Michigan State Basketball: 5 reasons the Spartans will beat Notre Dame

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 26: Andrew Platek #3 of the North Carolina Tar Heels and Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans go after a loose ball in the second half of the game during the PK80-Phil Knight Invitational presented by State Farm at the Moda Center on November 26, 2017 in Portland, Oregon. Michigan State won the game 63-45. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

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Let’s face it, Notre Dame goes as Bonzie Colson goes, whether that’s a good or bad thing. If Colson isn’t on his game, the Irish just don’t have enough depth to make up for it. Sure, they can hit threes, but relying on that type of shot can get a team in trouble.

Michigan State has what it takes to neutralize Colson and make him work for his shots in the post. He’s not the type of player to step out to the 3-point line and take most of his shots from deep, so that works to the advantage of guys like Nick Ward, Gavin Schilling and Ben Carter if they are tasked with slowing him down — Miles Bridges could even be matched up with him.

Colson averages about 2.2 attempts from 3-point range per game, but he’s not going to burn the Spartans from deep. Where he does most of his damage is inside the arc and around the paint. He’s tough to slow down, but Michigan State will force him into some poor shots and make Notre Dame beat the Spartans with other players.

Although the Irish have two guys who average over 15 points per game not named Bonzie Colson, he’s the straw that stirs this team’s drink. If he struggles, it’s going to be a long night for Notre Dame.

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