Interview with a Wolverine: Michigan Q&A

Back by popular demand, it’s the opponent’s blogger’s question and answer post! Today we have Anthony Broom of SB Nation’s Michigan site, Maize N Brew, here to discuss his beloved Wolverines.

1) On Jan. 25th, Michigan was 11-8 overall, 2-6 B1G and were on a four game losing streak. It looked like their hot start was going to be for naught. Since then, however, the Wolverines have won seven of eight games and are a team that no one wants to play. I guess I have two questions: first, what the hell and second, what changed for Michigan on Jan. 26th?

The biggest thing that Michigan fans would cite in this team’s turnaround would be the return of junior forward Isaiah Livers, who injured his groin on Dec. 21 and missed nine of the next 10 games because of it. And on the surface, that totally checks out to me. This team plays with a different energy with him out there on both ends of the floor and the offense seems to flow so much more smoothly.

It really did feel like pulling teeth there for a bit. And while his return has been terrific, I think something larger has been in play with them, and that is improved defense. The Wolverines gave up 90 points in a loss at Iowa on Jan. 17 and since then have not allowed more than 72 points in any contest. In fact, when the Wolverines and Badgers meet on Thursday, Michigan will have not given up more than 69 points in almost a calendar month.

(Editor’s note: nice?)

2) Is there a pass Zavier Simpson can’t make?

There are certainly times when Simpson tries to throw a pass in there he shouldn’t, but there’s a reason Juwan Howard calls him his “Tom Brady.” Not only is Simpson one of the program’s all-time winningest players, but he fits passes in spots with slim openings. While offensively limited, it is easily the most impressive part of what he brings to the table and some fans around here take it for granted.

Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images

3) Why does Michigan INSIST on having evil, movie villain, German brothers on their team recently? Is this some sort of secret Germany to Ann Arbor pipeline that John Beilein started and Juwan Howard is continuing? Have I said too much?

There’s a factory. We also use it to produce Glasgows for the football team.

Lighting round!

Michigan high scorer: Jon Teske

Wisconsin high scorer: Nate Reuvers

Does Brad Davison take more than 1.5 charges to enrage the crowd: Under

Does Isaiah Livers make more than 2.5 three pointers: Over

Who wins: Michigan

Final score prediction: 71-64