Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. struggling Ohio State

Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. struggling Ohio State team

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 04: Jaden Akins #3 of the Michigan State Spartans in action against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during a game at Madison Square Garden on February 4, 2023 in New York, New York. Rutgers defeated Michigan State 61-55. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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In need of another big win to add to that tournament resume, Michigan State basketball will be headed to Columbus on Super Bowl Sunday for a date with Ohio State.

The Buckeyes are struggling mightily right now, losing 10-of-11 games and going from a legit NCAA Tournament threat to an NIT bubble team. Chris Holtmann will have a chance to get back on track against the Spartans, but Tom Izzo has other plans.

Let’s get bold ahead of a big matchup.

3. Jaden Akins ends his two-game slump with 15 points

Jaden Akins has been struggling over the past couple of games offensively, shooting a combined 6-for-16 from the floor and 2-for-8 from deep. He’s going to bounce back against the Buckeyes.

Michigan State will need a shot in the arm offensively and Akins will provide that, hitting three big 3-pointers to go along with three more buckets, including a dunk that would bring the house down if this game was at home. This will be one of those games that propels Akins toward his potential and it’s going to inject him with confidence.

Akins will turn some top-end defense into offense with a couple of steals and maybe even a block off the backboard on an Ohio State breakaway, giving Michigan State just what it needs: momentum.

This will be a nice bounce-back game for Akins after two lackluster offensive performances.

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