Michigan State basketball schedules away exhibition at Northern Michigan

Tom Izzo is about to cross something off his bucket list with Michigan State basketball.

On Thursday, Michigan State announced that it would be traveling up north to face Northern Michigan in an exhibition game this fall.

The Spartans will face Northern Michigan on Oct. 13 at 1 p.m. ET which means we won't have to wait that much longer to see them take the floor. Michigan State will get to showcase their talent and depth in about two months, giving fans a first look at what they bring to the table ahead of the 2024-25 season.

While this isn't going to tell us a lot about this team, it will be the first opportunity for fans to really see how far it's come since the Spain trip (which will take place next week).

Northern Michigan also isn't a walk in the park as it finished last season with a 22-11 record and 14-4 mark in conference play. The Spartans will be tested against the Wildcats and this will be Izzo's first trip to face Northern Michigan in his lengthy coaching career. He graduated from Northern Michigan in 1977 so this trip is extra special to him even if there isn't a true win or loss on the line.

While I don't see him retiring following this season, it does feel like he had to get this done before his retirement and it could be signaling the approach of the end.

Emotions will definitely be running high for Izzo when he gets to the Superior Dome on Oct. 13.