18. Michigan State (10-2)
Michigan State has done a lot of good things in recent history, though the most recent seasons have been a little underwhelming. Not as much of a player in the Big Ten title race, this year’s Spartans are looking to change that after last season’s disappointment. This team has a few nice wins, beating North Carolina at the end of November, and has gotten off to a nice start in Big Ten play with plenty more on the horizon.
After a week off, the Spartans were back in action against Oakland and secured a 77-58 win in Detroit. Xavier Book led all scorers with 18 points off the bench while Jaxon Kohler had a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Saturday’s result was even better as Michigan State won 86-69 at home against a decent Florida Atlantic team, getting 17 points off the bench from Coen Carr.
As evident in those little descriptions, Michigan State has great talent both starting and off the bench. Expectations were tempered after last season’s disappointment and eventual exodus, but Tom Izzo’s squad is going to be a real player in the Big Ten, especially with how open this league looks right now. They see Western Michigan over a week from now before jumping back into league action.