Indiana @ MSU - Pregame Thread - 2/14 - 1300 EST on CBS

[MartintheMopMan 7,765]

All right, now to one of the three biggest challenges of the season. We dropped the ball completely on the first challenge (Duke) and have two more opportunities to step up. Can this team bring the Assembly Hall magic to the frigid north?

 

Also, doing something a little different. I'm going to set this topic to automatically close at 1200 EST and the game thread will open.

 

And hey, if you guys see interesting previews or other articles about the upcoming match-up, feel free to link them here. That kind of discussion would be great.

 

Prediction league:

 

https://btownbanners.com/topic/9204-prediction-league-game-26-week-14-iu-vs-michigan-state-021416/

 

The Numbers:

 

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[Parakeet Jones 3,745]

Before the season started I pegged @PSU as a win and this one as a loss.  If we win, we end up in the same place I thought we'd be.  I refused to let myself even thing about the B1G title after PSU.  IF we win this one, I'll consider the idea again.  

 

This is Sparty's time of year we are entering and I expect a war.  I think they're going to try to ugly it up on us.  A win in that kind of game on the road against a quality team would really be impressive.  

[chitown hoosier 743]

The key to the game will be Forbes. Denzel will get his like he always does. Rob or Yogi, whoever is gaurding Forbes, needs to stick to him like glue. TB also needs to stay out of foul trouble. I think Indiana matches up well against them this year. Yogi doesn't have a game like last night and Indiana can definitely pull out a W.

[MartintheMopMan 7,765]

Before the season started I pegged @PSU as a win and this one as a loss.  If we win, we end up in the same place I thought we'd be.  I refused to let myself even thing about the B1G title after PSU.  IF we win this one, I'll consider the idea again.  

 

This is Sparty's time of year we are entering and I expect a war.  I think they're going to try to ugly it up on us.  A win in that kind of game on the road against a quality team would really be impressive.  

What's interesting about MSU's schedule, is even if they aren't actually playing any better for this last 6 game stretch, they are very unlikely to lose more than 1, if even. We are the best team they face, they have 4 home games, and the away games are @OSU and @Rutgers. Losing to us is the only good loss available, the rest (maybe @OSU) would be pretty inexcusable.

 

They'll have 6 conference losses at the most I'd say. Depending on how the rest of the Big Ten shakes out, that is good enough for 5th seed in the Big Ten Tourney at the lowest, probably 4th seed ahead of Purdue if they tie in their record.

[hoosierpap 14,300]

I don't have a good feeling about this. MSU this time of year, at home....not gonna kill Crean if this turns out how I think it will

[WayneFleekHoosier 48,230]

I don't have a good feeling about this. MSU this time of year, at home....not gonna kill Crean if this turns out how I think it will

exactly true. They will be on full tilt. That place will be a zoo. I fear a buzz saw coming.

[Walking Boot of Doom 18,170]

Crean is coaching his best. Let's see if it's good enough. This game would really prove something to me if we pulled it off. I hope Harris doesn't start playing well against us like the usual Indiana kid does.

[Sota Hoosier 450]

I think the squad comes out ready for the challenge. I have more faith in this team since they have seen leads dissipate and gotten down but have bounced back.

 

I like our match-ups too against them this year too.

 

This would be a bigger resume builder than the Iowa win and would send a message that we're the real deal.

 

Would love to see Yogi step up and bounce back.

[MartintheMopMan 7,765]

I don't have a good feeling about this. MSU this time of year, at home....not gonna kill Crean if this turns out how I think it will

Definitely agree. And I mean, KenPom has us with less than 1 in 4 shot at winning this one and I can't argue with the numbers too much. Tom Crean has never won @MSU as an underdog (and only once otherwise in 2012-13).

 

I think we have a shot this year and I'm certainly not picking against the Hoosiers, but this is a game we could realistically lose and I would not have to take a break from basketball for a couple of days.

 

That said, I want us to come in confident and hot and shove the ball down their throats.

[Bobman1 2,909]

I'm, expecting a loss. But pulling for IU and wouldn't be shocked if we won. This would be HUGE if we came out of East Lansing with a W.

[Brass Cannon 24,621]

Honestly if we lose this I won't be upset but it will make our last 5 must wins to get a title I think

[OliviaPope40 6,505]

Denzel Valentine on Valentine's Day I don't know if I want to be around for that. 

[coonhounds 8,881]

I don't have a good feeling about this. MSU this time of year, at home....not gonna kill Crean if this turns out how I think it will

only reason I will blame crean is because of the big egg laid at Penn state. Now he needs,a make-up game lol. This would qualify imo

[Trish 11,542]

Every time I predict use to lose we win, so maybe I should keep it up

[AKHoosier 6,804]

I think this game will cause me to be angry the rest of Sunday.  Glad it's not a Saturday afternoon game so it won't ruin the rest of my weekend.

[Scooter D 928]

To have a chance to win this game, the Hoosiers are going to need one of those 28-0 runs.

[Whoozhers 3,677]

We can do it. Just got to bring it. Shots falling in rhythm..... Defense driving the offense.......Hoosiers are unstoppable!
GO HOOSIERS!

[cappymo14 2,276]

I believe we can definitely win this game. MSU is playing well but, they are not killing teams by any stretch. To win, TB cannot get into foul trouble because this game will be about rebounding. OG, Tom, Troy, Max. Crash and crash and crash. Whatever it takes. Can't expect MSU to miss 3-4 consecutive, point-blank tries like Iowa did.

[DChoosier 8,314]

Anyone watching UCLA-AZ?
Did not think it was possible but Miller makes Crean look mellow on the sideline.
He is regularly walking 4-5 feet onto the court when UCLA has a live ball in front of his bench.
I would T him up.


EDIT: oops, meant to post this in college game thread not MSU pre-game

[Never Daunted 398]

Anyone watching UCLA-AZ?
Did not think it was possible but Miller makes Crean look mellow on the sideline.
He is regularly walking 4-5 feet onto the court when UCLA has a live ball in front of his bench.
I would T him up.


EDIT: oops, meant to post this in college game thread not MSU pre-game

SHAME **rings bell**