Big Ten hoops 2023-24 opponents released - did Michigan catch a break?
The Big Ten released the list of conference opponents for each of its teams, and there were some interesting developments. Michigan will avoid two of the Big Ten’s tougher venues this year, and a third that’s been harder recently.
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The Wolverines will play seven opponents twice and six opponents once each for a total of 20 conference games. As always, U-M will face Michigan State two times … this year, Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Ohio State, Purdue, and Rutgers are also two-fers.
The three they play only once at home — Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The Wolverines have fared well in Bloomington over the last several years, including 5 straight wins at Assembly Hall before the Hoosiers broke the streak this year. Even in that one, however, Michigan led by double digits halfway through the second half before IU rallied to win in overtime.
The Wolverines had won 9 straight overall until IU rallied from 17 down in the second half to beat Michigan at the Big Ten Tournament in 2022. Indiana then came back to beat U-M in Ann Arbor this year before rallying again in the last game of the regular season.
But Indiana fans always bring it in Bloomington. Most would probably agree avoiding Assembly Hall is a good thing, generally speaking.
Wisconsin, meanwhile, has been a house of horrors for Michigan teams for years. U-M has made some progress there in recent seasons, but the Badgers are still 8-3 at home against the Wolverines in the last 11 meetings. The Kohl Center crowd is always hard on Michigan, and the Badgers tend to play well there against U-M.
Finally, Minnesota has had its share of struggles recently, to stay the least. Michigan won there this year, but the Golden Gophers have captured two of the last three against the Wolverines at Williams Arena. That’s a trip U-M probably won’t miss having to make.
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As for the three road-only opponents … it could be worse. Northwestern had an NCAA Tournament team this year, but Michigan won there (again) and has had good success at Welsh Ryan Arena over the years. Part of that might be because the Wolverines are always pretty well represented in the crowd. Hundreds of Michigan fans (if not more) are usually in the crowd, and it’s noticeable.
Michigan has won seven in a row total against the Wildcats and is 13-3 against Northwestern in the last 16 meetings.
Penn State — though the Nittany Lions took it to Michigan in State College this year, that’s not a tough place to play. PSU will have a revamped roster this year, as well, after making the NCAA Tournament this year. In addition, that’s one of the weaker home court environments in the league.
Finally, the last road trip — Maryland — could be a tough one for the Wolverines. The Terps have won 2 of the last 3 at home, though Michigan has had some success there over the years.
All in all, though … not so bad.
