Preview: Creighton
The Essentials
| WHAT | #15 Michigan v. Creighton |
|---|---|
| WHERE | Orlando, FL |
| WHEN | 12:00PM EST November 26th, 2009 |
| THE LINE | Michigan –5* |
| TELEVISION | ESPN2 |
*Line provided by online sports betting site Sportsbetting.com.
Michigan
The Wolverines venture outside the friendly confines of Crisler Arena for the first time this year, as they take on the Creighton Blue Jays in the opening round of the Old Spice Classic in Orlando.
The Wolverines have been tested far less than their opponents (and most teams in Division 1 ball), playing only two games on the year so far, and one of those coming against Division II Northern Michigan. Neither team came within 20 points of Michigan.
Manny Harris is still fighting his hamstring issue. He will play against Creighton, but is not 100%. Since playing is a good way to prevent that hamstring from becoming stiff, I would expect him to play extensively unless the game reaches a garbage-time situation. Morris-LLP-Harris-Novak-Sims will likely be your starters until further notice.
Creighton
Creighton will be the first big challenge that Michigan has faced this season, according to John Beilein. Coach Beilein is good friends with Creighton coach Dana Altman, so he's familiar with the Bluejays, and what they try to do on both ends of the floor. As the head coach at West Virginia, Beilein faced Altman and Creighton in the 2005 NCAA tournament, emerging with a 63-61 victory.
Creighton has a deep roster, with 10 guys getting extensive playing time so far this season. Four players have started every game for Creighton: wing Darryl Ashford, center Kenny Lawson Jr., and guards P'Allen Stinnett and Kaleb Korver. Korver (the younger brother of Creighton alum Kyle, currently with the Utah Jazz) is a sharpshooter, and Beilein noted that he has an excellent presence on the court.
They have two offensive styles that they can playing, with a passing-oriented offensive set, as well as a Memphis-style dribble-drive offense. The diversity in Creighton's playbook makes them a difficult team to prepare for. Through 3 games, they have been good at shooting the ball and not having it taken away by the opposition, and have been bad at getting to the line and rebounding on defense. They shoot a bunch of threes, and are a similar team to Michigan, perhaps with a little less size in the reserves.
Elsewhere
UMHoops talks to Creighton blog The White and Blue Review. Sounds like the Bluejays are pretty banged up already this year. While you're at it, check out WaBR for the latest on Creighton. Check out my Old Spice Classic overview. Special thanks goes to PaulVB, who was the MGoPresence at Beilein's press conference yesterday.
Also
I'm going back-and-forth on whether I'm willing to have a CiL chat during the game tomorrow. Cast your votes in the comments, I guess.
Bullet here ---> O
Michigan here ---> M
I think their going to be a tough team but I think we pull it out.
I'll be watching the game but I agree cover it live should take a day off. It's a family holiday and it is extremely unlucky the last couple years. Just be rid of it for now
I've been waiting for the return of Michigan basketball for years. I wallowed through the Ellerbe/Amaker era, and love the new direction. Beilein is a great coach who has brought respect back to A2 bball. The players improve each year and the future is bright. This will indeed be a test for the squad who can no longer sneak up on teams, but I'm still expecting a W.
The Jays will be a tough out. Anybody who thinks this will be an easy win is fooling themselves. Creighton has been the better hoops program than Michigan for the last decade or so.
This team expects to win and feels that a win over MIIICH and doing well in this tourney is the difference an at large bid or not.
Dont expect this game to be settled until late.
I have a ton of respect not only for Creighton but the whole MVC. Cant wait to see how Michigan comes out against legit competition. Should be a fun day of hoops.
As for the CIL, i'll drop in if you do it......but I dont think its necessary.....it seems to bring out the crazies anyway.
College Basketball Commentary at www.justcoverblog.com
God Bless Your Cotton Pickin' Maize & Blue Hearts
CiL should take the day off.
Having worked multiple Thanksgivings in the past, any distraction would be a sweet mercy for unfortunate folks stuck at a (always slow) job. Though I won't participate, do it for them, and get over the CIL bad luck thing.
The most important thing Rich Rodriguez can do in the offseason is persuade Brian to ditch it for next season's games. It's the only thing standing between RR and competent linebackers and numerous wins.
Take a day off so nay
Happy Thanksgiving Blue
forever... go blue
I lost the bet. Something (Adrian) witty will end up here as soon as I think of it.
It's Thanksgiving...take the day off. Just watch and enjoy.
I have a Fandom Endurance III merit badge
I'm not going to vote against it, but I won't be there. Thanksgiving and such. I'll let those that are willing to participate vote yea or nay.
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for the sake of people's marriages and relationships with their families, i vote for no CiL on Thanksgiving. Not to mention half the people on this board think it's bad luck.
I hope my mom knows that I am not going to be helping her at all* in preparing for dinner between the hours of noon and 2pm. Go Blue!
*just kidding, I am not a terrible son, that is what commercial breaks are for.
"I hope if dogs ever take over the world, and they choose a king, they don't just go by size, because I bet there are some Chihuahuas with some good ideas."
- Jack Handey