Michigan State will face Kansas State in the Sweet 16 on Thursday night.

Ahead of that matchup, a panel of ESPN experts predicted the final score of Michigan State’s game vs. the Wildcats. Only 1 of the 3 analysts is picking Michigan State to win and advance to its 1st Elite Eight since 2019.

Here are the final score predictions from each of ESPN’s analysts:

  • Jeff Borzello: Michigan State 72, Kansas State 70
  • John Gasaway: Kansas State 74, Michigan State 73
  • Myron Medcalf: Kansas State 76, Michigan State 73

Borzello was the only ESPN writer to pick the Spartans. Here’s his analysis on why he’s picking No. 7 seeded Michigan State to pull off the upset:

It’s fitting this game will take place at Madison Square Garden, given the electric head-to-head battle between Tyson Walker and Markquis Nowell, a couple of New York natives. Will Kansas State be able to slow Walker and backcourt mate A.J. Hoggard? How will Michigan State contain Nowell and fellow star Keyontae Johnson? Tom Izzo was able to completely neutralize Marquette’s All-American guard Tyler Kolek, and I think he’ll have something up his sleeve this week too.

It’s tough to doubt Izzo, who has established himself as one of the best March Madness coaches in recent memory. He’s reached the Final Four 8 times since taking over the Michigan State job in 1995.

Kansas State is coming off of a big win over Kentucky in the round of 32. The Wildcats haven’t reached the Elite Eight since 2018.

Tipoff is at 6:30 p.m. ET on Thursday evening.