Michigan State vs. Kentucky: Players Who Will Steal the Show in Big Matchup

College basketball is back in full swing. With the 24 Hour Tip-Off Marathon underway, the night will be headlined by two huge games. At 7:30 p.m. ET, No. 1 Kentucky will take on No. 2 Michigan State. This game will be followed by fourth-ranked Duke taking on fifth-ranked Kansas at 9:30 p.m. ET.

After both Michigan State and Kentucky failed to reach their potential last season, these teams will certainly look to get a big early-season win in this game. Head coaches John Calipari and Tom Izzo will have their teams ready to go when the top two squads in the country come together.

A night that certainly has high expectations leads to one question: Who is going to step up?

Here’s a look at a couple of players who will have the biggest impact on Tuesday's game.

Julius Randle, PF, Kentucky

This was an easy choice. The freshman forward is off to a ridiculous start for the Wildcats this season. After back-to-back double-doubles in his first two games, Randle will absolutely be ready for this game.

According to CBSSports.com, he’s one of the front-runners for the top pick in next year’s NBA draft and is already making his case for Naismith College Player of the Year. Expect another double-double and some highlight-reel plays from Randle in his first collegiate appearance on the national stage.

Andrew Harrison, PG, Kentucky

Although Andrew Harrison has not performed exceptionally well in either game yet, expect this to be his best outing. It will obviously be a tough matchup with Michigan State, but Harrison will show up prepared and ready to play in the biggest game of his young college career.

The play of Harrison is extremely important to Kentucky’s success. Both he and his brother Aaron need to be great if the Wildcats want to knock off the Spartans.

Adreian Payne, C, Michigan State

Adreian Payne is going to have to battle down low with Kentucky’s big men, but he will be able to handle it just fine. The Michigan State senior knows what it takes to win big games and will face the competition without fear on Tuesday night.

Payne’s big game may not show up in the statistics, but he will certainly have a giant impact. Watch for his performance to be a key factor in the Spartans’ final result.

Gary Harris, SG, Michigan State

Gary Harris should prove to be the difference in Tuesday's game. With the sophomore coming off a 20-point, 10-rebound, six-assist performance in his team's opening game, he will be ready to go tonight. 

Harris, a tough player for anyone to contain, could cause some problems defensively for Kentucky’s freshman guards.

Harris will show that the best recruiting class does not always mean better results. Expect Harris to carry the Spartans to victory in tonight’s battle.

Game Prediction: 73-65 Michigan State

What are your predictions for this matchup? Who will have the biggest impact and who will come out on top?