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Michigan State Basketball: Staff score predictions vs. North Florida

By Connor Muldowney

TULSA, OK - MARCH 17: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts on the bench against the Miami (Fl) Hurricanes during the first round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at BOK Center on March 17, 2017 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
TULSA, OK - MARCH 17: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts on the bench against the Miami (Fl) Hurricanes during the first round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at BOK Center on March 17, 2017 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State basketball opens its 2017-18 season on Friday evening with a matchup against Atlantic Sun foe North Florida.

It’s that time of year again. It’s the point on the calendar when both college basketball and football season overlap, providing fans with endless amounts of entertainment. In fact, Michigan State basketball opens its season on Friday night against North Florida while the football team travels to Ohio State for a Big Ten East-deciding game.

Must Read: MSU Recruiting: 5 bold predictions for November

Tom Izzo’s team might be the best in the country and arguably the most impressive, and deep, that the Hall of Fame head coach has had.

Can we expect a blowout by the Spartans in the opener? Our staff takes a guess.

Connor Muldowney: There are always going to be growing pains, no matter how much talent you have on a roster. That will be evident Friday night on the court, but not necessarily on the scoreboard. The Spartans will turn the ball over 10 times against the North Florida Ospreys but the talent discrepancy will be just too much to overcome for the visitors. This one will be out of hand by halftime and the Spartans will even pull away in the second half. We will also get to see a Miles Bridges highlight dunk or two.

Final: North Florida 52, Michigan State 82

Stephen Robb: Michigan State is heavily-favored to win the NCAA Championship. However, it first must learn how to play with one another and that starts against North Florida. Sure, the Ospreys are not a juggernaut of a team but it can be difficult having such a young talented group of players to play together. These non conference games are tricky because teams are still getting acclimated to the coach’s style and what is being asked of them. The No. 5 ranked Indiana Hoosier team lost to IPFW squad in 2016-17. Will that happen in this game? No, but it is possible. However, the Spartans will pull this one out.

Final: North Florida 53, Michigan State 67

Michael Briggs: Spartans fans will get their first look at the no. 2 MSU hoops team Friday night in what will be an easy victory. Michigan State should be able to take advantage of North Florida’s lack of size and, as long as the Ospreys do not get hot from deep, this one will get out of hand early.

Final: North Florida 56, Michigan State 82

Next: MSU Basketball: 5 bold predictions for November

Adam Zdroik: The Ospreys will keep it close in the first 10 minutes and then Tom Izzo will put in the frontcourt of Gavin Schilling and Kenny Goins. Game over.

Final: North Florida 60, Michigan State 84

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