Big Ten Tournament 2012: Ohio State Will Dominate Bitter Rival Michigan

The Ohio State Buckeyes are going to put a hurting on their bitter rivals, the Michigan Wolverines, in the semifinals of the 2012 Big Ten tournament.

But Andrew, Michigan has been playing so well...

But Michigan has superstar freshman point guard Trey Burke...

Yes, I completely understand both of those points and believe me, I expect the Wolverines to make quite a splash in the actual NCAA tournament. That being said, Buckeyes are going to wrap up their Big Ten tournament hopes in the here and now.

Here's a few reasons why:

Size Down Low

Say what you will about Jared Sullinger now being a good NBA prospect—he's one of the best college players in the nation without a doubt.

At 6'9'' and 265 pounds, he's got enough size to be a burden down low, but he's also got enough quickness and finesse to be extremely dangerous.

In this case, he gives the Buckeyes a big advantage down low, as I'd take him over any of Michigans' big men. This far into the Big Ten tournament it's going to be about attrition, fundamental basketball and controlling the paint.

I've got to give the size advantage to Ohio State, if only because of Sullinger.

William Buford

Don't underestimate the impact a senior guard can have in the Big Ten tournament. He's been here before, he understands the ropes, and he's an incredible leader for this Buckeyes team.

What makes Buford so dangerous is his versatility—15 points, 4.9 rebounds and three assists per game this season.

He can do just about anything on the court. Add in his clutch ability and leadership, and I think he can match what Michigan guard Trey Burke is bringing to this game, thus evening out the playing field in that aspect.

Fatigue Factor

Fatigue may be the biggest factor in this game. Conference tournaments are sometimes about who can last the longest, and many teams also have to consider the NCAA tournament coming up as well.

Michigan is coming off an overtime win against a Minnesota team that they should have easily handled and now they are going to suffer those consequences.

Ohio State, on the other hand, took care of the Purdue Boilermakers 88-71.

They will undoubtedly be feeling the effects of overtime and in a tournament like this, every extra minute of wear and tear on the legs count.

Expect fatigue to play a huge factor.