Michigan State was the No. 1 team in the country going into the 2019-20 season. Everyone thought the Spartans were the team to beat.

Michigan State hasn’t lived up to that hype so far, but the team has won its last seven games after starting the season at 5-2 overall. The Spartans, this past week, defeated an up-and-coming Illinois team by 20 and then finished on Sunday by beating in-state rival Michigan 87-69.

Not a bad week and not a bad way to end your weekend if you’re Michigan State.

RELATED: MSU’s Cassius Winston receives national recognition after outstanding week

Here’s Tom Izzo, describing this past week effectively in just a few words:

It’s always nice to win. But, it’s that much sweeter when you whoop on your rival. That’s what Izzo was saying there. And, it’s especially better when you beat a rival that is a quality opponent.

Beating on a rival that can’t really compete is fun. But, it’s more fun when you get push back.

The Spartans were led by point guard Cassius Winston against the Wolverines, who tallied 32 points and nine assists while setting records in the process.

Again, not a bad week for Izzo’s bunch.