After Wednesday’s shocking upset, Saturday’s Michigan State vs Illinois game is that much more important for the Spartans.
Michigan State has lost two straight games after a school record-tying 19-2 start. And to make matters worse, the Spartans just lost Divine Ugochukwu for the season after he suffered a foot injury against Minnesota. Tom Izzo told reporters on Friday that Ugochukwu would be undergoing season-ending surgery next week, so other guys are going to have to step up.
Trey Fort and Kur Teng will have some big shoes to fill with Ugochukwu sidelined, and I think this could actually have a positive impact on the offense with the former finally getting his shot to play extended minutes since the beginning of the year. A lot of people have stock in Fort, and after watching him go off for 12 points to nearly help lead Michigan State to a late comeback win over Minnesota, the excitement level is rising.
Illinois, on the other hand, is red-hot right now. The Illini lost Kylan Boswell for about a month, but Keaton Wagler has stepped up and they’ve won two straight road games over top-10 teams — Saturday they’ll be aiming for a third straight top-10 road win.
Beating the Illini won’t be easy for Michigan State, even at home. Izzo is going to have some serious game-planning to do if he wants to avoid a three-game skid.
Vegas likes the Spartans’ chances.
Michigan State is a surprising favorite over Illinois
Odds via DraftKings as of Friday, Feb. 6
Line: Michigan State -1.5
Over/Under: 144.5
Moneyline: Michigan State -115 | Illinois -105
It’s a little surprising to see Michigan State favored in this one given how hot the Illini have been lately, especially with their success on the road in recent weeks. Michigan State has been struggling for three straight games, and it’s just three days removed from a devastating road loss to Minnesota.
This might be one of those “people are sleeping on Michigan State too much” lines. The Spartans have one of these stretches every year, and Izzo is facing a prime opportunity to get back on track before the home stretch.
It’s not going to be easy against this sharpshooting Illini team.