Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee! The Auburn Tigers are bringing everything they have to the Big Dance. Bruce Pearl’s team recovered from a slow start to March, having lost three out of four of their games this month. However, when did it matter the most? They turned up. After convincing victories against Alabama State and Creighton, the Tigers put the hammer down on the Michigan Wolverines.

The 78-65 victory over the Wolverines propelled them forward to the Elite Eight, where a new challenge awaits–Tom Izzo and his Spartans. Even without top-end talent, there’s no doubt that Michigan State is one of the best teams in the country. Izzo’s programs always have a lot of buy-in, but this year has been exceptional. His Spartans have functioned like a well-oiled machine, and their efforts and intent has reflected in their defensive brilliance.

Even Bruce Pearl recognizes the danger that Tom Izzo poses. In an exclusive with The Field of 68: After Dark’s Jeff Goodman, the Auburn coach got candid about how elite the MSU team is. “If we turn the ball over 15 times against Michigan, we could turn it over 25 times against Michigan State.” He said, referring to the turnover-filled Sweet Sixteen matchup they just played against the Wolverines.

Simply put, the MSU defensive system is better. Tom Izzo’s team, according to KenPom rankings, has the #3 defensive rating in all of D1 basketball. Not to mention, their motor and intent has always been high. What else do you expect from a Tom Izzo team?

Pearl’s concern isn’t hyperbole—it’s math. Michigan State leads the nation with a +6.4 turnover margin, forcing 16.3 turnovers per game while committing just 9.9. Auburn, meanwhile, averages 12.1 turnovers, a number that spiked to 15 against Michigan’s aggressive press. If the Tigers repeat that sloppiness, Izzo’s Spartans—whose transition game scores 18.7 points off turnovers per contest—could turn the Elite Eight into a rout.

It isn’t just about defense with them, however. Even though Michigan State’s offensive rating is not as good as their defense, they play smart basketball. “They’re one of the best defensive teams. We’re gonna have to do a good job at keeping them out of the paint cause they drive it on ya and make tough twos. And they’re coached by a Hall-of-Fame coach in Tom Izzo. So, I mean, great challenge.” Pearl said, laying out a game plan for his team.

Auburn has been very dominant this season, but it is important to recognize the challenges that are in front of them. Regardless of how stacked the Auburn lineup is, March Madness isn’t predictable. Tom Izzo’s on a mission to prove that talent isn’t everything, and it will be up to Auburn to deny him a Final Four trip! But what does Bruce Pearl have in mind for his team?

“Way more than Johni,”: Bruce Pearl applauds his Tigers after Sweet Sixteen victory

Looking too far forward or too far back does no program any good. However, Auburn can take a minute to appreciate the effort that they put into the Sweet Sixteen. Tahaad Pettiford was absolutely amazing at the end, hitting crucial shots with Johni Broome and CBM facing foul trouble.

Jeff Goodman brought all of this up and more, as he talked to Bruce Pearl about the identity of his Tigers. “Denver Jones makes three huge shots. And then Tahaad Pettiford, with Johni and Chad Baker-Mazara on the bench with foul trouble, I mean hits the daggers. What’s it like watching those guys? Again, the two guys, everyone talks about Johni, but you’re way more than Johni.” The national reporter asked, to which Pearl nodded.

“And we showed that. We obviously showed that tonight.” Bruce Pearl said, expressing his pride in his team. He gave credit where it was due, applauding the Michigan Wolverines for having a stellar season. There was no doubt in his mind that they were a top-class team, but it was Auburn’s time. “Denver Jones made shots, but his on-ball pressure all game long on Tre Donaldson and on their point guards? It was really disruptive. And Tahaad’s got nuts.”

Denver Jones and Tahaad Pettiford combined for about 40 points, with the latter coming off the bench. What was special about six-foot-four Jones, however, was the absolute clinic he put on from deep! He hit 4-of-7 from the three-point line, and his performance kept Auburn’s lead pushing. If the Tigers continue like this, they definitely have a shot to reach the Final Four!

For Izzo, a Final Four berth would mark his ninth trip, further cementing his legacy as March’s maestro. For Pearl, it’s a chance to shed the label of a coach who peaks early—Auburn’s 2019 Final Four run remains his deepest dance. With a potential matchup against top-seeded Gonzaga or UConn looming, this Elite Eight clash could define both teams’ seasons.