Michigan State Has Motown Feel

Michigan State knocked out overall No. 1 seed Louisville earlier this afternoon in Indianapolis, officially punching their ticket to Detroit's Final Four next weekend.

This is Michigan State's fifth Final Four trip in the last ten years (2009, 2005, 2001, 2000, 1999), the most by any team in that span. If dominance is based on how many Final Fours you make, Michigan State is the best. They've been there more in that stretch than North Carolina, Duke, UCLA, Louisville... you name it. If you look at my earlier post from the week, the Big Ten now has had ten teams make Final Fours in the last ten years, and if North Carolina wins, they will give the ACC ten as well.

What's amazing about this Michigan State team is how they don't have one star like their other Final Four participants. The Spartans go deep into their bench and are extremely versatile, with every one of their players oozing with athleticism. Kalin Lucas has put himself on the map as one of the nation's best point guards.

There is no question that Michigan State will have a home court advantage next weekend, playing just 90 miles from East Lansing, but they've got a big challenge on their hands with Hasheem Thabeet and Connecticut. If they can make it to the championship, though, a rematch with North Carolina seems probable. Remember, on that same floor back in November, North Carolina wiped the floor with Michigan State. You don't think that will be on their minds?

In any case, congratulations are in order for Michigan State. They've earned their Final Four trip and hopefully should quiet some of the doubters around the country about the Big Ten.