This isnt going to be popular(the truth often isnt), but we sure as (bleep) havent played any teams like that Duke team we played with Alaa Abdelnaby on the roster. Seriously, if we can't agree that this season's hoops landscape isnt mired in a sea of abject mediocrity, then I am not sure what we can agree on. Of course we'll next progress into discussions of relativity I'm guessing. We've managed to "close out" some rather weak/midling teams in desperation time when our averages/win margins get even higher. If we're up 20+ on them as in the past, are they still fouling and are our starters still in? I think those are legitimate questions when we consider our pedigree so far this season.
Dont get me wrong, I am not complaining about the team or the fact that we have a 6 man rotation, but I think the OP raises a valid question that I think deserves more than the usual programmed responses that make me feel like I'm in a military camp. I think we often seek to answer it in ways that seem most pleasing to our emotions and/or minds, but may not necessarily be reminiscent of the full scope of reality. I'll save the current/full strength MSU comparison for the next time I see people asking if we're going to be #1 in the polls, if that still applies after Duke.
Like JB says, this is a good team(with the potential to be great, my addition, not his), and tomorrow we get another nice
home test. It will be interesting to see how the team handles it's first hostile away environment, whenever that may occur. Seriously, sometimes things like that can be a factor!