“I’m feeling good. We’ll talk about retirement—why? What the hell am I going to do? The minute I don’t feel good, the minute I don’t feel like I’m giving my AD, president, or school every ounce of energy I have every day… you won’t have to worry about it. I don’t steal money,” Izzo told reporters after the loss.

Izzo emphasized that retirement is not on the table right now. “I won’t steal anybody’s time. But it’s sure as hell not going to be now,” he said, adding that he still has unfinished business with the program where he has won one national championship. “I’ve got some things to accomplish.”

Izzo makes it clear he’s not done yet

After addressing the growing retirement speculation, Izzo was asked where he sees himself in the next five years. He doubled down on his earlier stance, making it clear his focus remains on chasing another major title with Michigan State.

“Trying to win a National Championship. Plain and simple,” Izzo said bluntly. Over the past decade, he has consistently kept the Spartans in the postseason, including conference regular-season titles in 2017-18, 2019-20, and 2024-25, along with a conference tournament title in 2018-19.

Replacing a coach who has delivered this level of sustained success will not be easy for Michigan State. While the program hasn’t returned to the national championship stage since the 1999-00 season, Izzo has continued to prove his value as one of the game’s most respected leaders.

“Tom Izzo can retire with four more national championships or retire tonight, and he will go down in history as one of the greatest to ever do it,” Gary Parrish of CBS Sports said, reinforcing the legacy Izzo continues to build after a 27-8 regular season.

UConn enters with strong momentum after handling the early rounds, while Michigan State leans on its tournament pedigree and the leadership of Pat Fitzgerald. It’s a clash between consistency and experience at the perfect time.

With no room for error, the equation is clear: survive and advance or go home. This matchup could define not only who moves forward, but how the 2026 NCAA Tournament is remembered.

What happens if UConn beat Michigan State today?

If UConn beats Michigan State today, they will advance to the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. The victory would keep UConn Huskies alive in March Madness and move them one step closer to another Final Four appearance.

Coming into this matchup, UConn has shown strong form throughout the tournament, including a convincing win over UCLA to reach the Sweet 16. Advancing again would not only extend their run but also strengthen their case as a championship-caliber team.

A win would also set up a high-stakes Elite Eight clash, where the margin for error becomes even smaller. At that stage, experience, depth, and late-game execution often define who moves on to the Final Four, making every possession critical.

What happens if UConn and Michigan State tie?

UConn vs. Michigan State cannot end in a tie, as NCAA Tournament rules require a winner through overtime. If the Huskies and the Spartans are level after regulation, they will play five-minute overtime periods until one team wins.

There is no limit to the number of overtime periods, meaning the game continues until a clear winner is decided. This rule ensures that every matchup in March Madness, especially elimination rounds like the Sweet 16, has a definitive outcome.

What happens if UConn lose to Michigan State today?

If UConn loses to Michigan State today, they will be eliminated from the 2026 NCAA Tournament. A defeat would end the Huskies’ March Madness campaign in the Sweet 16, while the Spartans would advance to the Elite Eight.

Despite the disappointment, reaching this stage is still a significant achievement, but it leaves teams just short of the tournament’s final rounds. For players, particularly upperclassmen, it could mark the end of their college careers.

Meanwhile, Michigan State would carry momentum into the next round, continuing a strong tournament run under head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who has consistently guided deep March runs.

The Lakers icon is an alumnus of this university, so he knows firsthand what it means to defend the Spartans’ colors. Through his official X account, Johnson was very blunt about what’s happening with Jonathan Smith’s team.

“It’s been hard for me to cheer for my Michigan State Football team. They are 0-5 in the Big Ten, the offense is lacking imagination, and the team overall looks uninspired,” Magic stated via @MagicJohnson.

Michigan State started the season with wins over Western Michigan, Boston College, and Youngstown State, raising hopes that they could be contenders. However, a five-game losing streak dashed any playoff aspirations.

Tough times ahead for Michigan State in College Football

The Michigan State Spartans football program is reeling, now sitting at 3-5 overall and winless in conference play after dropping their fifth straight contest. Head Coach Jonathan Smith is squarely on the hot seat as the team has struggled on both sides of the ball during this skid.

Unfortunately for the Spartans, the path to a win doesn’t get easier, with a daunting stretch looming that includes road trips to Minnesota and Iowa, separated by a home date against Penn State. If MSU can’t quickly find a spark, their season—and possibly Smith’s tenure—could collapse entirely against a brutal Big Ten schedule.

Johnson’s time at MSU

Magic Johnson‘s brief but brilliant tenure at Michigan State University remains one of college basketball’s most iconic runs. In just two seasons (1977-1979), the legendary point guard revolutionized the game and permanently elevated the Spartans’ program. Johnson averaged 17.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game across his MSU career, culminating in the program’s first NCAA Championship in 1979.

That title was sealed in a historic showdown against Larry Bird and Indiana State, a game that delivered the highest-ever television rating for a college basketball contest and launched a decades-long rivalry that defined the sport. Johnson’s departure for the NBA after his sophomore year left an indelible mark on East Lansing.

Izzo couldn’t guide the Spartans to the Final Four, as a catastrophic start to their matchup with the Tigers cost them dearly. Against a star-studded roster like Auburn’s, those errors became a burden, and Michigan State dug itself a hole too deep to climb out of.

Following the Spartans’ elimination, the program extended its Final Four drought, as the last time they made it to the NCAA Tournament National Semifinal was during the 2018-19 college basketball season. Their championship drought extended even further, with Izzo’s team last going all the way in the 1999-2000 campaign.

The Spartans had a good run, but it came up short against one of the best teams in college basketball. However, Izzo is proud of his team, though recent departures like Brooke’s decision to enter the transfer portal have unintentionally made the coach’s comments backfire.

“Overall, this was the most unbelievable year I’ve had, the most connected year I’ve had,” Izzo stated after Michigan State’s elimination, via CBS Sports. “I just appreaciate what these guys did for myself and the program.”

Life lesson

While it wasn’t the ending Izzo or the Spartans envisioned, it’s not worth crying over spilled milk and the program must focus on what’s next, though for many players their next chapter won’t be in East Lansing.

“Unfortunately, your last game wears with you,” Izzo added. “But if it does, I am asking these guys: do something about it in your life.”

Key departures

Along with Booker’s leave, the Spartans have also witnessed the departures of junior guard Tre Holloman and redshirt freshman Gehrig Normand, who have entered the portal, in search for a new home during the 2025-26 season.

The Spartans failed to make the Big Ten Championship Game after falling to the Wisconsin Badgers by a score of 77-74. While the loss in the semifinal was deflating, the bigger challenge and objective is still before Michigan State’s eyes.

The college basketball program led by 30-year veteran coach Tom Izzo will be chasing its third NCAA Tournament championship in school history. Izzo guided the Spartans to a title during the 1999-00 season and hopes to spark another celebration in East Lansing a quarter-century later.

It won’t be easy, whatsoever. Needless to say, it won’t be Izzo’s first rodeo, and the experienced head coach may have a trick under his sleeve as March Madness approaches. They say pressure is a privilege, but the Spartans’ bench boss may not share that thought.

“I don’t have nothing to prove. I really don’t,” Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said, per On3. “I’m comfortable in my own skin where the program is at. Two years ago we were in a Sweet Sixteen. If we win that game, we lose in overtime, we may be in a Final Four that year. It’s amazing how that works.“

Nothing like it

As difficult—actually, nearly impossible—as it is to predict a perfect March Madness bracket, with its one-in-nine-quintillion odds, making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament is also extremely challenging, though many take it for granted.

“Unfortunately we see coaches getting fired because people don’t understand how difficult it is,” Izzo said. “I’m not proving anything in the NCAA tournament. I’m hoping to continue to win games but I’m smart enough to know, and I think most of you are, because the reason it’s called one and done is because one bad minute and you’re out.“

Michigan State will hope their bad minute doesn’t come until later in the competition. To kickstart the frenzy, the Spartans will take on the Bulldogs on March 21 at 10p.m EST at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.

College basketball thrives on rivalries, traditions, and honoring school legacies. During Sunday’s regular-season finale between the Michigan-based universities, all three elements collided in a heated encounter.

With under a minute remaining and an 18-point lead, Michigan State embraced their Senior Night tradition, subbing out seniors one by one and them kissing the halfcourt logo on their way to the bench. Michigan, however, had other plans. LJ Cason and Phat Phat Brooks stood over the logo during free throw attempts, leading Spartan Tre Holloman to confront them. A pushing and shoving contest quickly ensued.

As the brawl was broken up and cooler heads prevailed, the game resumed and the Spartans secured the critical win in their final home game of the NCAA season. While the situation didn’t escalate any further, both parties voiced very interesting comments after the game.

“That’s what rivalries are all about. If everybody’s out there hugging and kissing, it’s probably not a rivalry,” Izzo said in his postgame press conference, via FOX. “They shouldn’t get mad if we’re kissing our own a– or doing something down there [at Michigan]. I don’t get mad when they call me an angry midget, it doesn’t bother me.”

Holloman’s message to Michigan

Though not a senior, junior guard Tre Holloman wouldn’t stand and watch as their rivals from Ann Arbor disrupted their home-court tradition. Shawn Respert was the first Spartans player to ever kiss the floor, setting a tradition that symbolizes gratitude and farewell to their alma mater.

Holloman would later explain he wanted to uphold that legacy and honor the greats who came before him in East Lansing.

“They’re going to let him kiss the floor whether they move or I gotta move him,” Holloman said during a postgame interview, via WILX News 10. “Yeah, [they initiatd it]. I seen them talking. I gotta do for past players who did before us.”

Michigan’s stance

Opposites attract—it’s just a law of physics. And the Spartans and Wolverines couldn’t hold more polarizing views. Michigan head coach Dusty May, in his first season in Ann Arbor, didn’t share the perspective of four-decade veteran Tom Izzo.

“I didn’t know there was a tradition where they’re shooting a free throw and we have a guy standing at half court, but there’s not a tradition that we can’t stand at half court as the game’s going on?” May ironically asked, via On3. “I’m not familiar with that one. Is that a tradition?

“Obviously, it took a while, but we’re fine with that. They’ve earned the right for that. The seniors had poured their hearts out. As far as whatever happened, are we not allowed to stand at half court while they’re shooting a free throw?”

Head on a swivel

Michigan State clinched the Big Ten regular season title and the top seed for the postseason tournament, while Michigan secured third place. The two schools could cross paths again in a highly anticipated Big Ten Championship Game or during March Madness.

While both programs must focus on their respective seasons, they’ll undoubtedly keep an eye out for a potential rematch on neutral ground.

The Spartans ultimately found a way to prevail over the visiting Badgers at Breslin Center. Thanks to the Wolverines’ mishap against Illinois in Ann Arbor, Michigan State took sole possession of the top spot in the Big Ten conference standings with two games remaining in the regular season.

Despite a slow start to the game, falling behind 34-32 at halftime, the Spartans clawed their way back and defeated Winsconsin by a final score of 71-62. Guard Jaden Akins ended the night with 19 points and 8 rebounds, while forward Jaxon Kohler registered an NCAA career-high 16-rebound mark in the game.

Despite those individual performances, Izzo walked out of the game concerned with his team’s outing. Despite having enough reasons to celebrate, the Spartans’ head coach sent a strong warning to the locker room.

“I just want to keep getting better. We didn’t get better today.,” Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said, via The Detroit News. “I thought we just did some things that were unlike us, and then we did some really good things too, in the rebounding and the running and made some shots.”

March Madness’ nerves

As the calendar turns to March, a new wave of emotions takes over college basketball. Every game means a little more, every possession, every basket—anything can trigger a costly domino effect, and nobody wants the season to be for nothing due to a mistake.

As the attention of the country shifts to the NCAA basketball tournament, the spotlight is on every program to perform. Izzo admits that it can be a nerve-wracking feeling.

“You get to this time of year and everybody’s telling me how good you are, and sometimes I think we don’t handle that well,” Izzo added. “But I don’t know if any team handles that well. And I don’t handle it well. If you tell me we’re good, I say the opposite, but there’s a reason.”

Rivalry Week

Michigan is one game behind Michigan State in the standings with two games remaining in the regular season. Next, the Wolverines will face Maryland, while the Spartans will visit the Iowa Hawkeyes.

If both teams emerge victorious, or if the Wolverines win while the Spartans lose, their Rivalry Week matchup in the final game of the season will be a winner-takes-all for the Big Ten regular season title.

The Wolverines got the best of the Spartans when they last met in Ann Arbor. Michigan prevailed 24-17. Tempers flared and a fight broke out between the players at the conclusion of the match.

After the loss to their eternal rivals, Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith offered a strong comment on the animosity between both schools.

“It’s passionate,” Jonathan Smith said, via On3. “Neither side likes each other and that’s why I go back to it’s pretty, pretty frustrating. Spoke to a little bit of the emotion of the game. That locker room, when I walked in after that game, this thing means something. It was frustrating. I actually told them that’s a good thing.”

Smith’s positive takeaway from loss

Losing is always hurtful. Losing to an old-time college football rival is much worse. It stings, the pain lingers, and that frustration can make-or-break any team. After the game, Smith walked into a tense locker room and he admitted some relief in witnessing the first-hand embarrasment and disappointment on his players.

“If I’d have walked into the locker room and these guys are just staring at their phones, we’d have problems. We didn’t have that. This thing was emotional, and that’s how we want to be playing the game.”

Sink or swim

The Spartans’ season is heading south after their third loss in the Big Ten schedule. However, the team remains hopeful and will look to bounce back from this defeat. Much easier said than done, though. Up next, Michigan State will face No. 13 Indiana in Spartan Stadium. The Hoosiers enter the game with an 8-0 (5-0 Big Ten) record and look to stay on top of the conference standings.

[Watch USC vs Michigan State online free in the US on FuboTV]

USC had a 22-10 record during the season. However, their participation at the Pac 12 tournament was a total disappointment after being eliminated early in the quarterfinals by Arizona State. Instead of clinching an automatic berth at the NCAA bracket, the Trojanshad to wait until Selection Sunday to get a No.10 seed in the East Region.

Meanwhile, Michigan State finished with a 19-12 record under legendary Tom Izzo. This is the 28th year leading the Spartans for the Hall of Fame head coach. A few days ago, during the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament, Michigan State suffered a massive upset losing 68-58 with Ohio State. However, they’re two-point favorites against USC.

USC vs Michigan State: StartingTime

USC face off with Michigan State as part of March Madness 2023. The first-round game in the East Region is scheduled forFriday, March17that 12:15PM (ET) at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

USC vs Michigan State: TV Channel and Live Streaming

The game between USCand Michigan Statewill be available to watch or live stream onfuboTV (7-day free trial)for the US. Another optionif you don’t want to miss thisMarch Madnessgame in the United States is CBS.

The Nittany Lions won last week against Rutgers on the road 55-10 in what was their third straight victory after the loss against Ohio State on October 29. Penn State will play their last regular season game as No. 11 team in the nation.

The Spartans know that this season was a failure for them, so far their record is 5-6-0 overall, and within the conference the record is worse at 3-5. The third game of November for the Spartans was a loss against Indiana 31-39 (2OT).

Penn State vs Michigan State: Date

Penn State and Michigan State play for a Week 13 game of the 2022 NCAA Division I College Football season on Saturday, November 26 at Beaver Stadium in Pennsylvania. The Nittany Lions have a good record at home, but the visitors want to win the last game of the season.

Penn State vs Michigan State: Time by state in the US

ET: 4:00 PM
CT: 3:00 PM
MT: 2:00 PM
PT: 1:00 PM

TV Channel in the US to watch Penn State vs Michigan State at the 2022 NCAA College Football Week 13

This game for the Week 13 of 2022 NCAA Division I College Football season, Penn State and Michigan State at the Beaver Stadium in Pennsylvania on Saturday, November 26, will be broadcast in the US by FuboTV (7-day free trial) and other options to watch this game in the US is FS1.

If you want to know all the channels, packages and plans offered by FuboTV, you can click here

Michigan State are 10.5-point favorites at home against Indiana and they simply cannot fail if they want to secure bowl elegibility with a win. Considering their 5-5 record, a loss for the Spartans could crush their year. Michigan State lead the all-time series 49-17-2.

Indiana have a 3-7 record in a very contrasting season. The Hoosiers started 3-0 and then disaster arrived with a seven-game losing streak: Cincinnati, Nebraska, Michigan, Maryland, Rutgers, Penn State and Ohio State. After the matchup against the Spartans, Indiana will finish the season at home facing Purdue.

Michigan State vs Indiana:Date

The Michigan State Spartans host the Indiana HoosiersinWeek 12of the2022 NCAA College Football Seasontoday, November 19at 12PM (ET). The game will be played at SpartanStadium in East Lansing, Michigan.

Michigan State vs Indiana: Time by State in the US

ET: 12PM
CT: 11AM
MT: 10 AM
PT: 9AM

How to watchMichigan State vs Indiana in the US

Michigan State and Indiana clash in Week 12 ofthe2022 NCAA College Football Season. The game will be available to watch or live stream onfuboTV (7-day free trial)for the US.If you want to know all the channels, packages and plans offered by FuboTV, you canclick here.Another optionif you don’t want to miss the game in the United States is the Big Ten Network.