The men’s NCAA basketball tournament now enters its second week. Even though the teams remaining still have to win four more games to claim a coveted national championship, this is the part of the tournament at which teams and their fans can realistically envision the possibility that it really can happen. That is the case even for programs that have never managed to get over the hump.
Ten of the 16 teams still alive in the Big Dance are seeking that elusive first title, but several others haven’t raised a banner since the turn of the millennium.
Here’s a cursory ranking of the eight matchups on tap this week in the Sweet 16.
1. Connecticut vs. Michigan State
Time/TV: Friday, 9:45 p.m. ET
This is the only matchup left in the field featuring coaches with national titles, though it’s been considerably longer since Michigan State and Tom Izzo hoisted the trophy in 2000. Dan Hurley and the Huskies will be seeking their third crown in four years.
Connecticut forward Alex Karaban reacts to a play during his team’s game against St. John’s at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford.
2. Arizona vs. Arkansas
Time/TV: Thursday, 7:30 p.m. ET
This is arguably the game with the most next-level talent on display. The Wildcats have several likely future pros, but the Razorbacks’ Darius Acuff is often the best player on the floor.
3. Duke vs. St. John’s
Time/TV: Friday, 7:10 p.m. ET
These big-name programs with plenty of history also happened to be among the hottest teams in the country entering March Madness. This contest should in truth be happening in a later round, as the Red Storm were curiously given a No. 5 seed despite winning the Big East championship, and the committee by extension did the Blue Devils, ostensibly the top overall seed, no favors with this difficult region.
4. Houston vs. Illinois
Time/TV: Thursday, 10:05 p.m. ET
These two programs have been on the doorstep of claiming the title but have yet to do so. The Cougars, agonizingly close a year ago, hope to make the most of this opportunity in their home city, but the Fighting Illini are capable of matching shots with them.
5. Michigan vs. Alabama
Time/TV: Friday, 7:35 p.m. ET
This would be a compelling matchup on the gridiron as well, but both these schools have also won their share of basketball games in recent years. The Wolverines topped the polls for a large chunk of the season, but the high-octane Crimson Tide are capable of upending anyone if their 3-point shots fall.
6. Nebraska vs. Iowa
Time/TV: Thursday, 7:30 p.m. ET
There’s a curiosity factor for this one to be sure, as the Cornhuskers have never reached this round of the tournament and it has been a very long time for the Hawkeyes. It’s actually their third meeting of the season, with each winning at home during Big Ten competition, but obviously the stakes are elevated for this one.
7. Purdue vs. Texas
Time/TV: Thursday, 7:10 p.m. ET
There is mismatch potential for this one, as the red-hot Boilermakers hope to keep riding the momentum from their Big Ten tournament title. The Longhorns are the lowest remaining seed left in the field but have clicked since their First Four victory.
8. Iowa State vs. Tennessee
Time/TV: Friday, 10:10 p.m. ET
This might be the least appealing contest of the round in terms of historical pedigree, but there are plenty of subplots to monitor even if you don’t know much about these programs. The Volunteers are in the Sweet 16 for a third consecutive year but still seek a first Final Four appearance, while the Cyclones hope to take another step after last season’s run was cut short by tough injury luck.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: March Madness Sweet 16 games ranked from best to worst
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