Big Ten Basketball: Power ranking the conference (Nov. 26-Dec. 3)

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 26: Nike co-founder Phil Knight presents head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans and the Michigan State Spartans the trophy for the 'Victory Bracket' Championship after the game during the PK80-Phil Knight Invitational presented by State Farm at the Moda Center on November 26, 2017 in Portland, Oregon. Michigan State won the game 63-45. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

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CHAPEL HILL, NC – NOVEMBER 29: Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman /

There were many questions surrounding the Wolverines entering this season, but Michigan has been pretty solid in the early going. Look for the Wolverines to sit in the middle of the pack for much of the season in the Big Ten.

This week, the Wolverines began with a lopsided victory against UC Riverside, 87-42. On Wednesday night, the Wolverines faced a very tough test in the Big Ten/ACC challenge when they traveled to Chapel Hill to take on a very tough North Carolina team. The Wolverines struggled in this game, falling to the Tar Heels 86-71.

Michigan returned home on Saturday to open Big Ten play against the Indiana Hoosiers, handling them 69-55. This was a nice start to conference play for the Wolverines. However, after getting off to a hot start and leading by 13 at halftime against Ohio State, Michigan fell apart in the second half on Nov. 4 to fall to 1-1 in conference play.

Big Ten player of the year candidate Mortiz Wagner has been the main player for Michigan so far this season, holding averages of 15.6 points per game and 8.4 rebounds per game. Kentucky transfer Charles Matthews has had a nice start to his season as well, averaging 15.2 points per game while shooting 63.8 % from the field.

Schedule for this week:

UCLA (7-1) at Michigan on Dec. 9

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