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Quick Final Four Observation No. 2: Izzo and Calhoun's Generation Gap

Just look at the most seminal "viral" clip associated with each one.

by Ted Bauer

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The first national semifinal could hinge on this man. Well, no, not at all, but bear with us for a second.

Do you know someone in their 50s or older who goes onto Google and types in "youtube" or "espn?" (Or even worse, "google.") Yea, of course you do. Probably the sharpest way to contrast generations these days is "Internet savvy." Tom Izzo is 54, and Jim Calhoun is 66. Neither are spring chickens (both are tremendous college coaches, though). Check this, tho: the most famous Izzo clip on the Interwebs is his interview with "Ron Burgundy," i.e. Will Ferrell, who some might call the comedic voice of his generation. (Some.) Calhoun's most "viral" clip? That time he went off on a reporter who asked about his salary in the context of the recession. ("I make way more than that.") So when people ask you this week "what is the biggest difference between Izzo and Calhoun," you know the answer: the way they fit into our humor-laden, viral-video culture. And yea, styles of defense and amount of championships, sure.


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