3 bold predictions for Michigan State basketball vs. Mississippi State

3. Michigan State wins by double figures

Mississippi State is a team that doesn't get blown out. The Bulldogs have 13 losses this season and only three of them have come by more than 10 points. Michigan State will make that four.

The Spartans may be the lower seed, but Vegas actually has them as the favorites in this one, -1. While it's a toss-up as far as betting goes, Michigan State has been one of the most bet-on teams in the country and even have the sixth-most bets to make the Final Four on Draft Kings. So we should expect the Spartans win in the first round, right?

Well, Mississippi State is a tough team and they're prepared to make this a dogfight on Thursday afternoon. Michigan State is one of the tougher teams in the Big Ten, so this should be a battle.

However, Michigan State will go on a run early in the second half to take a somewhat commanding lead and the Spartans will hit the free throws late to maintain that lead.

Michigan State wins 70-59.