Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions for rematch with No. 10 Illinois

1. Michigan State wins and covers

Believe it or not, but 14-9 Michigan State is actually the favorite to beat the No. 10 team in the country on Saturday afternoon. How is that possible? Well, it's very difficult to beat Big Ten teams on the road, even during a down year for the conference.

The first meeting between these two teams ended in a heartbreak for Michigan State as the Spartans lost by three on the road. While the Illini didn't have Terrence Shannon Jr. in that first matchup, the Spartans will be ready for him on Saturday. Tom Izzo will have this defense prepared to face this high-powered Illini attack and we'll see them come out hungry after disappointment earlier in the week.

Michigan State is a 2.5-point favorite and it'll not just win, but it will cover and do so comfortably. Oh, and it'll cover because of free throws. Yes, the team that just went 7-for-17 from the line on Tuesday will put the game away in the end because of free throws. Spartan fans will be thrilled.

The Spartans are going to step up when it matters thanks to its leadership and escape with a 75-66 win over the No. 10 team in the nation to improve to 15-9 on the year.