4. at Rutgers (Jan. 25)
OK, so this is technically an "away" game for Michigan State, but the Spartans will be heading to Madison Square Garden to face the Scarlet Knights. The Spartans are dodging another true road game against Rutgers and that might end up paying off, but this just feels like one of those games in which Tom Izzo and Co. have a letdown.
Despite riding an 11-game winning streak, Michigan State falls to a mediocre Rutgers team at a neutral site which might end up being the Spartans' worst loss of the season.
I just can't remember the last time MSU played well at MSG.
Prediction: Michigan State 69, Rutgers 70 (16-3, 7-1)
5. Minnesota (Jan. 28)
To close out the month of January, Michigan State gets a matchup with a really bad Minnesota team that has yet to win a Big Ten game this season and sits at 8-8 overall. The Spartans actually beat this Golden Gophers squad at The Barn earlier in Big Ten play by 18 points so I'd expect a similar result here.
While I think Dawson Garcia and Co. could surprise some people if they get hot, I don't see them pulling off this upset and Michigan State will win but possibly not cover.
Prediction: Minnesota 65, Michigan State 77 (17-3, 8-1)