TV: Big Ten Network

MB: This game should be an easy one for the Spartans. To say Jacksonville’s schedule has been tough would be a complete and utter lie. The likes of South Carolina State, Georgia State and Savannah State don’t hold a candle to what MSU can do out there. I’d expect Kalin Lucas and Chris Allen to have breakout games. MSU 87, Jacksonville 57

AG: This game is a guaranteed win for MSU. Sure, Jacksonville has scored more than 70 points in all but one of its games thus far, but their opponents haven’t held a national ranking of any sort. Of course, I thought that the Oakland matchup would be a cake walk as well, before I found myself biting my nails at the end, but the Spartans are due to start a winning streak and pull it all together. MSU 90, Jacksonville 65

JN: Jacksonville laid a whooping on Clark Atlanta earlier this month. But seriously, I’m hoping that come March, the Spartans won’t be hurting for wins to make it into the NCAA Tournament. But games like these are must-wins. This game will give the Spartans a chance to work out any kinks and get some momentum for the rest of the non-conference schedule and the Big Ten grind. It’s a great opportunity for some young players to get a few looks and for some more experienced players to get in their rhythm. MSU 83, Jacksonville 55

SE: The fact that I actually have to predict a score for this one is slightly insulting, but I’ll do my best. Tom Izzo has discussed the lack of court chemistry for the past week, but this game will assure him that his squad has what it takes to run the floor both gracefully and intensely at the same time. If you have the Big Ten Network or you’re going to the game, get ready to see MSU drive ‘n dish for wide open 3-pointers and slam dunks. MSU 84, Jacksonville 59

No. 20 MSU women vs. Old Dominion

2 p.m. Sunday

Radio: WVFN (730-AM)

MB: This is going to be a ridiculously tough game for the Spartans. Old Dominion is fresh off a win over Purdue, and MSU had a tough time with Delaware State on Monday. Games against mid-majors are always tricky. When you add in the fact that the game is on the road into the equation, things look downward. With that being said, I’ll go with another slim MSU win. MSU 61, Old Dominion 60

AG: MSU may be a nationally ranked team, but the unranked Lady Monarchs will still be a challenge, especially coming off an upset win against Purdue. The Spartans need to figure out their rebounding issues and control the turnovers on Sunday if they want the win against Old Dominion. Allyssa DeHaan and Kalisha Keane have been the offensive go-to players for the Spartans, but they can’t do it alone. Lauren Aitch and Alisa Wulff will step up to get the job done for the narrow win. MSU 70, Old Dominion 68

JN: As a mid-major, Old Dominion may seem like a cupcake. But that’s certainly not the case. They’ve already played two ranked teams (top-10s Connecticut and Stanford) and have five ranked opponents on their nonconference schedule. Allyssa DeHaan’s back is going to be getting pretty sore soon, carrying this Spartan squad. This will be a quality road win for MSU. MSU 63, Old Dominion 59

SE: MSU needs to stop turning the ball over, especially if they don’t want to suffer a blow from the unranked Lady Monarchs. This is a crucial game for the Spartans. MSU can’t afford to win a few games then start skidding. It’s time to prove to the NCAA that the Spartans are a team to watch out for. MSU 56, Old Dominion 52

No. 5 MSU hockey vs. Lake Superior

7:05 p.m. Friday/Saturday

Radio: WJIM (1240-AM) Friday/WVFN (730-AM) Saturday

MB: MSU hasn’t lost in 10 tries against the Lakers. That, combined with the fact that Lake Superior is coming into this series with a 2-9-1 record, I’m going to go out on a huge limb and predict an MSU sweep. Senior captain Bryan Lerg has scored seven goals in seven career games against the Lakers. That continues as he nets three on the weekend. MSU 4-1, 3-1

AG: The only place for these Lakers is under the ice, which is where the Spartans will put them. Granted, MSU has given up some sure victories right at the end, but there is no way they will not beat, or even tie, Lake Superior — a team that has only won two of its 12 games thus far. Watch for MSU to ice dance around the Lakers tonight and Saturday for the sweep. MSU 6-0, 4-1

JN: So far, MSU has had a tough time stepping up in big-game situations. To their credit, they’ve taken care of the little guys. Lake Superior is not a formidable opponent for the Spartans at home, and I expect this to be a weekend sweep to offer the Green and White a confidence boost and a bit of momentum.MSU 4-2, 4-1

SE: It’s safe to say junior goaltender Jeff Lerg won’t let a puck by him all weekend. The kid was born to embarrass teams like the 2-9-1 Lakers. Look for MSU to put up big plays, resulting in high-scoring shutouts. This team is itching to take the ice, since they have not been victorious in a game since Nov. 10. Needless to say, I’d hate to be skating around with a yellow anchor on my chest this weekend. MSU 5-0, 4-0