The #1 shift

Bruised, battered, and bloodied, the Michigan State Spartans managed to tie their series with the Minnesota Gophers on Wednesday night and keep their hopes of a Big Ten Title alive.  The first half was a battle of defenses with both teams shooting poorly from the field and ending the first 20 minutes of play with the Gophers edging the Spartans 20-18.  The highlight of the half was the number of turnovers tallied by the Spartans: ZERO.

Adjustments were made in the second half and within about seven minutes, the Spartans had already doubled their score and looked alive.  With Trice out, due to concussion-like symptoms, Appling was forced to play more minutes than usual.  Harris played with a poor back, and Payne had to take a break in order to stop-up a bloody nose.  When Appling popped his shoulder out near the end of the game, it seemed the team might inevitably fall apart.  But with Appling's return from the locker room and a W secured under their belt, all the pain and blood was worth it.

The win on Wednesday kept Michigan State tied for second place in the Big Ten with their rival, Michigan.  But then Thursday happened.  Thanks to literally a last second layup on an inbounds play, Illinois defeated #1 Indiana.  The win shifted the top of the Big Ten into a three-way tie between Indiana, Michigan, and Michigan State.  And with a month left in Conference play, how will it all play out?  Do the Spartans have a chance at maintaining their lead in the Big Ten?  Here's what the rest of the season looks like for the top leaders:

Indiana:
February 10: Ohio State.  The Buckeyes are one game behind a first place spot.  The game will be played in Columbus.  I'm rooting for a Buckeye win.

February 19: Michigan State.  Could very well be the deciding game for the Big Ten Title.  My vote is the Spartans.

March 5: Ohio State again.

March 10: Michigan.  Could also be a deciding game for the Big Ten Title.  I'll pick who I want to win that game as it gets closer.

Summary: The Hoosiers have had an overall successful and impressive season but some major battles are still to be fought.  I didn't even mention another game against Minnesota, where the Gophers will seek revenge from their previous loss.

Michigan:

February 9: Wisconsin.  Though the rankings don't show it, Wisconsin is a tough team to beat, especially when playing on their home court.  Somehow those Badgers manage to slow any team down and force them to play their style of ball.  Interestingly, this is the only time the two teams will meet this season.  Go Badgers!

February 12: Michigan State.  The two rivals will battle it out at the Breslin.  The intensity level of that game will generate enough heat to melt all the snow currently accumulating outside my window.  You know my pick for that game.

March 2: Michigan State again.  One team will be seeking revenge.  The other, aiming to hold on to their bragging rights.

March 10: Indiana as stated previously.

Summary: Similar to the Hoosiers, several big games still to be played to test the Wolverine strength.  Michigan only plays the Badgers AND the Gophers once this season.  Is this an advantage for their record but a disadvantage for their long-term growth as a team?  Tomorrow will give us a clue.

Michigan State:

February 9: Purdue.  Though the Boilermakers have not made national clamor, they are 5-5 in the best conference in the country.  That's not too shabby.  This will not be an easy game for the battered Spartans.

February 12: Michigan.  See above.

February 19: Indiana.  See above.

February 24: Ohio State. Played in Columbus, the Buckeyes will be out to tie the series.  Coming right after the game against the Hoosiers, this game will be a true test of grit.

March 2: Michigan. Not a lot of rest for the weary.  I'll be pleased coming out of this three game stretch with a 2-1 record.

March 7: Wisconsin. A little more offense than the last meeting would be nice.  Maybe the izzone will help.

Summary: Yikes.  Spartan fans need to look on the bright side.  Every tough game makes us better, stronger, and more prepared for the emotion-packed games during March Madness.  Last year, our guys surprised many in the nation (and even me, I'll admit) by beating Ohio State on their home court.  Our guys this year almost made it happen at Indiana.  They got it in them to surprise the critics and win these big games both at home and even more so, on the road. Let's get it done!