Michigan vs. Tennessee NCAA Tournament Elite Eight predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets

The top seed in the Midwest Region, the Michigan Wolverines, faces off against the sixth-seeded Tennessee Volunteers Sunday in the Windy City with a trip to the Final Four on the line. Led by Big Ten Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg and a high-powered offense averaging 95 points per game in the tournament, Michigan has dominated each of their first three opponents. Tennessee has not been quite as dominant, but they take the court at the United Center following an impressive 76-62 win over the second seed in the region, No.

2 Iowa State. Tennessee has now reached the Elite Eight for the third straight season. Michigan’s offense AND defense are elite by all metrics.

Their immense length has been a major reason for this efficiency and dominance. Tennessee can match the length of the Wolverines and their tenacity in the paint will rival Michigan’s abilities around the rim. Tennessee led the nation in offensive rebounding rate.

For Michigan, controlling the tempo and limiting turnovers is crucial to reaching their first Final Four in five years. Tennessee is the more experienced team, which is certainly an advantage. The Vols’ primary issue is their inability to go cold from the field for significant stretches during games.