North Carolina vs. Michigan: College basketball game preview, TV schedule

Another fantastic showdown in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge features the North Carolina Tar Heels against the Michigan Wolverines. Who comes out on top in this one?

TV Schedule: Wednesday, Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Arena: Dean E. Smith Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

After being blown out by the Michigan State Spartans in the final of their PK80 bracket, the North Carolina Tar Heels look a bit shaky, to say the least. Scoring just 45 points, even against a team as talented as the Spartans, is nothing short of terrible, and we can expect more losses down the road judging from that game.

The good news for North Carolina, however, is that I honestly believe that that game was just a fluke. Michigan State is one of the best teams in college basketball, and North Carolina are clearly a step behind the team from last year – even the most die-hard Tar Heels fan understands that.

With that in mind, it is important to note that North Carolina has won every other game this season by double digits. Several of these wins were against potential NCAA Tournament opponents, and this team is going to bounce back in a big way.

They have an opportunity to do just that, as the Michigan Wolverines come to Chapel Hill as a part of the Big Ten/ACC Challenge.

Michigan has played pretty well to start the season with their lone loss coming to a rebuilding LSU squad with a fantastic coach and a lot of young talent. Behind Michigan State, the Big Ten is wide open and, quite frankly, not great. Michigan has a legitimate opportunity to finish close to the top and would love to get a season-defining road win over UNC.

Unfortunately, that will not happen. Roy Williams’ squad is going to come into this game angry and motivated, dominating the Wolverines on almost every area of the court. After a dismal showing against the Spartans, I think Luke Maye explodes to prove his naysayers wrong yet again.

Things are looking up for Michigan, but a game against the wounded Tar Heels is not one that many teams in the country would ever envy.

Prediction: North Carolina 79, Michigan 68