Conference play is where perfect records usually disappear. Road games tighten. Familiar opponents push back. Late-game possessions start to matter more than early-season style points. That is why Tuesday night carried weight for the Michigan Wolverines and the Miami RedHawks, two teams that found different ways to win while keeping the national unbeaten count unchanged.
Rather than shrinking, the group of undefeated teams held firm, at least for one more night.
Michigan Passes a Road Test in Happy Valley
Michigan’s perfect start was tested in a way that undefeated teams often are tested in January. The Wolverines controlled much of the game at Penn State and built a 15-point second-half lead, only to see it evaporate as the Nittany Lions ramped up the pressure.
Penn State had the final possession and a chance to steal the game at the buzzer, but the shot rimmed out, allowing Michigan to escape with a 74–72 win. It was not clean, and it was not dominant, but it was the kind of road victory that keeps a season moving in the right direction.
L.J. Cason led Michigan with 14 points off the bench, while the Wolverines relied on balance and discipline late. Now 14–0 overall and 4–0 in Big Ten play, Michigan is showing an ability to handle close games away from home, an important marker for any team with long-term aspirations.
Miami (OH) Rolls On Behind Depth and Balance
Miami (OH) stayed perfect in a much steadier fashion, pulling away from Western Michigan for an 87–76 win at home. The RedHawks used a strong second half to separate, leaning on depth rather than a single dominant scorer.
Almar Atlason delivered 21 points off the bench, including 16 after halftime, giving Miami (OH) a consistent spark as the game opened up. A key second-half run turned a tight contest into a comfortable finish.
At 16–0 overall and 4–0 in MAC play, Miami (OH) continues to look composed and sustainable. The RedHawks are not winning on one hot night or one player carrying the load. They are winning with efficiency, rotation depth, and an ability to control games once they find a rhythm.
Six Unbeaten Teams, and Tough Matchups Ahead
While Michigan and Miami (OH) kept their records clean, the larger story is that all six unbeaten teams survived the night. That will not be easy to maintain as the schedule tightens.
The Iowa State Cyclones face one of the week’s toughest challenges with a road trip to play the Baylor Bears, a venue that routinely tests even the most experienced teams.
In the SEC, the Vanderbilt Commodores will try to stay perfect at home against the relentless tempo and pressure of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Out west, the Arizona Wildcats host the Kansas State Wildcats, another game where an unbeaten record meets a physical conference test.
Perfection Becomes About Survival
At this stage of the season, unbeaten records are less about dominance and more about navigating tough challenges. Michigan survived a hostile road finish. Miami (OH) pulled away by leaning on depth and patience. Both results mattered not just for the standings, but for what they say about staying power.
The list of unbeaten teams did not change Tuesday night. Keeping it that way will only get harder from here.