BASKETBALL PREVIEW: Iowa at Michigan 01/06/13

Photo Credit: MLive.com

Game:  Iowa (11-3, 0-1) at Michigan (14-0, 1-0) Sunday 01/06/13, BTN, 12 PM ET

Vegas: Michigan -13.5

Opponent Analysis: Much like Michigan, Iowa can light up the scoreboard. Before losing to #8 Indiana 69-65 (perhaps their most impressive outing of the season) they put up 80+ points in 7 straight games. Roy Devyn Marble, a 6'6" swingman from Southfield, MI, leads Iowa with 15.6 points per game. He has been cold lately. Though he scored 14 points, he did it on a 1-14 shooting night. Iowa uses 3 freshmen starters, including 7'1" center Adam Woodbury, a project center, who is averaging 6 points and 6 rebounds.

3 Keys to the game:

1) Stay out of foul trouble - Last year, Michigan was upset on the road at Iowa. Iowa couldn't miss anything, Michigan couldn't find a rhythm, and Trey Burke was limited to 27 minutes, as Beilein didn't trust him to play in the first half after picking up 2 quick fouls.

2) Interior Offense - Iowa has one of the bigger frontlines Michigan has faced this season, and if there is one question about this Michigan team, it is whether they will be able to score in the frontcourt. Jordan Morgan and Mitch McGary need to have a presence down low, to open up things for the great shooters.

3) Focus - Michigan is 14-0, this should be an easy game as Michigan is better than Iowa in every facet. Nebraska (LOL) is next, and then possible revenge on Ohio State looms in Columbus. Michigan cannot think about any game but the one today at noon.

Prediction: Trey Burke continues to do Trey Burke things, and makes you wondering if you are watching an under-recruited college sophomore or the second coming of Chris Paul. Nik Stauskas gets out of his "slump" and shoots 3s like layups once again. Roy Devyn Marble gets his 18-20 points, but Iowa can't handle the Crisler crowd and road atmosphere. This game is over by halftime, but they play all 40 minutes due to contractual obligations - Michigan 82 Iowa 63