Michigan State’s early schedule is nowhere near easy.

The Spartans have it hard enough in the gauntlet of the B1G once conference play starts. Michigan State will be getting ready for that hard schedule early.

Michigan State plays Gonzaga, Kentucky, Villanova and Alabama in the first 5 weeks of the season. Mike Brey’s Notre Dame squad presents a tough challenge as well.

Izzo spoke on the tough start to the year on Thursday.

The Spartans had a good, not great by Michigan State standards season last year. The Spartans finished 23-13 in the regular season, winning just 1 game in the NCAA Tournament to Davidson before losing to Duke in the second round.

The Spartans open their season on Nov. 7 against Northern Arizona.