When it comes to March Madness, securing a top three seed is a priority for Tom Izzo and his Michigan State Spartans. With Michigan clinching the Big Ten title outright, the Spartans' path to a shared conference crown was blocked, despite some hope that Illinois might pull off an upset against Michigan. Instead, Illinois fell short, losing by 14 points, while Michigan State managed to push the Wolverines to the brink, leading late into the game.
After a significant victory at Purdue, Michigan State is being projected as a 3-seed by many bracketologists, though not by ESPN's Joe Lunardi. Illinois and Purdue are hovering around the 2-seed line, which means the Spartans have a real shot at surpassing both.
So, how does Michigan State's resume stack up against other potential 2 and 3-seeds?
Quite favorably, as it turns out.
Michigan State's Resume in Context
Experts suggest Michigan State is in the mix for a 3 or 4-seed, but their credentials align well with teams vying for a 2/3 seed.
Key Comparisons:
- Illinois: 22-7 record, strong schedule, 8 Quad 1 wins
- Purdue: 22-6 record, solid schedule, 8 Quad 1 wins
- Florida: 22-6 record, top-tier schedule, 9 Quad 1 wins, 1 bad loss
- Iowa State: 24-4 record, lower strength of schedule, 6 Quad 1 wins, 1 bad loss
- Kansas: 21-7 record, challenging schedule, 8 Quad 1 wins, 1 bad loss
- Houston: 24-5 record, competitive schedule, 7 Quad 1 wins
- Gonzaga: 28-2 record, less challenging schedule, 6 Quad 1 wins, 1 bad loss
- Nebraska: 24-4 record, moderate schedule, 7 Quad 1 wins
Michigan State stands out with a strong record against ranked teams and a competitive strength of schedule, ranking in the top-15 nationally. The Spartans are tied for the most ranked wins and have avoided bad losses, which strengthens their case for a higher seed.
If Michigan State can notch victories at Indiana and Michigan, they would add crucial Quad 1 wins, further solidifying their position. As it stands, this team looks firmly set for at least a 3-seed, with the potential to climb higher.