Game Thread: Michigan at Nebraska

The Basics

Who: Nebraska Cornhuskers (12-8, 4-3 Big Ten)

When: Saturday, January 23rd, at 2:00 p.m. ET (ESPN2)

Where: Pinnacle Bank Arena -- Lincoln, Neb.

Spread: Vegas: Pick 'em | KenPom: L, 71-72 (49% WP)

***

No one would have believed it three weeks ago, but today's contest has become very important for Michigan. Nebraska is surging right now, having smashed three straight lower-tier Big Ten teams before stunning Michigan State, 72-71, in East Lansing on Wednesday. As a result, this game suddenly is viewed as a tossup, even though a loss could do substantial harm to Michigan's resume because the Huskers are only #150 in RPI. Nonetheless, I think the Wolverines will escape Lincoln with the needed win:

This will be the close game that the computers and Vegas project. The things that go in Nebraska's favor are that the Huskers have been on a roll the past two weeks or so, this game will be played in Lincoln, and Caris LeVert is doubtful to be a part of it. The things that go in Michigan's favor are that, with the exception of the SMU loss, the Wolverines have handled themselves well in hostile environments and this should be an offense-oriented contest. And it's difficult to pick against Michigan (16th in adjusted offensive efficiency) in a game where both offenses have a large advantage over the defenses.

Michigan 75, Nebraska 73

Make sure to read my game preview to learn all you need to know about Nebraska.

Also, for more insight, check out our Q&A with Corn Nation's Patrick Gerhart.

What's your prediction for today's game? Share your comments with us below!