2. Penn State (Jan. 15)
Michigan State will head back home after an emotional road win over Northwestern to face Penn State three days later. The Nittany Lions have been solid this season but they've also shown that they're likely 1-2 years away from being truly competitive in the Big Ten title race.
Penn State is a team that I think can be very dangerous and they have some offensive firepower, but its loss at home to Indiana last week told me all I need to know: they're not ready.
Michigan State should win this one rather easily after a somewhat slow start.
Prediction: Penn State 65, Michigan State 81 (15-2, 6-0)
3. Illinois (Jan. 19)
This was a game a lot of fans had circled on their schedules and it still will be, but the Illini took a huge hit on Saturday afternoon, losing to lowly USC at home to drop their second Big Ten game.
That means that the conference race right now is essentially Michigan State and Michigan and to win the league, you need to win all of your home games. Tom Izzo knows that and will have his guys ready to take advantage of this huge opportunity to bury Illinois deeper in the Big Ten standings.
Expect a big game from Jeremy Fears Jr. and Jaden Akins as the Spartans make a statement.
Prediction: Illinois 71, Michigan State 76 (16-2, 7-0)