Tom Izzo tells fans to expect a "quarterback controversy" as Michigan State coach finalizes starting five guys

Though Michigan State Spartans won both their exhibition games, the roster failed to impress coach Tom Izzo. As coaches across the Division I circuit finalize their rosters and rotations, Izzo is eyeing an eyebrow-raising change in his starting lineup. While the coach realizes there have been improvements made to the roster in recent months, he also shared that there remains plenty to be figured out.

"We got a lot done. "We got a lot of tape to watch" Izzo said after the game against Ferris State. "We got a lot to figure out. Got a lot of bodies, we got a lot of moving parts. There might be some lineup changes, so don’t be surprised if [that happens]. Guys are gonna play well. It’s not the best players, it’s who plays the best."

"So, it’s pretty simple. I think I’ve done a poor job holding my own guys accountable. It’ll be interesting to see what the next four or five days are like. Maybe we’ll have a quarterback controversy. That’ll be fun."

So far, Tom Izzo has not shared details of his lineup change. Michigan State was as efficient as Ferris State in the Oct. 29 matchup. However, there were defensive holes that does not bode well before the season.

Despite low-efficiency outings, Frankie Fidler and Xavier Booker lived up to their leading roles, scoring 14 and 10 points respectively on a combined 33.3% shooting. Jeremy Fears shot 60% from the field, adding nine points and dishing eight dimes.

With that, Szymon Zapala is the only frontcourt starter who struggled heavily throughout the game. He shot 1-5 from the field, garnered four rebounds and scored just two points. He also had the most turnovers (4) and personal fouls (4) in just 14 minutes.

Where did Tom Izzo's roster struggle against Ferris State?

The Spartans garnered 16 offensive rebounds throughout the game. However, it also allowed nine offensive boards. Another instability was decision-making and protecting the ball.

The Spartans forced 18 turnovers and cashed in 24 points off them. Even though Ferris State could only score 10 points off turnovers, it managed to force 14 bad possessions out of Tim Izzo’s squad.

One reason for MSU’s struggles can be Tom Izzo deploying a deep rotation of players. Almost every player entered the game, with 10 players getting double-digit minutes.