Spartan Hoopla: Kansas' Loss a Blessing in Disguise For Michigan State?

As if the NCAA Tournament couldn't get any wilder, the Northern Iowa Panthers upset the heavily-favored Kansas Jayhawks, 69-67.

The Jayhawks weren't just favored to win that game—they were favored to win the game.

Where does Spartan basketball fit into this unlikely scenario?

Well, if Michigan State beats Gary Williams' boys tomorrow, it will earn a trip to the Sweet 16—and won't face Kansas in a rematch of last year's duel.

That's not a typo, Kansas will not be advancing to the Sweet 16, and Michigan State could take on Jordan Eglseder and the Panthers.

Who?

Exactly.

Michigan State can learn a lesson from the Jayhawks—don't take any team lightly in March. Kansas did and it cost it the national championship.

Raymar Morgan, Kalin Lucas and Draymond Green have to get past the Terps' offense before they think about how to knock Northern Iowa out.

Don't get ahead of yourselves, Sparty, but Kansas just cut you a break. A very big break.

Of course, getting past Maryland has to happen before the Izzo clan can even think of tangling with possibly middle-America's best team.

There's no doubt that Greivis Vasquez and his 20 points per game (almost) will stand in the way—but it has to be a huge sigh of relief for Izzo's Spartans knowing that they won't have to face the "best team in the nation" if they beat Maryland—just saying.

The Terps aren't a team to be counted out. The ACC's co-champ is no slouch—Vasquez is a physical 6'6", 200-pound scoring machine. There's need to worry for Spartan fans—and his name is Landon Milbourne.

Milbourne is another physical specimen, but Delvon Roe, Green and Morgan should be able to handle his post-game.

As always, every game in March counts. Overlooking an opponent will get you knocked out of the festivities—ask Kansas.

If Michigan State can get past the turtles, its road to Indianapolis looks a little clearer with the likes of the Northern Iowa Panthers in its way—or does it?