Get off to a quick start
The week layoff before the Western Michigan game seemed to hurt the Wolverines more than it helped them. Yes, they got to rest after a tough part of the schedule, but they seemed to be more rusty than rested during the first half of the game against the Broncos. They shot the ball poorly, could not hit any free throws and just looked out of sync. They needed a 10-0 run to end the half to get to 30 points and a two-point lead. It was not the way the Wolverines had played all year up until that point.
They go into Saturday’s game again with a week layoff and again against an inferior opponent. Air Force, though, is not nearly as good as Western Michigan was. They should not present much a problem for Michigan, but the Wolverines need to get going early in this game. They need to make sure they do not let Air Force hang around and think they can stay in the game.
Michigan can probably play below average for them and still win, they are just that much better than the Falcons. But that is a dangerous way to play and get in the habit of. They will be in Big Ten play soon and they need to be back to clicking on all cylinders.
This game and their last non-conference game against Binghamton should be good for the Wolverines to get back into the flow of playing well. A fast start will help with that and show just how good they really are.