Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions for bounce-back game vs. Rutgers

Losing a second straight game in disappointing fashion has Michigan State basketball fans doubting this team again. It feels like that five-game winning streak was months ago.

What Tom Izzo loves is a little adversity and he's going to get that with everyone jumping off the bandwagon after losses to Northwestern and Illinois. The Wildcats beat Michigan State by 14 and the Illini toppled the Spartans by three in a game that could have easily gone the other way.

It's been a disappointing first 16 games of the season, but the Spartans have a chance to start a turnaround on Sunday against Rutgers in East Lansing.

Let's dive into some bold predictions.

3. MSU shoots over 50 percent from deep

Michigan State began the season just 2-for-31 from deep but the Spartans have been much more effective since then and they're shooting just over 35 percent from distance on the season. It's been quite the turnaround from a historically-bad start to the year.

That turnaround will continue on Sunday as Michigan State will light it up from distance with Tyson Walker getting back on track, Jaden Akins hitting a couple of big ones, AJ Hoggard chipping one in, Tre Holloman knocking down two, and even Malik Hall getting in on the fun. Heck, I wouldn't rule out a Xavier Booker three or even one from Jaxon Kohler.

The Spartans are going to get hot early on offense and it'll be a 3-point parade from that point on. Michigan State makes over 50 percent for the game. I'm going with 11-for-20 from deep.