Michigan State sophomore forward Coen Carr has taken a tremendous "leap" this season, and that was as evident as ever in the No. 8 Spartans' win over Rutgers on Saturday.

Tom Izzo and No. 8 Michigan State basketball has two demons to try and conquer Saturday — a talented Rutgers squad and the Madison Square Garden aura.

You would think that Tom Izzo would be happy with his team following their twelfth straight win, this time coming against a star-studded Rutgers squad in Madison Square Garden. Then again, if you thought he’d be happy, you probably don’t know Tom Izzo, who can seemingly always find a teachable moment no matter what his team’s record is.

To be fair to Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, there aren't as many Alan Andersons and Shannon Browns across college basketball as there once were.

Tom Izzo's impact is felt beyond the basketball court and throughout Michigan State's athletic department and community.

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo highlighted the performances of bench players Jase Richardson and Coen Carr in their win over Rutgers.

No. 12 Michigan State got the test that many were waiting for when it hosted No. 19 Illinois on Sunday afternoon. The Spartans passed the

Michigan State guard Jase Richardson, top left, blocks a shot by Penn State guard Ace Baldwin Jr. (1) as Michigan State center Carson Cooper (15) watches during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis) AP

Tom Izzo managed to beat his old friend Brad Underwood on Sunday as Michigan State basketball held on to beat Illinois at home. It was a tough, grind-it-out win over Illinois as the Spartans struggled to hit shots, but they did outperform Illinois at the free throw line and that was ultimately the difference.