Spartans head to Oregon tonight (9 p.m. Eastern Time on FOX).

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game.

Excerpt from Mike DeCourcy:


And however much — and however famously — he might express his concern about the direction of NCAA athletics, Izzo insists he’s in no rush to join superstar coaches Mike Krzyzewski, Roy Williams, Jay Wright and “Nick Saban, my good buddy” who recently retired.

“I swear to God, I feel healthier now than I did four or five years ago,” Izzo told The Sporting News. “Not that I was unhealthy, but I think I’ve tried to learn how to manage some of these changes. And COVID. It was a rough five years when you think about all the things that everybody went through, not just coaches.

“What keeps me going is I’m too stubborn to give in to these stupid new rules. I still want to do it, and there’s a couple of us in our league – Matt Painter is one – I still want to do it the right way, making some adjustments to the new way. But I still enjoy the kids. I still enjoy the practices. I think I enjoy the games.”

Izzo allowed that he does not have “as much respect for the profession,” explaining that coaches “haven’t stuck together very well” and instead allowed the athletes to make all the rules.

“The change, as it’s gone, has been difficult for everybody,” Izzo said. “You know, and I know, that’s why a lot of guys are out. Maybe they don’t come out and say that.”

Can the Spartans pull off an upset in Eugene? Let us know your thoughts and check out our picks for the game!

Spartans @ Ducks - who ya' got?