As MSU prepares for its pivotal matchup at Minnesota, one would think the Spartans are drawing up a detailed blueprint designed to stop the Golden Gophers' star freshman forward Kris Humphries, who is leading the Big Ten in scoring and rebounding.
Actually, MSU coach Tom Izzo said the game's outcome would more likely hinge on the production of Minnesota's other players.
"I think we have to contain Humphries, not stop him," Izzo said. "He's going to get some points."
Humphries is averaging 22.4 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. The last freshman to win both the conference scoring and rebounding titles was M.C. Burton, who did it for Michigan in 1959. Michael Redd won the scoring title as a freshman in 1998 for Ohio State.
Humphries has been producing all season, winning Big Ten Player of the Week honors twice. The recent emergence of his supporting cast, though, is what concerns Izzo. Forward Michael Bauer, who torched MSU for 21 points last season in Minneapolis, broke out of a four-game scoring slump Saturday with 17 points in a loss to the Hoosiers.
"We just got to make sure that the other guys don't go off," Izzo said. "I don't think one guy can beat you, but I do think the other guys can."
So far, Humphries and the Gophers (8-9 overall, 0-5 Big Ten) haven't been able to beat anyone in the Big Ten.
Minnesota coach Dan Monson said he understands his team's frustration with losing.
"If they're not frustrated, they're not very good competitors," he said. "What I've been pleased at is they're still battling and scratching and clawing."
MSU (8-8, 3-2) takes on Minnesota at 9 p.m. today in Minneapolis. The Spartans are coming off a disappointing overtime loss to No. 21 Purdue on Sunday. The loss snapped MSU's three-game win streak and dropped the Spartans from a first-place tie in the conference. They're now tied for second place with Iowa.
Izzo was encouraged by his players' effort Sunday, despite the devastating outcome. The Spartans took a loss nonetheless, making the Minnesota game all the more important.
"If we're going to compete for a championship, I think we're getting to must-win time on a game like this," Izzo said.
Minnesota might be in the Big Ten basement, but Izzo doesn't see it getting comfortable there.
"There's part of me that can't believe they're winless," he said. "They're going to win some games."
Though Izzo doesn't plan to overemphasize Humphries in the Spartans' game plan, there's little doubt he will play a big part in any type of Minnesota turnaround.
Izzo said Humphries' strength, something most freshmen take time to develop, has led to his incredible production, adding he hasn't seen a physically stronger freshman in the Big Ten since Chris Webber, who was a freshman at Michigan in 1991-92. Humphries stands 6 feet 9 inches and weighs 236 pounds.
"That's usually how people negate a talented freshman, is beat them up a little bit," Izzo said. "You're not going to beat this kid up."
Humphries, a native of Chaska, Minn., was a McDonald's All-American in high school. He originally signed a letter of intent to play at Duke. Before the season began, he had a change of heart and decided to attend Minnesota instead.
Based on Humphries' breakout freshman season, it looks like he was wise to stay in his home state.
"He's got great quickness and strength for his age," MSU sophomore center Paul Davis said. "If he continues to stay at Minnesota, he's going to keep getting better."
