1. Michigan State’s men’s basketball schedule is backloaded again

Last season, a relatively friendly early Big Ten schedule helped MSU get off to a great start as the Spartans gained some momentum and confidence. February, though, is where they really won the Big Ten.

If the Spartans are going to contend for another Big Ten championship, they’ll earn it in February again, given their conference slate, which was announced Thursday afternoon.

Beginning with a Jan. 30 home date against Michigan, MSU's final 10 games of Big Ten play are a relentless trek through what’s likely to be the top of the league and some of the harder venues in the conference. Outside of dates at Minnesota and home against Rutgers, here are the other eight opponents down the stretch: Michigan, Illinois, at Wisconsin

See Full Page