Incarnate Word vs. Michigan State Exhibition: How to Watch

WHO: University of the Incarnate Word vs. Michigan State Spartans

WHAT: Exhibition Match

WHERE: Breslin Center — East Lansing, MI

WHEN: Friday, October 2 at 7:00 PM ET

WATCH: Big Ten Network Plus (BTN+)

One month remains until the Michigan State Spartans begin their quest for their first national championship since 2000.

Luckily for Spartan fans across the nation, Tom Izzo is giving everyone — including himself — an early taste of what's to come.

The Spartans will take the floor Friday night for an exhibition matchup against the University of the Incarnate Word at the Breslin Center.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET, with Michigan State expected to send out Wooden Player of the Year favorite Jeremy Fears Jr., the most electrifying man in college basketball, Coen Carr, along with the rest of the healthy Spartans looking to show Izzo exactly what they're capable of this season.

And they'll do it in front of a packed Breslin Center filled with season-ticket holders, Izzone members and students participating in the annual Izzone Campout.

The Izzone Campout is one of Michigan State basketball's most recognizable traditions, with thousands of students gathering and camping in tents in preparation for the upcoming basketball season.

Coaches and players traditionally interact with the students during the event, creating a unique environment that brings the program and its fan base together before the season even begins.

This year, however, the campout gets an added bonus.

An actual exhibition game will take place during the festivities, giving fans an opportunity to see the Spartans in action before the regular season begins.

And during halftime, Michigan State will also introduce its women's basketball team.

While Michigan State has already announced a starting lineup of Jeremy Fears Jr., Jordan Scott, Coen Carr, Jesse McCullough and Anton Bonke, this is still an exhibition game.

That means I would expect Izzo to give plenty of opportunities to the incoming freshmen who helped give the Spartans a top-10 recruiting class.

That includes Jasiah Jervis and Carlos Medlock Jr. in the backcourt, along with Julius Avent and Ethan Taylor down low.

Transfer Kaleb Glenn should also see meaningful action after missing the entirety of last season.

With the exhibition setting, this is the perfect opportunity for Izzo to get a long look at some of the players who could become important pieces once the games begin to count.

We already know that starting power forward Cam Ward will miss the exhibition, which is why McCullough slides into the starting lineup.

According to Izzo, McCullough has been playing extremely well throughout the summer and has earned the opportunity.

McCullough showed plenty of promise as a freshman last season, knocking down some big shots from deep while also showing a willingness to do the dirty work down low.

One of the biggest priorities for McCullough entering the offseason was adding more muscle.

Now, Spartan fans will get their first real opportunity to see what that added strength can bring to his game.

If you attended any of the Moneyball games, you've already gotten a glimpse of what some of these players can do.

Those games featured 12 Spartans divided into groups of two and placed on different teams, giving fans an entertaining early look at the roster.

Friday night will be different.

For the first time, these Spartans will take the floor together as one unit against an opponent that will have a legitimate ambition to win the game and pull off an upset.

Incarnate Word made the jump to NCAA Division I in 2013 and joined the Southland Conference as part of its transition from Division II.

The Cardinals have yet to make an NCAA Tournament appearance.

Now, they'll get an opportunity to open their season against one of the nation's most recognizable college basketball programs.

The Spartans and Cardinals will face off Friday night at 7 p.m. ET inside the Breslin Center.

And you can catch all the action on BTN+.