The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/130469
Adreian Payne puts the Spartans in a strong position. They did lose 6-9, 270-pound Derrick Nix, but with a core of Payne, senior point guard Keith Appling and sophomore guard Gary Harris, Tom Izzo's team will make a strong run at the Big Ten title. 2. Michigan — The Wolverines certainly feature enough talent to overcome the Spartans, but suffered more personnel losses. U-M coaches have some shuffling to do in readying for a run at the top of the conference. 3. Ohio State — The Buckeyes always seem to reload, but replacing forward Deshaun Thomas after his early exit to the NBA Draft won't be easy. Still, with senior Aaron Craft leading the way at the point guard and significant incoming talent, Ohio State will be a factor. 4. Indiana — Tom Crean's crew got hit hard after an outright Big Ten title (secured via an ill-fated roll of the ball off the rim). Not only did the Hoosiers lose seniors in Jordan Hulls and Christian Watford, they saw 7-0 Cody Zeller and super guard Victor Oladipo declare for the draft. They'll be hard pressed to avoid a drop-off. 5. Wisconsin — The Badgers lose the heart and soul of their near-Big Ten title team in 6-10 Jared Berggren and 6-6 Mike Bruesewitz. But somehow, some way, Bo Ryan always plugs in some cheese-fed molar rattlers and keeps on rolling. — John Borton