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Tom Izzo gives 'zero' attention to Michigan State's ranking

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby:Grant Grubbs•about 10 hours•

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Michigan State HC Tom Izzo
Nick King | Lansing State Journal | USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Currently riding a 10-game win streak, Michigan State was ranked No. 12 in the latest AP Top 25. When a reporter asked Spartans head coach Tom Izzo how he felt about the ranking after Michigan State’s latest win, he didn’t mince words.

“I said this the beginning of the year, I said it in the middle of the year, and I’ll say it again: zero,” Izzo said. “I don’t think anybody knows how good anybody is still. We’re seeing some of the most bizarre games, bizarre turnarounds… I’m telling you that’s the way it is, so I’m not resting on anything, I’m not sleeping good on anything. I love my team, I love my guys, OK?”

“Tonight, they did not play as good as they can play and definitely tonight, we didn’t coach as well as we can coach. So, we’re going to do both those things better over the next three days and see if we can get ready for Illinois because they are good.”

Izzo’s unsatisfied attitude is what’s helped Michigan State claw its way toward the top of the rankings this season. After suffering two losses before November had even concluded, Tom Izzo and Co. put their noses to the grindstone and haven’t lost since.

Most recently, Michigan State defeated Penn State 90-85 on Wednesday. In the win, the Spartans swarmed the Nittany Lions on defense, forcing them to commit 14 turnovers. Michigan State scored 27 points of Penn State’s turnovers.

Michigan State attacked the boards just as hard, reeling in nearly twice as many offensive rebounds as the Nittany Lions. While Michigan State’s effort won the game, it was far from a perfect performance from the Spartans.

Michigan State allowed PSU to shoot 52.8% from the field. On the flip side, the Spartans struggled to find a shooting rhythm, connecting on just 26.1% of their attempts from beyond the arc. Michigan State is the only undefeated team in conference play.

Now, Michigan State will look to find a way to win again as it square off against No. 19 Illinois on Sunday at noon ET. The game will air live on CBS.

The Fighting Illini are coming off a dominant 94-69 win over Indiana earlier this week. They will provide the Spartans with perhaps their most difficult challenge in conference play yet.