March Madness 2019: 8 safest teams that won't bust your bracket

March Madness 2019: 8 safest teams to pick that won’t bust your bracket

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 16: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans meets with head coach Tom Izzo in the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers during the semifinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 16, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 16: Michigan State Spartans guard Cassius Winston (5) and Michigan State Spartans forward Kenny Goins (25) celebrate after a play during a Big Ten Tournament semifinal game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Wisconsin Badgers on March 16, 2019, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Michigan State

This is another one that could raise some eyebrows considering the Spartans’ recent tournament history. Michigan State has gone out during the first weekend in each of the past three years, with the lowlight being an upset to 15-seed Middle Tennessee State when many predicted a national title for the Spartans.

That is a bad trend, but this edition of the Spartans feels more like a classic Tom Izzo team that relies on team basketball and experienced upperclassmen instead of one-and-done talent like Miles Bridges and Jaren Jackson Jr. Michigan State is led by junior point guard Cassius Winston, whose ability to score and create for his teammates helps the Spartans run a balanced offense.

The Spartans also got back big man Nick Ward from a hand injury during the Big Ten Tournament, and his return should give Michigan State another big edge on the glass. Michigan State drew a no. 2 seed and will have to go through Bradley and the winner of the 7-10 matchup between Louisville and Minnesota to get to Washington, D.C., but they do have a March wizard roaming their sideline in Izzo.

Since Izzo succeeded Jud Heathcoate in 1995, the Spartans have reached the Sweet 16 a whopping 14 times, including seven trips to the Final Four. Even though recent history says to bet against the Spartans, you should feel confident Izzo can get them to the second weekend.

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