Big Ten Basketball Opponents for 2015-16 Released

Per the B1G:

Michigan State
Home: Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Nebraska
Away: Michigan, Minnesota, Northwestern, Purdue
Home/Away: Iowa, Ohio State, Penn State, Rutgers, Wisconsin

As for the #Analysis I actually really like the way this schedule sets up for what should be an improved MSU squad next year. Getting perpetually feisty (and difficult to play on the road) teams like Illinois, Indiana, and Maryland on home one-plays is nice. Getting two-plays against Penn State and Rutgers should pad the win column. Games against Iowa, Ohio State, and Wisconsin are always fun, home or away. At Minnesota, at Northwestern, and at Purdue should all be winnable, as well.

As far as only playing Michigan once, this is going to happen when the footprint expands the way it has. I don't see why more conference games couldn't be played, or there couldn't be protected matchups, or even something more creative. Not that protected matchups would matter for the Michigan game anyways, since they're not the #RealRival.

The upshot here: this is a positive step towards what should hopefully be a year where MSU challenges for the conference championship.