Bubble Rooting Guide: February 29th, 2016

We're two weeks away from Selection Sunday, and Michigan is right on the bubble. Bracket Matrix hasn't been updated since the Wolverines faded in a 68-57 loss to Wisconsin at the Kohl Center on Sunday, but the Sunday morning update had them as a #11 seed and the fifth-to-last team in the field. CBS Sports' Jerry Palm did update his bracket, and he has Michigan in the First Four as the third-to-last team in the field. Therefore, it's safe to assume that Michigan still is on the right side of the cut but likely needs to beat Iowa on Saturday to feel good about its odds.

Nonetheless, it wouldn't hurt Michigan's odds if other game results occurred between now and Selection Sunday, and, given that Selection Sunday is so close, this will be the start of daily Bubble Rooting Guides letting you know from whom to root and why.

On that note, Michigan will be cheering for the bold teams on this light Monday slate:

Syracuse at North Carolina (7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN)

Syracuse is a bubble team and currently a #10 seed on Bracket Matrix. This is not a game that the Orange are expected to win as KenPom projects that they will fall to the Tar Heels on the road by double digits. Though a loss of this kind would not hurt Syracuse, a road win of this magnitude could clinch an NCAA Tournament bid. Michigan doesn't want that.

Kansas at Texas (9:00 p.m. ET, ESPN)

This isn't a bubble game, but, as Texas' resume improves, Michigan looks better. The best non-conference team that the Wolverines have beaten is #20 in RPI after earning a huge home win against Oklahoma this past weekend. Tonight, the Longhorns will vie for their second straight top-10 win, and, if they get it, Michigan's signature win has more shine.

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Check back tomorrow when I discuss tonight's results and for whom Michigan will want to cheer on Tuesday.