teams this season, with losses to Baylor, Indiana, and Purdue. The Huskies are also 3-6 against top 100 teams, and those wins are nothing to write home about. They beat Nevada, USC, and Ohio State, none of which I hold in high regard. This will be the toughest opponent Washington has hosted since Ohio State, who they just beat. Asking them to repeat that performance feels like a stretch.
Michigan is going to push the tempo and turn this game into a track meet, as they rank as the eighth fastest team in the country. Washington sits much closer to the middle of the pack in pace, which could pull them well outside their comfort zone. I do not see the Huskies offense being able to keep up. Against top 100 teams this season, Washington ranks 205th in three point percentage and 310th in three point rate. If they are forced to rely on perimeter shooting, efficiency will be a major issue. They also struggle to force turnovers and send opponents to the free throw line at a high rate.
It is very hard for me to see a scenario where Michigan does not return to its dominant ways. I do not believe anyone stands in the path of this Wolverines team as they continue their march toward the tournament. Michigan should take control and win this game by close to 20 points on the road tonight.
