It’s that time of year when the Michigan State basketball schedule typically starts to come together.
We already have a sense of who the Spartans will face during the Big Ten season (although specific dates are pending), and we also know a few non-conference matchups (including the Champions Classic and the Maui Invitational). Recently, MSU announced another non-conference opponent for the upcoming season.
Source: Next season's game between Michigan State and Oakland will be played on December 17th at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) June 20, 2024
According to Jon Rothstein at CBS Sports, Michigan State will square off against Oakland in a neutral venue game on December 17.
Oakland’s inclusion on the schedule isn’t surprising, as the Spartans have played against the Golden Grizzlies for the past 12 seasons. What’s different this year is that the game will be held at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, rather than in East Lansing. This switch isn’t unprecedented for this rivalry; the last time they played in Detroit was just a few seasons ago in 2021.
This upcoming matchup will mark the 23rd meeting between Michigan State and Oakland, with the Spartans boasting an impressive 22-0 record against their opponents. While MSU is expected to win against Oakland, college basketball is unpredictable, making Michigan State’s sustained dominance noteworthy.
While there are still many games to be added to MSU’s schedule, the framework is beginning to take shape, which is exciting news for fans. This season holds significant importance for the program and for Tom Izzo’s legacy, and anticipation is building for the start of play.
