Michigan State has been a contender in the B1G for quite some time now. CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein explained why he had the Spartans in his “Rothstein 45″.

Rothstein started by highlighting how Michigan State’s 2022 team will be different from last season. Max Christie (Los Angeles Lakers) and Gabe Brown (Toronto Raptors) are now in the NBA.

Brown averaged 11.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game last season. Christie averaged 9.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.

“Tom Izzo lost a lot of offense from last year’s team that pushed Duke in the 2nd round of the NCAA Tournament,” said Rothstein. “Max Christie and Gabe Brown no longer in the Spartans program.”

What should fans expect from Michigan State this season? Rothstein believes that the Spartans’ offense will run through guards Tyson Walker and A.J. Hoggard. Another thing to watch should be how Jaden Akins plays this season.

“Michigan State is always going to be a contender in the B1G as long as Tom Izzo is the head coach,” said Rothstein. “Michigan State returns a dual point guard attack with Tyson Walker and A.J. Hoggard. The team is also hoping for a breakout year from Jaden Akins.”

Michigan State’s 2022 season opens with Northen Arizona at home on Nov. 7.