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

How Michigan decides to defend EJ Liddell

Some say that Ohio State lacks a true “star” player. I would argue that they have one in EJ Liddell. Unfortunately, he’s in the same conference as Luka Garza, Kofi Cockburn, and Hunter Dickinson. But the sophomore power forward is having a breakout campaign, leading the Buckeyes in both points (15.5 ppg) and rebounds (6.6 rpg) on 51% shooting from the field and 34% from three-point range. He’s come on in the past month, producing 20+ points in five of the last nine games.

At 6’7 and 240 pounds, Liddell has a unique skillset in being strong enough to score inside but skilled enough to beat opponents off the dribble and can spread the floor as well. He’s a near-matchup nightmare for opponents and that could include Michigan.

The Wolverines have a number of options, with the best being Isaiah Livers. At 6’7 and 230 pounds, he has the size and quickness to deal with Liddell no matter where on the court. That could be a tricky spot, as the Buckeye could take advantage down low in the post. Another option is small forward Franz Wagner but again, inside could be an issue. If that happens, Dickinson could be switched onto Liddell, while Livers slides over to Young, who isn’t a huge offensive threat.

Michigan can be an elite defensive unit when on and Ohio State doesn’t have too many players that can give you 15+ points in a given game. Liddell is one of them and he’ll need to have another big game to get the win. Let’s see what the Wolverine coaching staff schemes to counter him.