Michigan State basketball has started their season off with a perfect 2-0 record. They have also been very dominant so far this year, but that likely has more to do with the level of competition they have played so far.
But with their first two games behind them, it's time for the season to officially begin.
The Spartans are set to take on No. 1 Kansas in the Champions Classic on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. EST. This game will be a good measuring stick to see where Tom Izzo's squad truly is at this point in the season.
Everyone knows that Kansas will be the favorite, so the better question is by how much? The answer to that questions might surprise some.
Current Michigan State vs. Kansas odds
As of 6 p.m. EST on Sunday, Nov. 10, Kansas is a 6.5-point favorite over Michigan State according to FanDuel. ESPN's matchup predictor also gives Kansas a 63.4% chance to win this game as well.
Michigan State vs. Kansas prediction
In all honesty, it's a little surprising to not see Kansas favored by more. They are the No. 1 team in the country and already have a 92-89 win over No. 9 North Carolina this season.
But Michigan State has looked very solid themselves. Sure they haven't played anyone nearly as good as Kansas has, but MSU has dominated the two opponents they've faced. A 24-point and 36-point win looks good no matter who the opponent is.
But this is a game Michigan State may not be quite ready for. The Spartans likely are a better team than most think, and that is why Kansas is only favored by 6.5 points, but the season is too young and MSU doesn't quite have enough experience playing together to pull off the upset.
Maybe it will be a different story at the end of the season, but for now the most likely outcome is a close, competitive loss by the Spartans.
Prediction: Kansas wins 81-76