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

Michigan State basketball kicks off Big Ten play on Sunday night against a Northwestern team riding a two-game losing streak after falling by one to Auburn and then another to Pitt by almost 30.

The Spartans are coming off their third loss of the season, a blowout loss at Notre Dame in which it was obvious they had tired legs after playing four games in six days and traveling across the country. Hopefully there has been enough time in between games for Michigan State to rest up and heal up and get Jaden Akins back.

Will Michigan State bounce back to open Big Ten play? Let’s get bold.

3. AJ Hoggard has eight assists and just one turnover

It’s been a sloppy couple of weeks for AJ Hoggard and it might have something to do with a smaller roster with Jaden Akins and Malik Hall both hurt, putting more pressure on him to carry the offense as the facilitator. But even he’d tell you that’s unacceptable.

Hoggard is averaging 3.8 turnovers per game this season which is way too many and he’s going to begin his quest toward cutting them down and it starts on Sunday against Northwestern.

Although the Wildcats have had a stingy defense this year, the Spartans will get the offensive juices going and he’ll cut the turnovers more than in half, finishing the game with one along with eight assists. Not a bad way to start conference action.