Looking to build on the momentum accomplished with a strong finish to last season and a gutsy performance against Duke in the NCAA Tournament, the Michigan Wolverines have a fairly favorable non-conference schedule which could potentially boost their early-season ranking.
Outside of the Maui Invitational, Michigan's toughest non-conference game is a matchup with Oakland University at the Palace of Auburn Hills Dec. 10. Yet, considering Michigan typically saves its best game of the season for whenever OU is on the schedule, I'd expect the Wolverines to continue their trend of shooting 60-plus percent and coasting to a lopsided win over the Golden Grizzlies.
Maui could be the problem early on for UM.
Michigan opens the Maui Invitational against Memphis, a young but increasingly talented and athletic team. After that, Michigan will get a rematch with one of its NCAA Tournament foes from a year ago. The Wolverines could face Tennessee, which would be ideal considering the Vols are in flux and have a depleting talent pool. On the other hand, the Wolverines could also see Duke, which in that case... good luck.
Michigan plays an unimpressive Virginia team (on the road however) in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge but otherwise has smooth sailings into the Big Ten season.
I'd expect an inflated win total for the Wolverines this season.