2011 Final Four: Saturday's First Matchup Is Must-Watch Television

If you thought last year's appearance of a "mid-major" in the national title game was an anomaly, you're wrong.

For the second consecutive year, a team from outside of the power six conferences will be competing for a national championship. Unthinkable, right?

Wrong.

One of the two Final Four matchups pits Horizon League member Butler against Colonial Athletic Association member Virginia Commonwealth. Sounds more like a Thanksgiving weekend tournament game, doesn't it?

College basketball fans should get used to these types of teams in the final stanza of the big dance.

With an emphasis on college basketball's great equalizer, the three-point shot, many teams from small conferences such as the Horizon League and CAA have a very realistic chance at reaching the hallowed ground of the Final Four or even the National Championship game.

It is a trend unlike anything college basketball has ever seen. Most years, it is typical to mention teams such as Kentucky, North Carolina, Duke, Ohio State, etc. as teams in contention to win a title. However, teams such as Butler and VCU have staked a claim in that conversation.

Both of those small schools have shown what it takes to win games in the NCAA Tournament: tremendous defensive play, a high shooting percentage, and heart.

Heart is undoubtedly the most crucial aspect of both teams' runs to this stage. The sound of the roaring engine on VCU's sideline can be attributed to head coach Shaka Smart.

His team certainly reflects his wily personality. They play each possession as if it is the most important in the game. They play extremely physical defense. They press. To put it simply, they play hard. Really hard.

Similar to Shaka Smart and VCU, the Bulldogs of Butler play with the same passion and intensity. The driving force behind this team isn't evident of coach Brad Steven's personality.

It is a reflection of senior forward Matt Howard's work ethic and dedication. Like Howard, the team plays fearlessly. They never quit. They never give up.

The matchup of these teams will be must-watch television. America loves the underdog. America loves the blue-collar guys who bust their butts every day.

We will be getting that and more on Saturday night.