Michigan State Basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. Northwestern in Big Ten opener

1. Spartans hold Northwestern under 70 in a win

The potential of Michigan State’s defense is tremendous. The Spartans have three plus defenders on the perimeter along with guys like Joey Hauser and Marcus Bingham Jr. who continue to improve in the post. Malik Hall, Julius Marble and Gabe Brown, too, are also improving in that area, but this team has looked lost over the past few games on defense.

Michigan State allowed 76 points in a closer than expected battle against Detroit Mercy, got exposed at times against Western Michigan and surrendered an astounding 91 points to Oakland in a pull-away win. None of those wins were all that impressive because of lackluster defense.

That will change on Sunday night as the Spartans finally put together a full 40-minute effort against the Wildcats.

Holding Northwestern under 70 points doesn’t seem like a “bold prediction” to many who have followed the Wildcats over the years, but they are averaging over 90 points per game to start the season. They have yet to be held under 70 points this year.

Michigan State is going to step up, hold the Wildcats to 66 points and win by close to 10 points.