Michigan State coach Tom Izzo makes his feelings known about the Spartans' "tough schedule"

Michigan State Spartans coach Tom Izzo has made his feelings known concerning the Spartans “tough schedule.” The Spartans are off to a 4-1 start to the season in the Big Ten after their recent 83-75 victory over the Samford Bulldogs on Tuesday.

After the game against Samford, Izzo spoke about the team's tough fixture schedule and the need to upgrade the level of opponents.

“What we tried to do this year, we got a couple more coming up. I never was happy with our ranking at the end because I always thought we played a tough schedule,” Izzo said.

“You play three or four teams (because) you have to play somebody at home, so we said we've got to upgrade a little bit in the mid-major deal. This was a hell of an upgrade. I give them a lot of credit. I think they're gonna be really good.”

The Spartans faced off against No.1-ranked Kansas earlier in the month and lost 77-69. Michigan State is set to go on a three-game run against Colorado, Minnesota and Nebraska.

"I think we'll reap the benefits quickly,” Izzo said. “I know Colorado, the next team we play, presses some. This game will help us. I hate to admit it, but you play these games and everybody (fans) just wants the Kansas games.”

Tom Izzo's Spartans are currently third in the Big Ten Conference in rebounds per game, averaging 41.6 in the first five games. MSU is also in the top 10 in points per game, averaging 83.0 points per game. Meanwhile, they are giving up 68.2 points to their opponents, placing them in 13th in the conference.

Jaden Akins is leading the Spartans in points, averaging 14.6 per game.

Tom Izzo's Michigan State set for March Madness rematch with North Carolina on Thanksgiving 2025

With 2025 around the corner, the Michigan State Spartans are set to play a rematch against 2024 March Madness opponents, North Carolina on Thanksgiving 2025 in Fort Myers.

In an X post, Michigan State Basketball made the announcement that the event will be included in the 2025 Fort Myers Tip-Off event set to take place in Florida.

The annual celebration is aimed at bringing top-ranked programs to Southwest Florida from men's and women's college basketball for a six-day competition during the Thanksgiving week.

Tom Izzo's Spartans took on the Tar Heels in the second round of last year's NCAA Tournament. North Carolina came out on top, 85-69.