The Michigan Wolverines have had a season that, while not always perfect, has shown a positive overall performance. Dusty May has led his team into the AP Top 25 and KenPom's 21st rank. Sweeping Wisconsin and Iowa was a great start to Big Ten play, and the upcoming games are crucial for their year-end resume, which leans more towards quantity than quality.

Loading the Schedule Right

It is crucial to load the schedule with Power Five schools. However, most opponents this season have been decent rather than elite. This means that a slip-up against them can be more damaging. Michigan will look to continue their winning streak against high-major competition when they face the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Jimmy V Classic on Tuesday. This is a winnable neutral-site game against a team also looking to start strong after a program reset.

Team Comparisons

Both Arkansas and Michigan made big coaching changes this offseason. John Calipari moved to Fayetteville, and the Razorbacks' three leading scorers were previously at (or committed to) Kentucky. Arkansas is 7-2 so far, with losses to strong teams like Baylor and Illinois. Michigan, on the other hand, is 8-1 and looking to build on their success. The last time these teams met was over a decade ago, with the Razorbacks winning in Arkansas and the Wolverines getting revenge the next year.

Key Questions and Weaknesses

Three main things seem to be holding Michigan back: turnovers, defensive rebounding, and three-point shooting. These flaws don't always show up in every game, but when they do, the outcome can be nerve-wracking, as seen against Iowa. Arkansas is a top-50 team with a top-20 defense, so Michigan can't afford many mistakes. Hitting three-pointers is important, as a 4-for-20 effort won't cut it. Defensive rebounding is also key, as Arkansas is poor in this area but strong inside the arc. On the other end, the Razorbacks are 26th in steal rate and will take advantage if Michigan is sloppy. These weaknesses could give the Razorbacks an edge.

Player to Watch

Danny Wolf looks like Michigan's best player, but his turnover numbers have been frustrating. Not all turnovers are his fault, but too many can hold the team back. Big-time players step up in big moments, and Wolf has a chance to shine on Tuesday night. The Wolf-Vlad Goldin pick and roll has been a key play, and if Wolf can run the show while taking care of the ball, the Razorbacks will struggle without enough rim protectors. This could free up players like Roddy Gayle, as seen in the game-winner over Iowa. Wolf showed his potential in the Fort Myers Tip-Off Championship Game, and fans are hoping to see him perform at Madison Square Garden.