But something seemed off the entire game.

“There’s something wrong with Brandon, there’s no question about it,” Izzo said. ‘He’s been that way for a month. You can see it, you don’t have to be a coach.”

Since what Izzo called a “meltdown” against North Carolina on Dec. 4, in which Dawson scored two points and had three rebounds in 17 minutes of play, the head coach has challenged him to bring it every day in practice and break out of his funk.

Ever since that game, Dawson has scored in double digits in five of the seven games, including a double-double against Texas on Dec. 21

He has been doing exactly what Izzo wants in practice and in the film room, but still he remains the one thing the coach can’t comprehend.

Izzo said the team usually gets better over the Christmas period, but because of injuries, suspensions and lackluster performances, it’s hard to figure out what the problems really are.

“I’m concerned about it, but not worried about it,” he said. “I think I know what the reasons are. I think I feel comfortable with what the reasons are — except for Brandon. I will find out what those reasons are.”

Coming out of the break against the Gophers, Dawson seemed to have some of the pep back in his step.

He scored all six of his points and grabbed seven of his ten rebounds in the second half and overtime, and said all the boost was because of his teammates.

“After (the North Carolina) game, I talked to my team and the coaches and they just said we need you,” Dawson said. “We need you to be the X factor and come in and provide the key minutes for us. Just bring energy. My teammates just got me going tonight.”

Dawson averages 10.7 points and 8.6 rebounds, best on the team and second in the Big Ten. He’s had five double-doubles this season and has been the team’s leading rebounder in ten games.

Injuries and sickness have been going around the Spartans’ locker room, with sophomore forward Matt Costello missing time with mononucleosis, and junior guard Travis Trice still coming back from time off with the flu.

Dawson said he doesn’t know what is going on, but he’s going to the doctor to get his body checked out more thoroughly.

“I’ve just been feeling out of it,” he said. “I’m just kind of feeling dizzy a little bit. Hopefully when I go get some tests at the lab, there’s nothing serious. I’ve just got to keep taking care of my body.”

Whatever it is, it’s not hard to see.

Izzo said it’s no joke that his 87-year-old mother with bifocals can see it, but was adamant he would get to the bottom of the problem and be the one to crack Dawson.

“You can see the look on his face,” Izzo said. “Everybody can see it. He really struggled (against North Carolina) and then he had the big stretch where he’s played really well. He has not played with that same energy. It’s nothing with his teammates, it’s nothing with his coaches, it’s nothing with school, but it’s something. You’ve just got to figure it out.”