Big Ten Links: March 23, 2011

While we get ready for regionals, here's some stories from around SB Nation and the web to keep you busy:

Three of the last four times that Wisconsin has been bounced from the NCAA Tournament, it has been because of a loss to a lower seeded non-BCS school. It's no wonder then, that Bucky's 5th isn't feeling great about this Butler matchup.

Also from Bucky's 5th: The Badgers will need more than just Jodran Taylor and Jon Leuer to step up versus Butler. But where can they find this additional scoring and rebounding? It's sophomores to the rescue!

IlliniHQ.com did a great job quizzing a benchwarmer from each Big Ten squad to get some rare insider info. Check it out and you might even learn something about your own team. For example, Northwestern's Drew Crawford calls himself "Young Doo Doo." What?!

There's a lot of pressure on Ohio State to at least make the Final Four, and Along the Olentangy wonders if his Bucks are up to the challenge. Thad Matta's got a great team made of great players. Now they just need to heed Ric Flair's words and "beat the man."

Purdue fans are bummed after a stunning loss to VCU, but Hammer and Rails remains optimistic for the future. Despite losing outstanding seniors E`Twaun Moore and JaJuan Johnson, a Final Four appearance in 2012 is still possible. There's a lot that needs to go right, though.

Maize-Colored Glass goes back to October and looks at how Michigan was predicted to perform this season. It's safe to say that John Beilein's team surpassed expectations.And boy did Darius Morris turn into a heck of a player.

Sippin' on Purple previews Northwestern's NIT quarterfinal versus Washington State tonight. Yes, the Wildcats are still without an NCAA Tournament bid in their entire history, but even a trip to New York for the NIT semis would be a great win for the program. Since the preview was written, we have learned that Washington State's DeAngelo Casto has been reinstated just in time for the game. Casto had been on suspension for marijuana possession. What great timing for the Cougars...

All right that's it for tonight. Get some sleep and get ready for some more March Madness on Thursday.