Busting Brackets
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No. 3 Michigan vs No. 4 Ohio State: 5 key storylines for huge Big Ten clash

By Tristan Freeman

Mar 1, 2020; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Isaiah Livers (2) drives as Ohio State Buckeyes guard Duane Washington Jr. (4)defends during the first half at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2020; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Isaiah Livers (2) drives as Ohio State Buckeyes guard Duane Washington Jr. (4)defends during the first half at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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Big implications for the winner of this game

Last week, both Michigan and Ohio State got great news regarding the upcoming NCAA Tournament. While Baylor and Gonzaga got their expected No. 1 seeds from the Selection Committee in their top-16 early seeding projections, it was the Wolverines and Buckeyes who got the other two spots at the top.

It wasn’t a surprise either. The Big Ten has been far and away the top conference this season and currently has three teams ranked in the top-5 in the AP Poll, with Illinois being the other team. They were given the top 2 seed as well, in Baylor’s Region. The Illini continues to win, making this a true three-way race at the top of the Big Ten ladder.

Far as the standings go, Michigan has the clear edge, in part due to the pause. They’re three games in the loss column against Ohio State and two versus Illinois, with their game being postponed last week. If the Wolverines win this one, they’ll clinch the Big Ten regular-season title barring a losing streak next week.

But even more important is the NCAA Tournament and getting a No. 1 seed. The good news is that unless Alabama wins out in the SEC going forward, the Big Ten will likely get the other two No. 1 seeds. But with Illinois still in the picture, the loser of this game could potentially get knocked down to the 2 seedline. And that could be disastrous, as the committee would have the third team in this situation end up being in the same region as either Baylor and Gonzaga.

If the Bears and Bulldogs are as invincible as they have looked, then you don’t want to end up facing either of them before the Final Four. That ups the stakes in this game even more, as the winner puts themselves in a great spot to get a No. 1 and avoid them.

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