Tom Izzo explaining the 'bad blood' with Michigan is something Spartans fans will love

There's no denying the rivalry between the Michigan State Spartans and the Michigan Wolverines, especially on the basketball court.

This year, that rivalry has gone in Michigan's direction, but not by much, and MSU head coach Tom Izzo isn't ready to throw up the white flag quite yet.

Now, with both teams advancing to the Sweet 16, there's a chance that the two could meet for a third time this season, something Izzo isn't shying away from.

"I'd like another shot at 'em, they beat us pretty good both times," Izzo said, despite the Spartans only losing by a combined 18 points in the two regular-season meetings.

He shared that the sport and the rivalry are undeniably better when both teams are better, no matter the "bad blood" between the two programs.

"It's always gotta be bad blood," Izzo said. "You can't love your rival... You respect your opponent... If one team's good and the other team's not, it's really not a rivalry. We've got two teams in the Sweet 16 in our state... a rivalry's gotta be when both people are great, it's just the way it is."

Tom Izzo applauds the Big 10, even the Wolverines

Izzo said all of this while talking to college sports analyst Kay Adams about the fact that he is rooting for the entire Big 10 conference, including the Wolverines (even if by the smallest of margins).

"The Big 10 has really been on a roll. Women's basketball had 12 teams in. Our hockey teams in there; there's like four hockey teams. Basketball, we've got six teams [in the Sweet 16]. Football's won National Championships," Izzo said.

Now, the Spartans' head coach is by no means pulling for the Wolverines to win it all; that would mean that Michigan had defeated Michigan State for a third time in a year. However, when your conference and your competition are better, you are better.

"If I've got a shot at Michigan again, it means I'm in the Final Four, and how could it be better than that?" he continued.

First up, the Sparties have to face the No. 2-seed UConn Huskies in the Sweet 16. The two are scheduled to tip off at 9:45 p.m. ET on Friday, March 27, and the game will be broadcast on CBS.