Michigan State Biggest Final Four Underdog (9/2); Betting Advice

Michigan State has the most experienced team and arguably the best tournament coach in the Final Four, yet are heavy underdogs at greater than 4/1 odds to win it all. Michigan State has showed that they can win without Kalin Lucas against worthy opponents, whether that is credited to Izzo or role players is yet to be determined. Michigan State will get a fair shot to make the National Championship game as they face Butler. Butler is a gritty, talented team, but experience is lacking as far as the grand stage is concerned. I don't think by any means they are just happy to be there, but even they couldn't have imagined this scenario. Butlers most compelling advantage will be the hometown crowd, but they can't put the ball in the basket. Michigan State will beat Butler to make the National Championship game. Michigan State not being the favorite to win it all is no shock, but expected by all. What was not expected is that Butler is the favorite to make the National Championship game.

No matter who the opponent in the National Championship game, Michigan State will have a legitimate shot to win. Duke and West Virginia are beatable teams. West Virginia has gone 1-1 against Big Ten teams this year with a loss to Purdue and win over Ohio State. Duke is also 1-1 with a win against Purdue in the tournament and a loss earlier in the year to Wisconsin. ACC and Big East teams have had severe problems against Big Ten style teams. Northern Iowa and Butler, although considered Mid-Majors, play the style of a Big Ten team and have benefited from that knocking off Kansas, Syracuse, and Kansas State. Add a better coach and a deep bench (although banged up) and you have the Michigan State Spartans.

I would take the Spartans over the Mountaineers, but Duke over MSU. At 9/2, this makes a great value bet. I would take an equal bet both on the Spartans at 9/2 for the championship and a money line wager on MSU over Butler in the Semi-Final matchup.