Michigan Gets Signature Win Over Rival OSU

Photo Credit: NBCsports.com

Michigan and that school from Ohio squared off Saturday in a huge game with Big Ten Title hopes on the line. Entering the game OSU was tied with MSU a top the standings and Michigan was third.

It was a big game for both teams, and adding to it College Gameday was in Ann Arbor for the clash between two rivals, both ranked in the top 20.

Michigan needed a win to stay in the hunt for a Big Ten title, and this win would go a long way in proving that they are a team to be taken seriously.

And right from the opening tip, you could tell that Michigan was determined to win this game, and that's exactly what they did. Michigan beats OSU 56-51 (or 53 I've seen both, not quite sure which it is...)

It was easily Michigan's best defensive performance all season. They limited OSU's second chance opportunities and rebounded very well (which was what killed them in Columbus,) they shut down Sullinger for most of the game, Bufford was a non factor, and they forced turnovers and converted them into points. (Five of those turnovers were Wolverines taking a charge.)

Michigan led the entire game. Built the lead up to 10, but didn't get discouraged when it was cut down to one. They made the plays when they had to. Jordan Morgan recorded his first double double, Stu Douglas shut down Bufford, Hardaway's jump shot was money, and Trey Burke had the poise to make two tough buckets at the rim late in the game to seal Michigan's win.

Yes, players had good individual performances, but they played even better as a team. It was the best display of team defense I've seen from the Wolverines all season. They are a dangerous team when they play like this.

It feels great beating that team... Savor the flavor...