Usc Trojans vs Michigan State Spartans Picks and Predictions February 1st 2025

No. 7 Michigan State opens February gauntlet at USC

Michigan State has soared to No. 7 in the rankings after an undefeated stretch in December and January. But if the Spartans want to prove they’re the best team in the country, February will be their ultimate test.

Their gauntlet begins on Saturday with a road matchup against USC in Los Angeles, a game that presents a key challenge for both teams.

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Michigan State’s February Gauntlet: A True Test for the Spartans

The Spartans (18-2, 9-0 Big Ten) enter February riding a 13-game winning streak and sitting atop the Big Ten standings. However, their upcoming schedule is among the toughest in the nation.

Michigan State will play eight games this month, five of which are on the road, and six against teams ranked No. 33 or better in the NET rankings. Every win will be crucial as the Spartans push for a top NCAA Tournament seed.

Head coach Tom Izzo knows the challenge ahead:

“The road is gonna get tougher. (The schedule) is backloaded… all but one of our next 11 games, if you win, would be a Quad 1 win. That kind of tells you a lot.”

Still, Izzo remains confident in his team, crediting their depth and consistency.

The Spartans’ Winning Formula: Depth & Defense

Unlike many top teams that rely on one or two star players, Michigan State wins through balance.

• Jaden Akins is the team’s only double-digit scorer, averaging 13.6 points per game.
• Four other players contribute at least 8.3 points per game.
• Their rotation runs 10 deep, allowing them to wear down opponents.

Michigan State’s defense has also been a key factor. The Spartans rank top 20 in adjusted defensive efficiency, limiting opponents to under 40% shooting from the field.

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USC’s Challenge: Depth Concerns but a Dangerous Offense

The Trojans (12-8, 4-5 Pac-12) enter this game looking for a signature win after falling 82-76 to rival UCLA on Monday.

While USC has struggled with consistency, they’ve shown flashes of being an NCAA Tournament-caliber team. A victory over No. 7 Michigan State (NET No. 17) would be a huge resume boost.

However, USC faces a depth issue:

• Terrance Williams (10.6 PPG) has been out since December with a wrist injury.
• Matt Knowling (foot) is also sidelined, reducing the rotation to six or seven players.

Despite this, the Trojans still have a balanced scoring attack, featuring four regulars averaging double figures:

• Desmond Claude – 16.1 PPG
• Chibuzo Agbo – 11.6 PPG
• Wesley Yates – 11.4 PPG
• Saint Thomas – 11.1 PPG

Against UCLA, Rashaun Agee stepped up, scoring a season-high 21 points. He’ll need another big performance to challenge Michigan State’s depth.

USC head coach Eric Musselman acknowledged the challenge his team faces:

“We have two guys out and I think they’ve been out for quite some time. Some teams keep coming at you with a seventh, eighth, and ninth man.”

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Michigan State’s Depth vs. USC’s Short Rotation

• The Spartans can bring fresh legs off the bench, while the Trojans may struggle with fatigue.
• If Michigan State pushes the tempo, USC’s lack of depth could become a problem late in the game.

2. Jaden Akins vs. Desmond Claude

• Akins leads Michigan State in scoring, but Claude is the best offensive weapon for USC.
• The battle between these two could dictate which team controls the pace.

3. Rebounding Battle

• Michigan State is one of the best rebounding teams in the Big Ten, while USC has struggled on the boards.
• If the Spartans dominate second-chance opportunities, USC will have a hard time keeping up.

Historical Context: A Rare Matchup

This will be the first-ever regular season meeting between Michigan State and USC. The only two previous matchups came in the NCAA Tournament:

• 2009: Michigan State won in the second round.
• 2023: Michigan State won in the first round.

The Spartans hope to maintain their perfect record against the Trojans, while USC looks for its first-ever win against Michigan State.

Basketball Betting Guide

Prediction & Betting Outlook

Spread: Michigan State -6.5
Over/Under: 141.5

Prediction:
Michigan State’s depth, defense, and rebounding should give them the edge. USC’s short rotation might keep things close early, but expect the Spartans to pull away in the second half.

Final Score Prediction: Michigan State 78, USC 68

Final Thoughts

Michigan State enters this matchup as the clear favorite, but USC has a chance to make things interesting. If the Trojans can hit outside shots and limit turnovers, they could push the Spartans.

However, Michigan State’s depth and defense should ultimately be too much for USC to handle. This game will be a crucial first step in the Spartans’ February gauntlet, setting the tone for their toughest stretch of the season.