If you’ve followed Michigan State basketball for more than a minute, you know the drill: late January hits, the Spartans hit a rough patch, and suddenly the sky is falling. It’s practically a tradition in East Lansing. And right on cue, here we are again.
After a red-hot 19-2 start, Michigan State has now dropped back-to-back games, and the reaction has been swift-and loud. Critics are circling, fans are frustrated, and even bracketologists are starting to shift their projections. But before we hit the panic button, let’s take a closer look at what’s really going on.
A Familiar Midseason Slide
This isn’t new territory for Tom Izzo’s squad. In fact, it’s almost become part of the Spartans' identity: stumble a bit in the dead of winter, then regroup and make a push when it matters most. That doesn’t mean the losses don’t sting-they do-but it also doesn’t mean the season’s unraveling.
The current two-game skid has brought out the doubters. The Spartans have looked sluggish out of the gate in three straight contests, often finding themselves in early double-digit holes.
That’s a trend that needs fixing, no question. But it’s also something Izzo-coached teams have historically corrected in time for March.
Jeremy Fears Under the Microscope
One of the more puzzling narratives to emerge from this skid is the criticism surrounding Jeremy Fears. Some have gone as far as labeling him the “dirtiest player in college basketball”-a claim that doesn’t hold water when you watch the tape.
Fears has had a couple of tough games mentally, but that’s a far cry from being a dirty player. He’s a talented freshman still learning the speed and intensity of Big Ten basketball.
Give the kid a little room to grow.
Seed Watch: From 2 to 4?
Now let’s talk about the bracketology shake-up. Just a week ago, Michigan State was sitting pretty as a projected 2-seed, knocking on the door of a 1-seed. Fast forward two games, and ESPN’s Joe Lunardi has dropped the Spartans all the way to a 4-seed in his latest update.
That’s a steep fall for a team that’s still 19-4 overall and sitting on a strong résumé, including multiple Quad 1 wins. Yes, the loss to a 10-12 team hurts, but the other came against a top-10 opponent. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not exactly a collapse.
Eight regular-season games remain. That’s eight more chances to solidify their standing, build momentum, and remind the selection committee-and everyone else-why this team was in the top seed conversation in the first place.
What Comes Next
The Spartans have a big opportunity to bounce back Saturday night against Illinois. A win there wouldn’t just help the résumé-it would quiet some of the noise. Because right now, the reaction to this mini-slump feels outsized.
Is there cause for concern? Sure.
You don’t want to be trending downward in February. But let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture.
This is still a 19-4 team, led by one of the most accomplished coaches in college basketball, with plenty of talent and time to get back on track.
If history is any indication, Michigan State will use this stretch as fuel. The Spartans have been here before-and more often than not, they’ve come out stronger on the other side.