Kansas or UNC
Michigan will face the winner of Kansas/UNC this afternoon, as we all know. In March, its not all about the better seed being a harder game, its about the matchups. We all saw that against VCU, a matchup that weighed in our favor.
So who do we want to face: Kansas or UNC?
I think UNC. They play a 4 guard lineup that would help us not get crushed in the rebounding battle. Kansas would be a much tougher matchup in that regard.
...I think James Michael McAdoo is a good talent, but I think he's incredibly soft. If that's your best player, then I like GRIII's matchup with him.
...But I'd much rather play UNC.
Size, location and experience are all reasons why I'd rather play UNC over Kansas.
I would say we would obviously have a better chance of beating NC. Either team will provide a interesting challenge.
I think Kansas will win by 10. I want UNC because I think they are an easier matchup for UM. Kansas' size worries me, although I think we definitely could beat them. UNC, I worry about less.
Unlike UNC which as looked amaz... oh wait, they haven't looked very good either. Either way, it'll be fun to play a Sweet 16 game against a true power house team. Good opportunity for our team.
I think we'll have 5 Big Ten teams in the Sweet 16. Might have multiple teams in the Final Four. That would be great. Thought I'd take only one team as long as its Michigan.
Go Blue.
Illinois or Minnesota?
GRIII and Mitch could both guard him. Mcadoo (spelling) is a puss.
Both. At the same time. Bring em on.
pick your poison to me, but would rather play UNC based on the size issue. Both teams are very well coached and stocked with talent. Either game will be a significant challenge, and I like the way UM is playing right now. Should be very interesting. Go Blue!
Does anyone know what day the Michigan game will be? I looked at cbssports.com but they only have one sweet 16 game listed for Friday (Oregon/Louisville)
Thanks, I hope it is late in the day!
I think the sweet 16 games were around 7 and 10 last year.
That's right, they start the first two like 30 minutes apart so there are two games going during that time.
UNC
I've had to watch Kansas all year. Withey has a 1 foot halo around him. You can't breath on him without getting called and he hacks all day. It reminds me of Zeller this year or Griffin a few years ago when we played Oklahoma.
I want Kansas to exit early every year. I like our matchups with UNC.
GO BLUE!
It REALLY pisses me off the way the Big Ten refs anoint star players with "the 1 foot halo". Zeller is the perfect example of it. And when you add the flopping, it makes it even worse.
UNC has been playing a lot better as of late and Kansas hasn't really impressed me all that much this year. I picked UNC to beat Kansas and I think that's how the game will end up.
Three-way comparision, courtesy of TeamRankings:
STAT | MICHIGAN | UNC | KANSAS |
Points/Game
|
74.4 | 76.2 | 75.1 |
Avg Score Margin | 11.9 | 7.1 | 13.7 |
Assists/Game | 14.1 | 17.1 | 15.5 |
Total Rebounds/Gm | 35.2 | 38.9 | 39 |
Effective FG % | 54.60% | 49.80% | 53.30% |
Off Rebound % | 30.20% | 32.80% | 32.70% |
FTA/FGA | 0.28 | 0.286 | 0.403 |
Turnover % | 12.50% | 14.60% | 17.30% |
Opp Points/Game
|
62.4 | 69.2 | 61.3 |
Opp Effective FG % | 47.70% | 48.00% | 41.30% |
Off Rebounds/Gm | 9 | 11.8 | 9.7 |
Def Rebounds/Gm | 23 | 23.4 | 26.7 |
Blocks/Game | 2.8 | 3.3 | 6.7 |
Steals/Game | 6.1 | 8 | 7.1 |
Personal Fouls/Gm | 12.7 | 14.9 | 16.9 |
If those are the numbers, then I would feel somewhat more at ease against North Carolina only because they seem to be a slightly more comparable team statistically and potentially a little more vulnerable to the strengths of Michigan. I also like the notion of playing a team that is actually less efficient offensively, or rather, less efficient than Kansas anyway. That being said, looking at the same numbers, I would like our chances against Kansas too.
After seeing this, I think I'd rather have UNC.
Either way...bring all comers.
Defensive numbers of UNC, I'd prefer them. Kansas seems to outsize and/or outmuscle their opponents, and we just don't have the players to match theminch for inch.
I want the Heels to win so that I can celebrate with the rest of Chapel Hill tonight.
I also want the Heels to win so that Michigan can finally get sweet, sweet revenge and I won't have to keep hearing about that damned timeout that wasn't.
Given the choice between being the one miserable person in town or the one elated person in town, I think I'll take my schadenfreude, thanks!
A hypothetical of Michigan facing North Carolina, then a Steve Fisher-led San Diego State, then Indiana, then a Duke final.
Talk about exorcising some demons!
At Steve Fisher bro?
The best possible scenario would be for UNC to gain an emotional, hard-fought win against KU, and for them to have nothing left in the tank for Michigan. I know it's next week, but the "Williams against his old team" storyline could make a big difference.
Besides, it's not about ego; it's about winning the games. Michigan will have plenty of chances to beat a #1 seed in the Final Four if they get there. I would rather see them play the opponent they have the greatest chance of beating.
If Michigan played UNC in the round of 16, they would have the "intangible" motivational advantage that most teams have when they play Michigan; they would be playing against an iconic franchise wearing an iconic uniform. There is never any guarantee of anything, but this bracket could set up really nicely for getting Michgian to the Final Four, where anything can happen.
My bracket says UNC.
Don't know who's watched the Indiana/Temple game just now, but if I were a Temple fan I'd be seriously RAGE pissed off you guys. The refs stole that one for Indiana, straight up.
trying my best to remain objective, but the charge against iowa st and now this...
All I know or care about is the fact I am rooting for Michigan. All I can control.