Michigan State vs. Duke: TV Schedule and Preview for Champions Classic 2014

Duke believes it is a national title contender, but it will receive its first test of the year in the form of Michigan State.

The Blue Devils dominated weaker competition in their first two games, defeating Presbyterian and Fairfield by at least 50 points in each game. The talented incoming recruiting class has helped create one of the deepest rosters head coach Mike Krzyzewski has ever had.

However, things will get much tougher when the Blue Devils line up against the Spartans. While they are expected to take a step back this season after losing some key players from last year's Elite Eight run, the roster is still loaded, and you should never count out a Tom Izzo team.

We will know a lot more about both of these teams after the game, so make sure you follow along with what should be one of the best nonconference matchups of the season.

Super Freshmen on Display

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Kentucky has been known as the team with the great freshmen (and that hasn't changed this year), but Duke can match the Wildcats this season with a loaded 2014 class.

Josh Stirn of 247Sports was impressed with what he saw from the top two players:

Jahlil Okafor is in the running for the No. 1 pick in the 2015 NBA draft thanks to his size and strength in the low post. The 6'11" center is averaging 18 points and 7.5 rebounds in the first two games and is one of the toughest players in the country to defend.

Of course, he is not the only freshman making an impact early. Justise Winslow, Tyus Jones and Grayson Allen all will have big roles throughout the year on this team.

While relying on inexperienced players could end up being a problem, Krzyzewski is not concerned:

Despite this, the Champions Classic represents a big stage for a number of young players. If the pressure is too much, Duke could struggle.

Rebuilding for Michigan State

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After losing Keith Appling, Gary Harris and Adreian Payne from last year's roster, Michigan State could end up having a tough time contending in the Big Ten.

While Branden Dawson, Travis Trice and Denzel Valentine represent a quality trio, the rest of the roster is full of inexperienced players who seem far away from making an impact at this level.

Even with the weaker roster, though, experts like ESPN's Jay Bilas believe Michigan State remains an elite program:

Dawson played at an elite level in the postseason last year and showed he can carry a team when needed. With transfer Bryn Forbes adding some outside shooting, the backcourt can take care of business as well.

The only problem with this team is a lack of depth. In order for Michigan State to compete at a high level, the supporting cast will have to grow up in a hurry.

Otherwise, the beginning of the year could feature a lot of rough performances.

When: Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. ET

Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis

TV: ESPN

Live Stream: Watch ESPN

Prediction

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Duke has a lot to prove with such a young roster, but this is clearly one of the most talented teams in the nation. Michigan State has few players capable of defending Okafor inside, while any extra attention given to him will leave open a plethora of shooters on the outside.

The Blue Devils might not be able to crack 100 points again, but they will keep the pace up and get plenty of easy buckets.

On the other hand, Michigan State will put up a fight until the lack of depth simply causes the starters to run out of steam. 

You can expect this team to be much better by the end of the year while it tries to contend in the NCAA tournament, but the current roster lacks the game experience necessary to play with the top programs right now.

Prediction: Duke 84, Michigan State 68

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