Sweet Sixteen 2012: Underrated Matchups Sure to be Classics

It's time for the NCAA Tournament's Sweet Sixteen!  Make sure to tune into Michigan State vs. Louisville and Marquette vs. Florida because they are sure to be underrated classics.

No. 1 Michigan State's match-up against No. 4 Louisville is on March 22nd at 7:45pm EST.  It's a great game that is going under the radar because of high profile battles between basketball powerhouses Kentucky and Indiana and the potential upset special between Syracuse and Wisconsin. But don't sleep on this match-up: it features two elite basketball programs, two Hall of Fame coaches, and two of the best defensive teams in the nation.

Michigan State is an underrated No. 1 seed, if such a thing exists, because of coach Tom Izzo's record of tournament success.  Two of Izzo's last four teams (this year included) reached the NCAA Final Four. The one odd team out was last year's terrible team so betting on Izzo to make another Final Four is a strong wager.  The team is led by forward Draymond Green, the best motivational leader in college basketball. Between Izzo and Green, the Spartans will come to play.

Louisville may be the underdog but they are the toughest defensive team in the nation.  The Cardinals  allowed more than 65 points just three times this season.  Rick Pitino's team has brought that defensive focus to the tournament, giving up less than 65 points in each of their first two matchups.

Michigan State is the safer pick to advance because of their talent, but if Louisville can clamp down and keep the score low, it will be anyone's game.

On March 22nd at 10:15 PM, Marquette and Florida will face off in another sure to be classic. Marquette is a senior-laden, talented team led by future NBA guard Jae Crowder.  Crowder has starred in their last two games but will be challenged by Florida's tough back-court defense and defensive sensation, Brady Beal. Both teams come in so evenly matched, the game will come down to whomever shows the most grit in crunch time.

Be sure to tune in, these are future classics you don't want to miss!