Michigan State is heading west for a two-game swing that’s shaping up to be anything but a vacation. First up: a Saturday night clash with Washington in a Big Ten matchup that brings more intrigue than the records might suggest.
On paper, the Spartans catch a bit of a break. Washington will be without Desmond Claude, a high-impact transfer from USC who was expected to be a major piece for the Huskies this season. Claude recently announced he’s stepping away from basketball to focus on his health, leaving Washington a little thinner than anticipated.
But if you’ve followed Michigan State long enough, you know this isn’t a guaranteed W. The Spartans have had their share of battles with short-handed teams over the years, and Washington-despite the absence of Claude-has had time to adjust.
They've been playing without him all season, so this isn’t a team scrambling to fill a sudden hole. They’re built to compete, and they’ll be looking to make a statement at home.
Then comes the second leg of the trip: a showdown with Oregon. And just like Washington, the Ducks will be missing a key piece.
Head coach Dana Altman confirmed that star big man Nate Bittle will be out for about a month after suffering a foot injury against Nebraska. That’s a major loss for Oregon.
Bittle has been the anchor in the paint, averaging 16.3 points and 6.7 rebounds while stretching the floor at 7 feet tall. Without him, Oregon loses its most reliable interior presence.
That absence could open the door for Michigan State’s frontcourt to assert itself. Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper won’t have to deal with Bittle’s length and scoring touch, which gives the Spartans a clear edge in the post. It’s a matchup advantage that Tom Izzo will no doubt look to exploit.
But don’t mistake these injuries for easy wins. Michigan State might be the reigning Big Ten champ and sitting near the top 10 nationally, but that just makes them a bigger target.
Every opponent-especially on their home floor-wants a piece of a ranked team. And when that team is Michigan State, with its pedigree and postseason expectations, the intensity only ramps up.
Washington may be shorthanded, but they’re not unprepared. Oregon may be missing its best player, but the Ducks still have enough firepower to make things interesting. These are trap games in every sense-road tests, hostile environments, and teams with nothing to lose.
Michigan State’s depth, discipline, and ability to adjust on the fly will be tested. These are the kinds of games that don’t just show up in the win-loss column-they reveal what a team is made of. And for the Spartans, the West Coast is about to provide a measuring stick.