Monday’s Michigan State vs Cornell game will mark the end of non-conference play for the Spartans in 2025-26, and Tom Izzo is probably ready to dive into Big Ten action.
The Spartans are already 2-0 on the Big Ten season, but the toughest game of the season in league play is quickly approaching as they must travel to Lincoln right after the new year to face a red-hot Nebraska team that’s beating everyone in its path. The Cornhuskers took Illinois down on the road and they will likely be a tough out moving forward.
Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, we need to talk about the current opponent which is Cornell.
The Big Red are just 6-5 on the year and have lost three of their last four games, all on the road. They’ve given up over 90 points in each of those losses, and they’re allowing about 85 per game on the season. They do average about 90 points of their own, but they can’t seem to play defense effectively.
The Spartans, on the other hand, have one of the best defenses in college basketball, but they’re also averaging just under 80 points per game with one of the nation’s best resumes.
Michigan State should be heavily favored in this one.
Final betting odds for Michigan State vs Cornell
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of Dec. 28.
Line: Michigan State -25.5
Over/Under: 158.5
Moneyline: Michigan State -2500 | Cornell +1100
As you can see, Vegas doesn’t think this one is going to be all that close. The Spartans have struggled, however, to cover spreads against lesser opponents this year.
Predicting the outcome of Michigan State vs Cornell
Michigan State is coming off a nine-day break and the Spartans may be a little rusty, which is why I expect the game to be a little closer than anticipated early on, but the Spartans will run away with this once the offense gets into a groove.
The Spartans find a way to keep their foot on the gas in the second half of a blowout, and they score over 100 points for the first time this year.
Prediction: Cornell 71, Michigan State 102