These were the questions from this week:

Q: Are the Spartans better without Langford? — @JosephDandronMI

Harrison: The short and long answers are yes. Langford is one of the best defending guards and probably in the top third of guards, in terms of offensive ability, in the Big Ten. 

Even though the Spartans are 3-0 without Langford, who's been out with an unspecified left ankle injury since Dec. 29, 2018, MSU coach Tom Izzo said Thursday the offense isn't running the same way it would with its starting shooting guard. 

In MSU's 13 games with Langford, the Spartan averaged 87.6 points and allowed 68.4, while he averaged 15.0 per contest, compared to the 81.3 points scored on average in the three games without him.

Playing in Langford's place has been Kyle Ahrens (now day-to-day with a back sprain) and freshmen Aaron Henry and Gabe Brown. Izzo said Thursday the biggest difference without Langford has been the team's 3-point shooting — MSU is averaging 23.2 3-pointer attempts a game with Langford, compared to the 19.0 without. Ahrens, Henry and Brown combine for 13.1 ppg, a slight drop off from Langford's average. 

Even though Langford's injury has given Henry and Brown significantly more playing time in conference play, MSU still benefits more with Langford on the court because it gives another deep threat aside from Matt McQuaid when Cassius Winston and Nick Ward are on the floor. Langford also balances out a rotation with more solid defensive output than his replacements.

Harrison: I think the biggest thing to consider here is how much time Langford is going to miss. Izzo said Thursday it's unclear when Langford will return, but could be evaluated again by doctors as soon as Monday. 

And that's the best case scenario here. Izzo said after the team's road win at Ohio State on Jan. 5 he thought they caught a break when tests confirmed Langford's injury isn't a stress fracture. Even if Langford is cleared to participate, it will be nearly three weeks since he's seen game action. If he was cleared, I'd guess he would be doubtful for MSU's Jan. 17 road game at Nebraska to condition his way back into mid-season form.

Former MSU standout and current Charlotte Hornets rookie Miles Bridges missed seven games in the middle of 2016-17 and needed considerable time back after an ankle injury, and he was regarded as one of MSU's best players. Ankle injuries can be tricky, especially because of how important quick lower-half movements are needed in the game. 

I'm sure Izzo wants Langford back as quickly as possible, but Izzo won't let Langford return until he's at 100 percent.