Colorado State vs. Michigan Prediction: Can the Wolverines Prove They Belong in the Tournament?

Colorado State vs. Michigan Prediction: Can the Wolverines Prove They Belong in the Tournament?

This match that we are getting into is one of the most interesting round-one games. The Colorado State Rams will be taking on the Michigan Wolverines. The Rams represent the Mountain West conference while the Wolverines come into this one from the Big Ten.

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Colorado State vs. Michigan Prediction

Many people are upset that Michigan even made the NCAA Tournament. It is a fair point as the Wolverines have some bad losses this season and have looked less than impressive in some of their big games. The other side of the argument would be that Michigan has some very impressive wins. This is an extremely talented roster, headlined by big man Hunter Dickinson. Dickinson, who is one of the best big men in the nation, will have to step up in this game against a tough Colorado State defense.

Michigan will also need some of their young guns to step up, like Caleb Houstan and Mousa Diabate. The catalyst for the Rams comes in the form of junior guard David Roddy. Roddy, who was the Mountain West Player of the Year, will have to really perform in this game if the Rams want to survive round one. Roddy is a unique player. If you have not watched him yet this season, you will be impressed by this kid's skill set. He is also a great rebounder, ripping down 7.6 rebounds per game. This is a very good shooting team for the Rams as they rank No. 13 in the nation in field-goal percentage. They have a lot of different guys who can spot up and shoot the basketball. This should be a great showdown between two teams who are hungry to silence their critics. 

The play I am turning to in this game will be to back Michigan on the short spread.

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I feel as if a lot of people look at Michigan like they are not a tournament-worthy team. I understand they can be a little bit inconsistent, but this was a top-of-the-line team coming into the year. Their young players have only grown from the beginning of the season. This is an extremely dangerous No. 11 seed, and the line is telling us the tale here as they are a -2 favorite.

Michigan's athleticism will be too much for this Colorado State roster. Michigan has a lot of extremely athletic wings that should defend these Rams' shooters and make life difficult on them. The other area in which I give Michigan a significant advantage is the paint. The Rams have nobody on this team who can keep up with Hunter Dickinson. If they decide to bring double teams against Dickinson, that will open up some very capable shooters for the Wolverines. The game script in this one favors the Wolverines without a doubt in my mind. I will fade a big public play and back the No. 11 Wolverines.

Colorado State vs. Michigan Pick

• Pick: Michigan -2 @ -115 (Bet $115 to win $100)