Trip to Columbus More Than Tough for Wolverines

The basketball season is slowly crumbling down just as it did last year, but before all hope is lost, Michigan faces a very hard upcoming schedule. The tough match-ups begin tonight as Michigan plays Ohio State in Columbus. Michigan hasn't played good at all as of late, especially on the road, meaning that this one could get ugly quickly.

The two real things to watch in this game if Michigan wants to even have a shot is the three-point defense and Courtney Sims/Greg Oden match-up. Last year, I remember Michigan getting torched by Ohio State's three-point game, leading to the Wolverines not even having a chance to stay in it. After watching OSU play Michigan State twice recently, I've seen that the three-point shot is the Buckeye's "x-factor." Sure, the play inside is big with the true freshmen, but outside is even better. As for the inside play that I alluded to, Courtney Sims has got to man up. I can already see Greg Oden dunking over and over on Sims, and on the other side, Sims getting his limited shots blocked.

In the end, I'll be surprised if Michigan keeps this game within 15 points. I'd expect a quick start by the Buckeyes, the typical late surge by Michigan, and when the final horn sounds, another embarrassment. That may sound negative, but it's what to expect from Michigan basketball now-a-days.

Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. ET in Columbus. The game can be seen on ESPN.