The Michigan Wolverines are looking to build on their recent success as they prepare for a crucial matchup against the TCU Horned Frogs on Friday night. After last season’s struggles, where the Wolverines experienced three narrow non-conference losses, they turned the tables this week with a hard-fought victory against Wake Forest. This win marked an important step for the team, providing them the momentum needed as they head into Fort Worth.
This Friday’s game presents Michigan with a significant opportunity to achieve something they haven’t done since the 2018-19 season: winning multiple non-MTE games against Power Five opponents. Though TCU does not rank highly in the Kenpom metrics, their placement in the top 100 indicates that it won’t be an easy game. The Wolverines are currently positioned at No. 6 with a record of 2-0, while TCU sits at 2-1.
The first encounter between these two teams earlier this season gave Michigan a 12-point victory at home, but that game was marked by a high turnover rate that made it a nail-biter. Danny Wolf’s impressive performance with a 14-point, 14-rebound double-double was a bright spot, but Michigan’s defense, which limited TCU to just 0.88 points per possession, played a crucial role in securing that win. They will need to reproduce this defensive intensity and improve their ball-handling as they prepare for the rematch in TCU’s Schollmaier Arena.
Key areas to monitor in the upcoming game include the Wolverines’ turnover rate, which stands at 15.3%. After a strong start against Oakland, Michigan struggled with ball security against Wake, registering 11 of their 17 turnovers in the second half and overtime. Coach Jamie Dixon’s squad has typically excelled at forcing turnovers, ranking 59th in the previous season, making this aspect of the game critical for Michigan as they seek to rectify previous mistakes.
Additionally, TCU has displayed impressive efficiency in their two-point shooting, currently boasting a 60.4% success rate, showcasing their strong frontcourt talents. Players like Micah Robinson and David Punch, both emerging from the school’s strong recruiting efforts, have proved vital for the Frogs. With TCU’s less reliable three-point shooting, Michigan may focus on shutting down their effectiveness inside the arc, allowing them to leverage their size advantage in the paint.
As the Wolverines aim to maintain their winning momentum and impose their style of play, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if they can translate lessons learned from earlier games into a solid performance against TCU. A victory on Friday would further cement Michigan’s standing as a competitive force in the early season and potentially set the stage for a successful campaign ahead.