3. This team has what it takes
Before the season, everyone was skeptical that this team would be better than the previous 3-4 which snuck into the NCAA tournaments as 7-10 seeds. And with a handful of departures, including Malik Hall and Tyson Walker, Michigan State fans were worried that Tom Izzo's statement about going deep in March again or "die trying" was all coachspeak.
Michigan State was dominant on the glass, on the fastbreak, in the half court on both ends, and just all around tougher. The Spartans are now 8-2 on the year and 2-0 in conference play.
When was the last time Michigan State opened conference play with two blowout wins? It feels like you'd have to go all the way back to the Miles Bridges, Cassius Winston, and Jaren Jackson Jr. days for that. This team did it with relative ease this week.
Michigan State is shooting better as well which just makes it that much more dominant.
The Spartans were up by 40 at one point in the second half... of a conference game. That doesn't just happen and when it does, you pay attention.
This is a ranked team and, at least, a top-15 squad.