Michigan State Falls Flat Against Michigan - But Jordan Scott Offers a Spark Worth Building On
Friday night in East Lansing wasn’t just another rivalry game - it was a gut check for Michigan State, and the Spartans didn’t pass the test. In a matchup that usually brings out the best in Tom Izzo’s teams, Michigan State came out flat and stayed that way, getting thoroughly outplayed by a Michigan squad that brought more energy, more toughness, and more urgency from the opening tip.
This wasn’t just a loss. It was a statement - and not the kind Izzo wanted to make on his birthday.
Michigan State looked out of sync, outworked, and, frankly, out-toughed. For a program that prides itself on grit and defensive intensity, that’s a tough pill to swallow.
The Spartans were slow to loose balls, sluggish in transition, and couldn’t generate consistent offense in the half court. Outside of a couple bright spots, it was a night to forget for the green and white.
Jeremy Fears Shines Bright in a Tough Loss
If there was one player who didn’t back down, it was Jeremy Fears. The sophomore guard turned in a career night, dropping 31 points and dishing out seven assists on 9-of-20 shooting.
He was aggressive, decisive, and kept attacking even as the rest of the offense sputtered. Fears played with the kind of fire Izzo demands - and he did it for all 40 minutes.
But Fears didn’t do it alone.
Jordan Scott Makes His Case
Freshman forward Jordan Scott may not have entered the game as a major storyline, but he left it looking like a player who could be a key piece moving forward. Scott brought energy, effort, and a level of intensity that stood out in a game where Michigan State desperately needed a jolt. He logged 26 minutes off the bench - more than both Divine Ugochukwu and Kur Teng, who each played just 12.
Scott even earned the start in the second half, a move Izzo hinted could become more permanent in the coming weeks.
“There are some things I've wanted to do for a couple of weeks now because I saw some things coming, and we'll do that now,” Izzo said after the game.
That sure sounds like a coach ready to shake up his rotation - and Scott might be the first name on the list.
The Case for a Lineup Change
Let’s be real: Michigan State’s offense has been stuck in the mud lately. The ball movement is stagnant, the spacing is inconsistent, and the shot selection has been questionable. A change might not just be coming - it might be necessary.
Scott brings a different dimension to the floor. He’s a versatile wing who can handle the ball, knock down shots, and defend multiple positions.
More importantly, he plays with a motor that doesn’t quit. That kind of hustle can be contagious, and it’s exactly what this team has been missing.
Ugochukwu, to his credit, has been steady in stretches, but he hasn’t provided the offensive punch the Spartans need at the two-guard spot. Sliding him back into a backup point guard role - where he’s shown more comfort - could help both him and the team. Meanwhile, giving Scott a starting role could inject some much-needed pace and playmaking into a lineup that’s been searching for answers.
Looking Ahead
Michigan State doesn’t have the luxury of time. The Big Ten grind doesn’t slow down, and the margin for error is shrinking. If Izzo is going to retool this rotation - and all signs point to that happening - now’s the time.
Scott has earned his shot. He’s not just a spark off the bench anymore - he might be the key to unlocking a lineup that’s been stuck in neutral.
And after a rivalry loss like this, the Spartans need more than just tweaks. They need energy.
They need edge.
They need more Jordan Scott.