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thewolverines24
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Michigan heads to Eugene for the return leg of its home-and-home series, 4 years later, with Oregon (Saturday, 3:30 p.m., FS1). Let's get a quality win on the road as a primer to the kickoff for football's championship night!
KEYS
Exploit size advantage: Michigan will have a bigger lineup than almost every team it plays this season. That means that most games will come down to whether the Wolverines can impose that size and physicality advantage while minimizing the speed and quickness advantage that their opponents have. Oregon doesn?t really have a body to throw at Olivier Nkamhoua, but it can force him to guard the perimeter all night. Whichever way that matchup tilts should shape the outcome.
Dominate the glass: Oregon is ranked 21st in defensive rebounding rate but showed vulnerability on the glass of late. Santa Clara rebounded 31% of its misses, and Alabama grabbed 49% (!) of its misses against the Ducks. Michigan should have the size advantage to create opportunities on the offensive glass.
Contain the dribble: Michigan?s defense has struggled to contain the dribble, and Oregon has no shortage of players who can make something happen with the ball in their hands. It?s tough to know who it?ll be on any given night, but there?s enough shot creation and playmaking to give Michigan problems at some spot on the floor. This will be a big test for a Michigan defense that hasn?t looked up to the task at this point this season.
K-Y-P: Despite the depth and interchangeability in Oregon?s perimeter options, there are some important know-your-personnel patterns to scout. For example, Cousinard is getting to the rim, Barthelemy is catch or drive, Zarzuela is pulling up, Rigsby is a knockdown shooter, and Oquendo is a driver. It will be interesting to track how well Michigan can play those scouting reports, knowing that matchups will change frequently.
BOTTOM LINE
This is one that could wipe away a lot of the sour feelings from the last 10 days. Winning on the road is tough, but Oregon is facing more than its fair share of issues right now. This game should age well from the strength of schedule perspective, assuming Oregon gets healthier in Pac-12 play, and would right the ship ahead of two pivotal early Big Ten games for the Wolverines.
With the two teams ranked a couple of spots apart in KenPom, Oregon is the 79-76 favorite, giving the Wolverines a 37% chance at the road upset.
GO BLUE!
KEYS
Exploit size advantage: Michigan will have a bigger lineup than almost every team it plays this season. That means that most games will come down to whether the Wolverines can impose that size and physicality advantage while minimizing the speed and quickness advantage that their opponents have. Oregon doesn?t really have a body to throw at Olivier Nkamhoua, but it can force him to guard the perimeter all night. Whichever way that matchup tilts should shape the outcome.
Dominate the glass: Oregon is ranked 21st in defensive rebounding rate but showed vulnerability on the glass of late. Santa Clara rebounded 31% of its misses, and Alabama grabbed 49% (!) of its misses against the Ducks. Michigan should have the size advantage to create opportunities on the offensive glass.
Contain the dribble: Michigan?s defense has struggled to contain the dribble, and Oregon has no shortage of players who can make something happen with the ball in their hands. It?s tough to know who it?ll be on any given night, but there?s enough shot creation and playmaking to give Michigan problems at some spot on the floor. This will be a big test for a Michigan defense that hasn?t looked up to the task at this point this season.
K-Y-P: Despite the depth and interchangeability in Oregon?s perimeter options, there are some important know-your-personnel patterns to scout. For example, Cousinard is getting to the rim, Barthelemy is catch or drive, Zarzuela is pulling up, Rigsby is a knockdown shooter, and Oquendo is a driver. It will be interesting to track how well Michigan can play those scouting reports, knowing that matchups will change frequently.
BOTTOM LINE
This is one that could wipe away a lot of the sour feelings from the last 10 days. Winning on the road is tough, but Oregon is facing more than its fair share of issues right now. This game should age well from the strength of schedule perspective, assuming Oregon gets healthier in Pac-12 play, and would right the ship ahead of two pivotal early Big Ten games for the Wolverines.
With the two teams ranked a couple of spots apart in KenPom, Oregon is the 79-76 favorite, giving the Wolverines a 37% chance at the road upset.
GO BLUE!
