Road to Dallas - Elite 8

Lucas Oil Stadium - Indianapolis, IN

In less than 6 hours, Michigan will play John Calipari and his Kentucky Wildcats for a spot in the Final Four. To think that just 3 months ago that Michigan was 6-4, about to lose Mitch McGary for the year, and being an afterthought to the national media makes this so much sweeter. I can't begin to fully comprehend the job that John Beilein and his staff have done with such a young team, one that lost two NBA first round picks and a preseason All-American to injury.

After making the trip to Atlanta last April for Michigan's first Final Four in two decades, I wasn't sure this experience could ever be topped. On Friday morning, I made the drive to Indianapolis with my Dad to view both Midwest Regional semifinal games, Michigan - Tennessee and Kentucky - Louisville. While the overall experience has yet to even come close to topping Atlanta, it has been incredible nonetheless. After a game in which Michigan dominated for 37 minutes and decided to let Tennessee come back and steal a victory, I was able to witness a rivalry game that truly gave me goosebumps. The passion that Kentucky and Louisville fans have for their schools is ridiculous, for lack of a better word. The noise level at points in the game made me feel like I was watching a football game (we were in a football stadium, after all). These games only further made the case that college basketball is the best sport out there. The passion shown by both players and fans alike is unparalleled in any other sport (see Adam Morrison bawling like a baby on the floor BEFORE Gonzaga had even lost in the Sweet 16 to UCLA in 2006).

Michigan may not win tomorrow. Kentucky has perhaps the most talent compiled on any team in all of college basketball. They start five freshman that were all 5-star recruits in the 2013 recruiting rankings. They have size (Johnson and Randle both are taller than 6'9") and skill, as the Harrison twins and James Young can all hit shots from the perimeter. All of their guards hover around 6'6", meaning they are one of the few teams that can match Michigan's length on the wings. Despite this overwhelming level of talent the Wildcats have, you get the feeling that John Beilein and Michigan relish the underdog role. Despite being in the Elite 8, they continue to receive no attention from the national media, and both the team and fan base are completely fine with that. Let the pundits doubt John Beilein, he may have something special in store today.

Go Blue!