The Wolverine

December 2020

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

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40 THE WOLVERINE DECEMBER 2020 2020-2021 MEN'S BASKETBALL QUICK GUIDE 1. Michigan State This game will be cru- cial for Michigan to win, not only from a rivalry standpoint, but also be- cause the Spartans are expected to be one of the primary contenders for the Big Ten title. What U-M does in this game helps make or break the season on an annual basis, with 2011 and 2018, for example, remembered fondly thanks to a com- bined 4-0 record against MSU in those two seasons. Head coach Juwan Howard went 1-1 versus Michigan State last year, and will be expected to take down the Spartans at least once again in 2020-21. 2. Ohio State The rivalry aspect is what places this game No. 2 on the list. U-M went 0-2 against Ohio State last year, with a controversial flagrant foul call on guard Za- vier Simpson helping OSU pick up a three-point win at Crisler Center Feb. 4. Michigan and Ohio State are each pro- jected to be either middle of the pack in the Big Ten or just slightly above it by most prognosticators, so the two clubs' meetings could have significant impli- cations on conference standings when they square off. 3. Iowa Expected Big Ten h e a v y w e i g h t s I l - linois and Wiscon- sin could have also been inserted into this slot, but we w e n t w i t h I o w a since it is the most popular preseason pick to win the league. How the Maize and Blue fare against the Hawkeyes will serve as an excellent measuring stick, and will be a good indicator of whether or not they're legitimate Big Ten contenders. Michigan and Iowa split their two meetings last year, with the home team winning each time. BY AUSTIN FOX THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT GAMES ON MICHIGAN'S SCHEDULE 2020-21 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

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