Big Ten Network

JN: It’s true the Spartans could win double-digit Big Ten games before being challenged. But head coach Tom Izzo certainly won’t allow the Spartans to maintain that upset. He admitted at his press conference Monday that he’s expecting more and more from his teams every year and this campaign is certainly no different. The focus will be there. If you’re looking for a team to drop the Spartans in the standings early, it won’t be the Hawkeyes. They don’t have an Adam Haluska who guarantees 20-plus points per game. A good first road test for the Spartans, though.

MSU 68, Iowa 55

SE: I hope the Hawkeyes watched enough film on Raymar Morgan- because if not, the sophomore phenom has the ability to put up more than 31 points. I believe MSU will run the table in the Big Ten but find some challenges along the way. This game in Iowa City is not one of the challenges. Someone to keep an eye on would be Drew Neitzel, who I think will have a breakout game, racking up both points and assists. Izzo said he’s going to prompt Neitzel to keep shooting. Neitzel, who everyone knows is a knock-down shooter, has no problem with that. Sure, the Hawkeyes like to play defense, but they haven’t seen an offensive powerhouse like the Spartans. MSU will bring a victory back to East Lansing.

MSU 66, Iowa 51

AG: Despite Drew Neitzel’s recent shooting woes, there are plenty of men around him who can get the job done – cue Raymar Morgan, who is coming fresh off a couple of phenomenal offensive games. The Spartans won’t keep the close trend going. Expect them to runaway with it.

MSU 80, Iowa 67

KJ: Raymar Morgan’s a freight train, and Iowa won’t be able to shut him down. Expect Morgan’s stellar offensive performance to continue against the Hawkeyes. Drew Neitzel’s drought will end in this one, too. Sure, he’s a playmaker, however, Neitzel’s a shooter. When a shooter is in a slump, all it takes is that one meeting to get back on top of the game. This is that game.

MSU 79, Iowa 63

MSU women at Michigan

noon Sunday

Big Ten Network

JN: Head coach Suzy Merchant and the girls really need to get a handle on the Big Ten season. They’re not expected to win the conference, but home games against sub-par opponents should be victories, albeit ugly. She knows what this game means for the program and for the season, and it could be a big turnaround to the path of consistency.

MSU 59, U-M 55

SE: Suzy Merchant is a go-getter who craves winning – a coach dedicated to turning this team around. At her Monday press conference, she stressed the importance of motivating this group of girls, doing whatever it takes. From the look in her eyes, I believe her. Just because the Spartans are young doesn’t mean they can’t still do great things. It’s early and MSU is hungry. I like their odds. Not to mention that we all know U-M isn’t what someone would call, “a basketball school” by any means.

MSU 67, U-M 60

AG: It’s been the same story over and over for these ladies, and sophomore center Lauren Aitch said it best – the team is beating itself. There is no excuse for the turnover and rebounding numbers as of late, and with it being a road game, the going will be tough. Both coaches are in the midst of their first season, and both grew up in Michigan. As much as the Spartans should blow the Wolverines out of the water, their fatigue and second-half struggles will catch up with them and they will only pull out the win by a few points.

MSU 58, U-M 55

KJ: The smell of a good college rivalry is in the air, and the Spartans will get excited about this game. So much so, it’ll help turn around their season. The team will feed off the energy from this game. However, the Spartans need a little kick in the keister, so don’t expect a blowout. A road game at the school down the road might be a little intimidating for a team that’s struggling, but the ladies will pull this one out.

MSU 66, U-M 63

No. 10 MSU hockey vs. No. 6 Notre Dame

7:35 p.m. Friday/4:05 p.m. Sunday

FSN Detroit/CSTV

JN: MSU needs to start beating some quality competition. The theme of the season has been whooping on the little guys and struggling with tougher opponents. After a rough time at the Great Lakes Invitational and not much of a statement against Lake Superior, this is an opportunity for the Spartans to prove their worth. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

MSU 3-2, ND 4-2

SE: When a No. 6 takes on a No. 10, all hell breaks loose. Friday and Sunday are no exception to that fact. But these games are huge tests for both teams. I can’t see too many goals being scored this weekend because of the simple fact that MSU and Notre Dame have tremendous goaltending. Notre Dame will come into Munn Ice Arena and steal the first one, but watch for MSU to get revenge Sunday.

ND 2-1, MSU 1-0

AG: With two ranked teams in the mix, it will be an interesting result. The Spartans have been very up and down this season, while the Fighting Irish are coming off two splits. This weekend pair will be no different for Notre Dame and the teams will split, each winning its home game.

MSU 4-2, ND 2-1

KJ: Sophomore defenseman Michael Ratchuk is on fire. There’s no putting out this blaze. Both will be extremely physical, hard-hitting games, and the two will split the weekend series. With Justin Abdelkader and Tim Kennedy playing more aggressively, either is bound to score a goal this weekend. However, No. 6 Notre Dame won’t back down after an MSU win. And with the Spartans’ rollercoaster second half of the season, I predict it will be difficult to sweep this series.

MSU 4-2, ND 3-2