Bracketology 2013: Michigan, MSU predicted to earn high seeds

In his preseason edition of bracketology, SB Nation's Chris Dobbertean projects big things this season for Michigan and Michigan State. Dobbertean has the Wolverines as the East's No. 2 seed and the Spartans as the South's No. 3 at the 2013 NCAA Tournament.

Michigan has experienced a resurgence under head coach John Beilein. After missing out on the tournament since 1998, the Wolverines have made the Big Dance three out of the last four years. If the Wolverines' meet expectations and earn a No. 2 seed in this year's tournament, it will be their highest seeding since earning a top seed in 1993, during the Fab Five era.

Michigan State, on the other hand, has had plenty of success in recent seasons. The Spartans have competed in 15 consecutive tournaments and earned the West's No. 1 seed last season. During their run of consecutive tournaments, the Spartans have advanced to six Final Fours and won a national championship.

Michigan was picked to finish second in the Big Ten this season in a poll of the conference's media. Michigan State was projected to finish fourth.

The Wolverines tip off their season at 8:30 p.m. ET Friday night at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor against Slippery Rock. The Spartans open Friday against UConn at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. ET