Freshman guard Keith Appling has seen his role keep growing with Michigan State.

Spartans coach Tom Izzo trusts Appling enough to start him at times and even put him on the opposing team's best scorer.

Appling will guard senior Talor Battle when the Spartans take on Penn State on Saturday.

"He's going to be a pretty good challenge," Appling said . "He's a great player, and I'm looking forward to the challenge. ... I'm not going to back down from anyone."