A look at MSU's brutal nonconference schedule

Posted by Chris Mackinder (http://blog.mlive.com/ganggreen/about.html) May 12, 2008 21:15PM

While the entire schedule hasn't been released, the Lansing State Journal takes a quick peek at what we know about Michigan State's nonconference hoops schedule for 2008-09.
May 12, 2008, Greenandwhite.com (http://noise.typepad.com/hey_joe/2008/05/another-hoops-s.html): Houston's Toyota Center has announced it will host MSU vs. Texas on Dec. 20, the second part of a Saturday doubleheader that will begin with Texas A&M against LSU. So while MSU hasn't yet announced its full nonleague slate, we know:
* The Spartans will be in the Old Spice Classic from Nov. 27-30 in Orlando, a three-game tournament with a field that includes Georgetown, Tennessee, Gonzaga and Maryland.
* Right after that, MSU will head to Ford Field for a monster matchup with North Carolina (almost assuredly the preseason No. 1 team) in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. That'll be Wednesday, Dec. 3.
* Defending national champ Kansas will visit Breslin Center at some point, probably some time in December.


So Texas, UNC, Kansas and probably 2 of the 4 teams mentioned in the Old Spice Tourney. That will toughen them up fast.

The Spartans will be in the Old Spice Classic

At least they'll be safe...from odor.

Do they have to play Grand Valley State again?

They could possibly lose to UNC although its at home which helps (Detroit is home) and the rest they should win quite easily. Tennessee, Georgetown and Maryland are all good teams, but none are on the level of Michigan State next year. Kansas lost too much and Texas doesn't provide a major threat barring a return from Augustine.

Georgetown loses two guys as well, and won't be nearly as good as they were this year.

Could we be primed to witness the best coaching job ever?

Could we be primed to witness the best coaching job ever?

Only if they finish sub-.500.