LOOK: Latest USA Today bracket projections slap MSU, U-M in the face

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NCAA Basketball: Michigan at Michigan State
Jan 29, 2017; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Derrick Walton Jr. (10) defends against Michigan State Spartans forward Miles Bridges (22) during the first half of a game at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

The NCAA tournament is not far off from now, and both Michigan and Michigan State are clear locks to make this year’s tourney. The selection show will be televised on TBS on March 11 at 6 p.m. ET.

The Spartans are currently ranked No. 2 in the nation, and have a record of 27-3 (15-2 Big Ten). Just last night they clinched at least a share of the Big Ten title with an 81-61 victory over Illinois at home on senior night. The Spartans have wins over teams like Notre Dame, North Carolina, and Purdue on their resume. Plus, they’re currently riding an 11-game winning streak.

Meanwhile, the Wolverines are currently ranked No. 17, and have a 22-7 (11-5 Big Ten) record. The Wolverines also beat the Spartans head-to-head at the Breslin Center on January 13. They also have a win over Ohio State at home last Sunday. Both teams are currently in the top-5 of the Big Ten standings, and both will have high expectations going into next weeks Big Ten tournament followed by the NCAA tournament.

However, that hasn’t stopped many from disrespecting both of these teams in their bracket projections. USA Today became the most recent one to do so, as they have Michigan State listed as a No. 3 seed and Michigan listed as a No. 8 seed in their latest projections, which you can see below:

Michigan State University, University of Michigan, USA Today, NCAA Tournament

That seems mind-boggling, to say the least. The narrative out there is that the Big Ten is down, yet they currently boast two teams in the top-10 and four in the top-25. Purdue and Ohio State are right behind the Spartans in the standings, and both of them have just three conference losses.

So if nothing else, you can at least argue the conference is top-heavy. Either way, these projections make no sense regardless. Michigan and Michigan State will be itching to prove that come March.