The Associated Press

COLUMBUS - Michigan and Ohio State - teams that their own fans were close to abandoning not so long ago - meet tonight in a game that has surprising impact in the Big Ten Conference.

The Wolverines lost their first six games but have won the last nine, including their first two games at home in the conference last week against Wisconsin and Penn State.

For the first few weeks of the season, Michigan was floundering. Attendance at games was down and the fans who did come out were less than complimentary as the Wolverines lost three straight games at Crisler Arena to Mid-American Conference teams.

Things have turned around in a hurry as coach Tommy Amaker's young team gained confidence and started to find itself.

"We have developed an identity for our ballclub," Amaker said. "We work hard defensively. We are a blue-collar team. We like that attitude and that identity. Everyone has been a part of that and everyone can buy into that and everyone can contribute to that. It has nothing to do with who scores. It is about the identity of this ballclub. That has been very helpful to this group."

Senior LaVell Blanchard is averaging 17.4 points per game, while freshman Daniel Horton has been an early surprise by contributing 15.5 points and almost 5 assists per game. Bernard Robinson Jr. chips in with 12.7 points per game.

Should the Wolverines get out of Value City Arena with a victory - something they never have done - they could end a seven-game losing streak against Ohio State. They also would be one step closer to jumping into the thick of the Big Ten race.

"I don't think we are going to be afraid," Amaker said. "The older kids especially recognize how difficult it is to compete and win on the road in this conference."

Ohio State had lost two in a row before Saturday night's stunning 81-69 victory over Indiana, in which the Buckeyes went with a big lineup and pounded the Hoosiers inside.

It was the first time this season OSU had defeated a ranked team after falling to Alabama, Duke, Pittsburgh, Louisville and Michigan State. The Buckeyes (8-5, 1-1) stay at home for a game Saturday against Wisconsin.

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