Dusty May has a well-earned reputation as an offensive wizard, but his first Michigan team is winning with its defense. On Wednesday night, the Wolverines put Xavier through the wringer, suffocating a high-flying offense loaded with experience, shooting, and depth.

Every Xavier possession was grueling and laborious. Even some of the shots the Musketeers made felt worthy of ending up on a Wolverine defensive highlight reel. Xavier made 20 shots, missed 38, and turned it over 19 times.

College basketball fans love Feast Week because of the memorable back-and-forth bouts of shot-making brilliance and clutch playmaking. This was anything but. It was outright defensive domination in a 78-53 win that was supposed to be a pick-em.

I wrote in the game preview that this was the kind of game that would come down to which team could play their style against leveled-up competition. Michigan left no doubt about which team that was.

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ANN ARBOR, Mich. (FOX 2) – It’s time for the game Michigan football fans have circled on their calendar every year. Blue versus red, Michigan versus Ohio State, a rivalry rooted in their prolific history.

From the fans to the governors, everyone’s picking sides ahead of Saturday’s big game. It is a game that will show how both states will show their pride and keep people safe while they enjoy themselves.

When Michigan and Ohio State meet, it’s always a fight, with bragging rights and pride shining bright. Now the governors have joined the fray, with a candy bet for the big game day. A tale to tell of this rivalry where emotions swell.

It is a steep rivalry, but safety’s the focus troopers will keep. Michigan and Ohio patrols will unite to sideline impaired driving on Saturday night.

“We know people will be out celebrating the win or the loss,” said Lt. Rene Gonzalez from Michigan State Police.

The game is in Ohio, so it is away, but if you’re traveling, basic traffic rules still apply. Officials are reminding all drivers what not to do. 

No drinking, no speeding, no unsafe rides, use a sober driver, stay safe, and take pride. Roads will be watched, both far and near, to curb fatal crashes and bring good cheer.

Hosting a party? Keep safety the goal, no underage drinks—stay in control.

Michigan State Police are joining the rivalry run, keeping it safe while having some fun.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Ahead of the rivalry game Saturday, police in Michigan and Ohio are teaming up against drunk driving.

Michigan State Police and Ohio State Highway Patrol will both be cracking down on impaired driving Saturday, the two agencies said in a joint news release. The agencies said while Michigan and Ohio have a football rivalry, there “is no rivalry when it comes to removing impaired drivers from our roadways.”

“There is absolutely no reason to drive impaired — ever,” Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police, said in the release. “Enjoy the game and the celebrations that come with it but please be responsible because lives depend on it. Protect yourself and others on the road by using a rideshare service or if driving, only drive sober, avoid distractions, and wear your seatbelt.”

Col. Charles A. Jones, the superintendent of Ohio State Highway Patrol, reminded fans to designate a sober driver, follow speed limits and wear a seat belt.

“The best way to keep the roads safe during this weekend’s Ohio State vs. Michigan game is for all drivers to make safety a priority,” he said in the release. “Whether you’re cheering for Scarlet and Gray or Maize and Blue, safe driving habits are key.”

The rivalry game will kick off at noon Saturday in Columbus. It will air on Fox.