Michigan State Spartans face UNC in one of the toughest games of the year

MSU's Chris Allen gets a pass out (AP Photo)

Alright, Mr. Izzo. If you like tough games early in the season, well here's your chance to prove why.

The Michigan State Spartans will face the #1 UNC Tar Heels at the home of the Detroit Lions in what is sure to be an explosive (and telling) game. Last week, the Spartans fell to the unranked Maryland team in what most would call an embarrassing fashion (I would). If that is the team that shows up to Ford Field, then forget it. It's over before it began.

With this year's ACC/Big Ten Challenge being a focal point of the preseason due to the impressive talent bank and depth of the Spartans,
it would seem that after a loss to a team like Maryland that the Spartans have no chance to prove themselves against the top-ranked team in the country.

But that's just what they need to do.

If Michigan State is going to bounce back and prove that it is the Final Four contender that many thought it could be, a win over UNC is just what is needed to reinstate those feelings.

Will it happen though? With Goran Suton possibly still out, and Delvon Roe hobbled with injuries and limited playing time, it could be messy.

Many times in Michigan State's past, in football and basketball alike, the Spartans have fought against the odds to gain an upset here and there in their schedules.

Well, that's all nice and comforting, but it has to happen Wednesday at the house the Ford built to mean anything.

How did Spartan players feel about the disappointing Old Spice Classic? Kalin Lucas had this to say about the loss to Maryland,

"We thought we'd be in the championship game, but things happen and we lost,'' Michigan State sophomore guard Kalin Lucas said.

I guess we all thought Michigan State had a shot. But now is the time to rebound (literally too) and gain a win against the top-ranked team. Should Michigan State win this pivotal game, a lot of hopes could easily be restored for this season (I know mine would).

"We know North Carolina will play great defense and run on us and if we're not making our free throws they'll beat us bad,'' Lucas said. "We need to regroup, get back, focus and do the things that work for us.''

Head coach Tom Izzo added,

"It's going to be fun, and we've got two days to get ready,'' Izzo said of the Tar Heels. "If we don't, we'll get embarrassed. I think we'll have our players' attention.''

As for missing star, and key player, Goran Suton, playing in the match up?

"He hasn't practiced in two weeks and he couldn't play [Sunday], so I can't see how he could play in a game like that,'' Izzo said.

Suton himself had this to say,

"I want to play so bad, it's ridiculous,'' Suton said. "I've been looking forward to it all year. I want to play in front of the biggest crowd I've ever been in front of, and hopefully I'll be ready.''

Hopefully you will be ready. Hopefully all the Spartans will be ready. Check back tomorrow for more coverage.

10 questions: The ACC-Big Ten Challenge

PAT CAPUTO: MSU faces a defining moment