Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions for mammoth Nebraska battle
![EAST LANSING, MI - DECEMBER 3: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket against Glynn Watson Jr. #5 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Breslin Center on December 3, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) EAST LANSING, MI - DECEMBER 3: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket against Glynn Watson Jr. #5 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Breslin Center on December 3, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ef35a9a93bbd594503f00257e69bd8dd01112d494a063bc3d0cf3d81ad3de468.jpg)
Michigan State basketball is hitting the road for a big game against conference contender Nebraska. What can we expect from this matchup?
Right when it looked like Michigan State would be out of the woods unscathed after a tough string of games, a road contest in Lincoln starts an even more grueling stretch.
The Spartans will be traveling to Nebraska on Thursday evening to take on the Cornhuskers in one of those battles that could have major implications on the Big Ten title race. The Cornhuskers are coming off a huge win at Indiana while Michigan State has won four straight without Josh Langford and one Kyle Ahrens-less.
No one said repeating as regular season champs in the Big Ten would be easy and Michigan State will find out just what it takes.
What can we expect from this Thursday night battle in Lincoln?
5. Foster Loyer continues his progression
It’s been a quiet season for freshman point guard Foster Loyer who was expected to spend time as Cassius Winston’s backup, but he’s surrendered some time at the position to Matt McQuaid.
However, he played a season-high 11 minutes against Penn State just last weekend and he finished with seven points and an assist with only one turnover. He gave Winston a much-needed break and showed that he could hang on the offensive end and he even took a couple of charges, proving he wasn’t a complete liability for the Spartans on defense.
Loyer showed obvious progression for the first time this season and he’s going to continue that against the Cornhuskers.
Although he won’t reach double-digit points for the second time in his young career, he’ll be able to relieve Winston for about 10 minutes again, scoring six points with two assists.
Progression will continue for the Clarkston-native.