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

How Ohio State decides to defend Hunter Dickinson

In the first 10 games of the season, freshman big man Hunter Dickinson was playing at an All-American level. He had multiple 20-point games, including a season-high 28 versus Minnesota. He’s not been as great since, including after coming off a pause. Dickinson still has been effective all-around though, including playing elite defense inside and grabbing 15 rebounds against Wisconsin last week.

The Wolverines have other players that can produce but will need its leading scorer to have a solid outing against Ohio State. And on paper, the 7’1 and 260-pound Dickinson has the advantage inside against the Buckeyes. He’ll likely start out against Kyle Young, a 6’8 and 225-pound senior forward who is very aggressive and physical inside and could frustrate the young Dickinson in this high-pressure game.

Besides Young, freshman Zed Key (6’8 and 245 pounds) will also get some time and fouls to take on Dickinson. I highly doubt that EJ Liddell will be placed on the Wolverine big man in order to avoid foul trouble but screens could force the issue.

If Dickinson goes for 20+ points in an efficient matter, Michigan will very likely win this game. But if the Buckeyes can cause problems all 40 minutes or even foul trouble on the other end, an advantage could swing to them.