Michigan State is about to learn a lot about itself.

The fifth-ranked Spartans (2-0) are staring down their first actual challenge of the regular season, and it's a pretty big one. No. 2 Duke (2-0) awaits on the other side of the United Center court in Chicago during this year's annual Champions Classic. Tip-off is set for about 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Duke's Year So Far

Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer makes adjustments against Kansas Jayhawks during the exhibition game inside Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas on Oct. 25, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Both teams have done relatively as expected up to this point. MSU took care of business in its first two games against Quinnipiac (96-59) and Toledo (91-61) , both at home. The Blue Devils have also opened up their regular season with a pair of "buy games" against weaker competition at home.…