Nobody expected Michigan State to make it to the Final Four.

In fact, until the Spartans edged out Duke in the Sweet Sixteen, Michigan State was so under the radar that nobody even knew they were in the tournament.

The Spartans snuck up on No. 1 Duke and No. 2 Kentucky, and wow, they’re in the Final Four.

But don’t take this squad lightly. They’ve had the roughest road of any of the four teams to this point. After beating Duke and Kentucky, two of college basketball’s winningest programs, the Spartans are the hottest and most unexpected team in the Final Four.

MSU has experience and depth on its side. Alan Anderson, Chris Hill and Kelvin Torbert and juniors Maurice Ager and Paul Davis were all major contributors on MSU’s stunning Elite 8 run in 2003.

None of the Spartans average more than 30 minutes a game because coach Tom Izzo can go to his deep bench for fresh players and solid player matchups. The Spartans’ endurance showed when they tired out Duke for a 78-68 win.

UNC will be the Spartans’ third-straight top-five opponent to fall. With MSU’s strength and athleticism on top of depth and experience, Izzo’s team will keep the Tar Heels on their heels en route to a Spartan cutting of the nets in St. Louis.