Michigan State basketball: 3 key storylines vs. Arkansas

As Michigan State basketball fans look ahead to Saturday night’s game against the Arkansas Razorbacks, there are many key factors that will determine the outcome of the game for both teams.

Arkansas stood tall in their opening night victory, when the Razorbacks defeated Southern University, 109-77. Arkansas put together some eye-popping performances, with freshman stars Darius Acuff Jr. (originally from the local Detroit Cass Tech) and Meleek Thomas looking prolific in their collegiate debuts, alongside senior forward Trevon Brazile leading the team with 25 points and 11 rebounds.

The Spartans also had a very well-rounded win against Colgate on Monday night. Three of the four captains, Jaxon Kohler, Jeremy Fears, and Coen Carr, put up solid performances, leading Izzo’s program to their first victory of the season. The Spartans bench showed flashes of potential, but none of them really stuck out outside of the starting lineup.

As we look to predict Saturday night’s outcome between two first-ballot hall of fame coaches, these are some of the keys to watch for the top-25 contest.

Early Season Matchup

The Spartans key weapon in this contest is the timing of the game. Being an early season game, both teams have not yet figured out their rotations and main identity. For the Razorbacks, Acuff and Thomas are both first-year freshman playing key minutes. Then there’s the topic of Karter Knox, who has did not play against Southern University due to a knee injury,  Reports say that Knox is not expected to play against the green and white, but his injury is listed as day-to-day. This is something to monitor as tip draws closer.

Environment & Atmosphere

There’s also no doubt that a massive key to winning games in college basketball is guard play. Besides Brazile, the Razorback are led by their backcourt. Acuff and Thomas could both struggle playing in the Breslin Center’s atmosphere due to potential inexperience at such a packed and hostile environment. The Izzone will be loud, energy will be disrupting, and that effect could have an impact on the freshmen’s ability to focus.

The Floor General

If the Spartans have a high chance of winning Saturday night, it has to come from Jeremy Fears Jr.  The third-year guard in Izzo’s program has experienced everything from the Elite Eight to packed matchups against premier programs as the center of attention as starting point guard. Fears has the ability to take over this game in pick-and-roll sets with Kohler and Carr reigning down force on the rim in the paint. The sophomore has looked confident thus far into the season, through the two exhibitions and the Colgate contest, and with the system built around him, it becomes Fears’ game that can run the Spartans into the ground, or up into the sky.

This game will be much closer than people think. No side will blow the other out as a classic Izzo and Calipari matchup will hold up the true values of basketball. A resilient and tough defense that leads to offensive pushes, led by incredible performances from players who have never thrived in such environment. Two coaches, two teams, one game. It will be a great Saturday night at the Breslin Center.