Michigan State vs. Kansas: Spartans attempt to rebound from season-opening loss

The Michigan State Spartans take on the Kansas Jayhawks in the Champions Classic at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Tuesday night. The No. 21 Spartans are coming off a tough loss in their season opener to the UConn Huskies. The No. 7 Jayhawks won big in their 2012-13 debut against Southeast Missouri State.

Michigan State could be without point guard Travis Trice, who left the season opener with concussion symptoms. Freshman Denzel Valentine will be expected to fill in if Trice is unavailable.

But this game is likely to be decided in the frontcourt, as both teams boast powerful big men. Senior center Jeff Withey led the Jayhawks with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks against SE Missouri State.

The Spartans will try to contain Withey with Adreian Payne and Derrick Nix. Nix led Michigan State with 11 rebounds against UConn.

Michigan State Spartans at Kansas Jayhawks

Time: 7 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN