Feels weird this will be a Big Ten rivalry soon. I've gone back and forth on this and there are reasons to fade my Spartans but I can't do it. The early start time certainly helps them, although USC apparently has been in Ohio for a few days to adjust. Obviously, it will be a pro-Sparty crowd even in hated Columbus. It doesn't seem like Trojans freshman Vincent Iwuchukwu (5.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg) will play. Not a huge loss but every little bit matters. Star Drew Peterson is a bit banged up, too, but will play. Apparently, Sparty big man Malik Hall is as healthy as he has been in a while. And obviously we have the Tom Izzo March factor, although this team is probably out in Round 2. Very evenly matched teams so maybe I'm betting with my heart instead of my head. KenPom as MSU by a point. The Trojans are ranked 326th nationally in offensive rebound percentage and Sparty lives and dies on the boards.

This game is going to be a BATTLE. Both teams rank top 50 in both adjusted offensive efficiency and adjusted defensive efficiency according to KenPom. USC head coach Andy Enfield has had success in the NCAA Tournament as he has a 10-2 ATS record as a head coach. The Spartans are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine games away from home. I trust the Trojans guard duo of Boogie Ellis and Drew Peterson more than anyone on the Spartans. Take the Trojans to move on to the Round of 32.

Michigan State's Malik Hall was a non-factor in the Spartans' Big Ten Tournament loss to Ohio State, scoring three points in 23 minutes and shooting 0 for 6. I'm expecting a big bounceback from the senior, who had averaged 11.6 points in the previous five. Also look for a stronger performance from A.J. Hoggard, who had 53 assists in seven games leading up to the conference tourney. (He had two vs. Ohio State). Michigan State shoots 39.5 percent from 3-point range, which ranks fourth nationally. USC might not have 7-foot-1 freshman Vince Iwuchukwu (back), a key reserve who plays 14 minutes per game. Lay the small number.

The Spartans are ranked second in 3-point shooting percentage. They shot 18.8% from beyond the arc in their loss to Ohio State. USC will be playing this game on a body clock of 9:15 a.m. We just sprung forward too! The Trojans are a poor rebounding team that commits turnovers on 17.6% of their possessions. A Tom Izzo coached team with one week to prepare seems like the right side. Take the Spartans!