Predicting the final score of all 20 Michigan State Big Ten basketball Big Ten games

7. Illinois

The first true test for Michigan State's Big Ten schedule is when Illinois comes to town in mid-January. The Illini are one of my picks to win the Big Ten as of today, but I'm conflicted on how to predict this game since it is at home.

Illinois will probably be the higher ranked team and on paper will be the favorite, but we know that doesn't mean anything when the game is in East Lansing.

With the eyes of the country on this game I think MSU will come out firing on all cylinders and jump out to an early lead. In true Michigan State fashion the Illini will come back in the second half, but MSU will pull away late for their first marquee conference win of the season.

Prediction: Michigan State wins 73-69

Updated Record: 6-1

8. Rutgers (Madison Square Garden)

The Spartans will be riding as high as ever after their last win, but up next is Rutgers at a venue that Michigan State historically struggles in.

On the bright side, the Spartans don't have to play at the RAC which has quickly become one of the most difficult venues to win at in the Big Ten, but for MSU's sake they struggle even more at Madison Square Garden.

That is where this game will be taking place and it just so happens these teams played at MSG in 2022 (a game MSU lost 61-55). All time MSU boasts a 4-16 record at MSG and a 4-12 record under Izzo.

So combining that with the fact that Rutgers will be one of the better teams in the league and my confidence here is very low.

Prediction: Rutgers wins 65-59

Updated Record: 6-2