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ESPN: Best-Case Result For MSU Basketball Is Elite Eight Appearance

By: Will Burchfield
@burchie_kid

ESPN released its college basketball preview today, featuring power rankings for the top 25 teams along with the best-case and worst-case scenario for each squad.

For the Spartans, the ceiling is high - although not quite as high as it's been in years past. The floor, meanwhile, might sound familiar.

According to ESPN, if all goes well for Michigan State the team can reach the Elite Eight. If things go awry, the Spartans may fall victim to another premature collapse.

Last year, as some fans might recall, Michigan State was shocked by Middle Tennessee in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.

ESPN ranked Michigan State 13th in the country and 2nd in the Big Ten, one spot behind Wisconsin. The Spartans are ranked No. 12 in the AP preseason poll and No. 9 in the USA Today Coaches Poll.

The biggest question facing Michigan State, ESPN suggests, is whether or not its highly-touted freshman class can replace the likes of Denzel Valentine, Bryn Forbes and Matt Costello. The Spartans 2016 class is led by two five-star recruits in forward Miles Bridges and guard Josh Langord.

Per Jay Bilas:

"Best case: Elite Eight...Michigan State returns some quality talent and has an excellent recruiting class coming in, but replacing the leadership of Denzel Valentine and the shooting of Bryn Forbes will not be easy. Eron Harris, the transfer from West Virginia, will need to have his best season. Harris was terrific last season, and defended at a high level."

"Worst case: Early exit. If it happened last season, it can happen again. With injuries, which always seem to hit Michigan State with more than its share, heady plans can be dashed. Already, Michigan State is battling injuries with Gavin Schilling out early for the second straight season."

ESPN's Joe Lunardi believes Michigan State will earn a 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Vegas gives the Spartans 18-to-1 odds to win the national championship.

Michigan State opens play against No. 10 Arizona on Nov. 11.

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