Michigan State vs. Ohio State: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

The Michigan State Spartans and the Ohio State Buckeyes will meet for the first time this season and the winner will gain a nice edge in the Big Ten standings. 

Ohio State is currently No. 3 in the country, riding a solid six-game winning streak. Michigan State, on the other hand, is No. 12 in the nation and has won two games in a row. The Spartans did, however, suffer a few tough losses over the last month. 

All of that can be forgotten, though, with a sound victory over the Buckeyes. Both teams are incredibly gifted and this game will be a true test for each. A lot will be learned from this game, as both teams will use it a means to prepare for not just the rest of the season, but also the NCAA Tournament.

With that said, let's take a look at some specifics of this Big Ten showdown. 

When: Saturday, Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. ET 

Where: Value City Arena, Columbus, OH

Watch: ESPN 

Live Stream: ESPN3.com 

Betting Line: Ohio State (-10) 

What's At Stake? 

The Spartans are currently 8-3 in conference play, whereas the Buckeyes are 9-2. Michigan State needs to get a victory to gain first place and to prevent the Buckeyes from pulling away. 

There's always the second meeting between these two to pick up ground. The teams should square off again in the Big Ten Conference Tournament. 

For this game, though, the winner will have a good advantage in the conference rankings, because it will give them great confidence moving forward. The season is dwindling down, so each game counts that much more. 

Michigan State Injury Report 

*According to the Chicago Tribune

No injuries to report 

Ohio State Injury Report 

*According to the Chicago Tribune

No injuries to report 

What They're Saying

Todd Jones writes for The Columbus Dispatch and he talked with Spartans' head coach Tom Izzo about the upcoming game. Here's what Izzo had to say:

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"We’ve got a lot of work to do in two days,” Izzo said. “But this is a fun time. We’ve put ourselves in a position to win a big game. 

"We’re definitely looking forward to going down there (to Ohio State) to try to steal a game,” Green said. “Last year was a battle. We went down to the wire there. No one expects to just walk in there and walk through them. We've got to bust through there." 

"

It certainly won't be easy for Izzo's Spartans because the Buckeyes are playing superb basketball right now. There aren't many teams around the nation who are as hot as Ohio State is at the moment. 

Izzo and his squad have their work cut out for them, especially since this is a road game. Still, though, they have potential because they've gained valuable experience throughout the course of the season.

Michigan State has learned a lot about itself this season. The Spartans will apply what they know and go to work against the Buckeyes. 

Shawn Windsor writes for the Detroit Free Press, and he mentioned how difficult this season has been for Michigan State:

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RealTimeRPI.com ranks MSU's strength of schedule as the third-toughest in the country -- behind Duke and Connecticut. Before the Penn State game, MSU had played 12 of its 23 games against opponents in the RPI top 100.

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Given that, it's very astounding that this Michigan State team is 19-5 and in position to take first place of the Big Ten.

Not only does a strong schedule help the Spartans get a good ranking in the NCAA Tournament, it also helps them prepare to face the best of the best, which is what we'll see on Saturday. 

The Buckeyes are one of the best teams, if not the best team, in the country. That means Michigan State has to step up and show that they can hang with the big boys of this season. Just hanging tight with Ohio State throughout the game will be good for the Spartans. 

Michigan State Player to Watch 

Draymond Green leads the Spartans in scoring and rebounding. He is also a close second in assists. 

Green averages 15 points and 10 rebounds per game. Michigan State needs him to be at the top of his game on Saturday. 

If the Spartans wish to pull the big upset, Green will have to put the team on his back. The 6'7", 230-pound forward is the senior leader. It's up to him to make sure Michigan State stays competitive with the Buckeyes. 

Ohio State Player to Watch 

Jared Sullinger leads the Buckeyes with an average of 17 points and nine rebounds per game. He's a beast down low, and one of the most difficult players in the country to slow down. 

Look for Sullinger to continue his hot streak against Michigan State. He's averaging 21 points per game in the month of February. 

A dominant showing by Sullinger on both offense and defense will make it extremely hard for Michigan State to find success. 

 

Key Matchup 

Whichever team can dominate the paint and crash the boards the most has the best chance at winning. 

Ohio State is better at knocking down their shots, but Michigan State is better at rebounding. If the Spartans can own the glass and create second and third-chance opportunities, they can pull off the upset. 

Each team will have to limit the other's star player, which won't be easy. 

Prediction 

Ohio State 80, Michigan State 73