Take Michigan State as the small road chalk over in-state rival Michigan.
The Spartans are too physical for the Wolverines and are more athletic as well.
Michigan State is on an 11-1 SU run in its last 12 on the road in Big Ten play. The Spartans are a deep team and have the nation’s best sixth man in Draymond Green, who just so happens to lead the team in rebounding.
Michigan is still too erratic from the outside and the Wolverines still lack leadership. They don’t rebound worth a lick (ranked dead last in the Big Ten in rebound margin) which means when they chuck it up it’s usually one-and-done.
That’s where the Spartans will pull away, in the transition game.
I respect John Beilein and what he’s trying to instill in his team, but he just doesn’t have the players yet and going against a rival that’s deeper, more athletic and flat out better means his Wolverines don’t stand a chance.
Lay the points with Michigan State as they grab the road win and cover.