Michigan State basketball: 5 bold predictions vs. Rutgers in Big Ten opener

Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions vs. Rutgers in Big Ten opener

LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 27: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts after being charged with his fifth foul during the 82-78 OT loss against the Louisville Cardinals at KFC YUM! Center on November 27, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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LOUISVILLE, KY – NOVEMBER 27: Tom Izzo the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans gives instructions to Cassius Winston #5 against the Louisville Cardinals at KFC YUM! Center on November 27, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2. Spartans cut turnovers, finish with under 10

This is going to sound ridiculous, but even against a top defense like Rutgers, the Spartans are going to find a way to limit their turnovers and make the smart plays.

Far too often this season, Michigan State has been careless with the ball and that’s led to performances like we saw against Louisville. Michigan State coughed the ball up 17 times on its way to a tough four-point overtime loss. The difference in this game was a Josh Langford pass which sailed past Kenny Goins and into the waiting arms of the Cardinals. Goins would dive for the ball, into the defender and get whistled for a crucial foul.

Michigan State literally threw the game away. At that point, the Spartans had a one-point lead with just 13 seconds left and pushing it to three would have likely been the difference.

Fast forward to Friday night and Tom Izzo has likely spent all week hounding his players on the importance of making smart passes and good decisions. The Spartans will respond with one of their best games of the year, turnover-wise, finishing with just nine against Rutgers.

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