3. No other Big Ten contender has two ranked road wins at the moment
I realize that it is still early in the schedule, but Michigan is 3-0 on the road in the conference and two of those wins came at the expense of UCLA and Wisconsin. Not even an SEC team can say that. Michigan basketball belongs in the top 10 and is already there if you consider the KenPom ratings. They are the highest-ranked Big Ten team, ahead of Illinois going into Wednesday.
Analysts everywhere are starting to take notice that Dusty May's club may win the Big Ten just a year after U-M experienced its worst season in nearly 60 years. They have surpassed everyone's expectations by miles. Dusty May is the runaway coach of the year and he might even have the player of the year on his roster too.
There won't be many more opportunities like this on the schedule, so to have those road wins on your resume for March is vital. The committee will take notice when the seeding is announced. Most importantly though, if Michigan basketball keeps playing like this, then they will be a problematical out for anyone who sees them in their part of the bracket.