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Caputo: Three Main Factors That Will Determine The Michigan-MSU Game Tonight

By: Pat Caputo

1. Can Michigan State exploit its advantage inside - The Spartans' Adreian Payne is vastly improved and Derrick Nix is solid. Mitch McGary is very good for a freshman, but Jordan Morgan has been hurt and not that effective. The Spartans should have a huge edge in the paint.

2. Will Trey Burke outplay Keith Appling - Other than a horrible game at Indiana, Appling has played with more consistency this season. But Burke might be the player of the year, not only in the Big Ten, but nationally.

3. Will Michigan's highly-touted freshmen Glenn Robinson III and Nic Stauskas show up - They haven't in the big conference road games. Chances are MSU freshman Gary Harris will play well. He is, hands down, the best freshman in the Big Ten.

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