DETROIT -- As we were leaving press row after Michigan State's victory over Connecticut on Saturday, Big Ten Network anchor Dave Revsine and I were pondering what the Spartans' Final Four run means for the reputation of the Big Ten, which has been taking its lumps from several national television analysts.

INDIANAPOLIS -- For Tom Izzo, don't mistake it, this is a grudge match. His Michigan State team will face Rick Pitino and Louisville today. Winner goes to the Final Four.