Michigan State has trailed by double-digits at halftime of its last three Big Ten road games, which account for defeats at Wisconsin and Minnesota and a come-from-behind overtime win at lowly Rutgers. The full season profile of conference play away from the Breslin Center isn’t great, either, because the Spartans have a -31 scoring margin in the first half and a +42 scoring margin in the second half across its seven Big Ten road games (4-3 record). Combine that to my continued belief in Purdue wanting to start hot in a big spot with Mackey Arena at its back, and the idea that some of Michigan State’s strengths (like wearing a team down on the boards) don’t really reveal themselves early in the game.