Michigan State Basketball: Game-by-game predictions for 2017-18

Dec. 3 (Nebraska) through Dec. 31 (Savannah State)

Dec. 3 vs. Nebraska: Big Ten games in early December will throw some teams off, but drawing Nebraska and Rutgers is extremely favorable for Michigan State. The Cornhuskers are building their team around transfers with Isaac Copeland (from Georgetown) the latest recruit. Joined by Anton Gill and Glynn Watson, this team will still have trouble winning on the road. Win (8-0, 1-0 Big Ten)

Dec. 5 at Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights weren’t completely terrible last year and that’ll probably be the case again with Corey Sanders, Mike Williams and Deshawn Freeman still there. But, this is Rutgers. The only worry for MSU is that this will be its first true road game of the season. It’s a good thing sophomores lead the way this time around. Win (9-0, 2-0)

Dec. 9 vs. Southern Utah: According to the KenPom rankings, this is the easiest game of the season for Michigan State. That’s everything that needs to be said from a team that finished 3-15 in the Big Sky last season. Win (10-0)

Dec. 16 vs. Oakland (Little Caesars Arena): This is a game that can’t be overlooked with how this matchup has played out in recent seasons. The Golden Grizzlies battled foul trouble last year, but now add Kendrick Nunn (from Illinois) to the mix, who’s been leading the team in scoring in exhibition games. Nunn gives Oakland an advantage in the backcourt, while Jalen Hayes and Martez Walker get revenge from last year’s misfortunes. Loss (10-1)

Dec. 18 vs. Houston Baptist: It took awhile, but this is the first breakout of the season for Matt McQuaid, who once again struggles to make two-pointers and fails to hit above 30 percent of his threes in the early season. Bouncing back from their first loss, McQuaid’s leadership and 24 points give the Spartans a resounding 40-point win. Win (11-1)

Dec. 21 vs. Long Beach State: The success continues for Michigan State in its freebie four-game stretch in late December. Gavin Schilling and Ben Carter finally breakthrough in their return from injury and start the second half after a series of back-to-back-to-back-to-back dunks. Win (12-1)

Dec. 29 vs. Cleveland State: Serbian sensation Stefan Kenic gives Nick Ward and Jaren Jackson some trouble with his length and shooting, but Miles Bridges asks to take the assignment in the second half. The fighting Bryn Forbes score just 10 points total in the second half after Tom Izzo blasts his team at the half for lazy, post-Christmas defense. Win (13-1)

Dec. 31 vs. Savannah State After all the other backups show their stuff in recent games, Xavier Tillman joins the fun eating up an undersized frontcourt that only has one guy (Maricus Glenn) that’s taller than 6-foot-8 and more than 215 pounds. Glenn, who averaged 8.8 minutes per game last season is forced into more action, but fouls out in the first half. Even Kenny Goins joins the party with a couple threes that Izzo can only smile at. Win (14-1)