When Michigan and Michigan State tip off Friday night at the Breslin Center, it won’t just be another chapter in their storied rivalry - it’ll be the highest-ranked showdown between these two programs in history. Third-ranked Michigan heads into East Lansing to face No. 7 Michigan State, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
But if history is any indicator, the Wolverines have their work cut out for them. They've won just three of their last 25 games in East Lansing, and haven’t tasted victory at the Breslin Center since a 10-point win back in January 2018. That’s four straight losses in the rivalry on the road, and they’ll need to flip that script if they want to stay in the Big Ten title hunt.
New Faces, Old Rivalry
Michigan’s starting lineup features four newcomers - Elliot Cadeau, Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., and Aday Mara - all of whom will be getting their first taste of the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry. That’s a tall order, especially going up against a battle-tested Spartans squad that’s built around continuity and experience.
Michigan assistant coach Mike Boynton knows the challenge well. He pointed to the program Tom Izzo has built - a system that’s been refined and reinforced for decades.
“Jason Richardson, not Jace, he probably can still run their plays,” Boynton joked, referencing the former Spartan star. “They’ve been doing the same things for 25, 30 years, and that’s a testament to Coach Izzo’s consistency and commitment.”
By contrast, Michigan is still in year two of laying its own foundation under this coaching staff. There’s talent, no doubt, but the chemistry and cohesion are still coming together - and that’s especially tested in a rivalry environment on the road.
Expect a Defensive Battle
Don’t expect this game to be a track meet. Boynton hinted that Friday’s matchup could look more like a slugfest than a shootout - think grit over glamor. “Both teams have had high-scoring games,” he said, “but the physicality on defense is going to stand out.”
In other words, this might not be the prettiest game to watch, but it’s going to be a war in the trenches. The team that can stay disciplined and avoid unnecessary fouls will have a real edge - especially in limiting easy points at the line or in transition.
Michigan State thrives on pushing the pace and dominating the glass. They’re elite in transition and rank among the nation’s best in offensive rebounding.
“They rebound as well as any team in the country,” Boynton said. “And even on missed free throws, they’re top 20 nationally in securing those boards.”
That kind of effort on the margins - second-chance points, transition opportunities - can swing a rivalry game. Michigan will need to be locked in on the glass and in transition defense to keep things close.
Containing Jeremy Fears and MSU's Sharpshooters
At the heart of Michigan State’s attack is Jeremy Fears, a dynamic third-year point guard who’s climbed to seventh in KenPom’s National Player of the Year rankings. Keeping him out of the paint will be priority No. 1 for Michigan’s defense.
But it doesn’t stop there. Jaxon Kohler has added a new dimension to his game with improved three-point shooting, and the Spartans are getting contributions from deep across the board.
“Coen Carr is 7-of-11 from three over his last four games,” Boynton noted. “That’s a real weapon for them now.”
So while the game might start as a grind, there’s potential for it to open up if shooters get hot. But don’t count on it. “There’s an opportunity for the game to look more fluid,” Boynton said, “but I doubt it.”
Turnovers Could Be the Difference
If there’s one area Michigan must clean up, it’s turnovers. Over the last five games, they’ve coughed it up at a 19.7% clip - nearly matching the struggles of last year’s squad.
Against Nebraska, they turned it over 19 times for a season-worst 26.8% turnover rate. That kind of inefficiency simply won’t fly in a rivalry game on the road.
Interestingly, Michigan State doesn’t force a ton of turnovers (they rank 226th nationally), but their physicality can disrupt offensive rhythm and force mistakes. In a game likely to be decided by a few key possessions, every turnover looms large.
“We want to play fast, but there’s a time and place,” Boynton said. “Sometimes it’s about slowing down, making the simple play, trusting the next guy.”
That trust, that willingness to make the “hockey assist” instead of the home-run pass, could be the difference between a wasted possession and a clean look. And even if the shot doesn’t fall, Michigan’s offensive rebounding gives them a chance to extend possessions - something that’s far more valuable than giving the ball away.
Bottom Line
This one’s going to be physical, emotional, and intense - everything you expect from a Michigan-Michigan State showdown. For the Wolverines, it’s a chance to prove that their new core can handle the spotlight and the hostility of one of college basketball’s toughest road environments. For the Spartans, it’s about defending home court and showing that experience still matters in March-level matchups.
Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. Friday night at the Breslin Center. Buckle up.