My Five Bold NCAA Tournament Predictions

These are ten unexpected things I picked to happen in my bracket. You can call me crazy if you wish, but it is March Madness after all. Anything is possible, so don't say I didn't tell you so when some or maybe even of all of these happen.

5. This year's double digit seed making it to the Sweet Sixteen will be N.C. State.

The Wolfpack are playing their best basketball of the season right now. They made a great run in the ACC tournament, nearly upsetting UNC in the semifinals. I think the success will carry over to the Big Dance.

4. Belmont, a #14 seed, will win their first NCAA tournament game ever.

Everyone jumped on the Bears bandwagon early when they nearly upset Duke earlier this year. This has been a very talented program for the past several years. The only thing that has eluded them is a NCAA tournament win. I think that changes this years. Belmont will have to play very well, but they could certainly upset Georgetown.

3. Two #13 seeds, Montana and Davidson, will upset #4 seeds in the second round.

Don't get me wrong. Both Wisconsin and Louisville are very talented power conference teams. However, both are defensively oriented and struggle on offense at times. This leaves them both vulnerable to upsets. Davidson showed they are capable of pulling them when they beat Kansas in Kansas City earlier this year. Montana comes into the tournament winners of 14 straight, including an upset of Weber State to earn the automatic bid to the tourney.

(These two have to go together.)

2. #1 overall seed Kentucky will be the first #1 seed to lose in the tournament.

1. This year's Cinderella, Wichita State, will make it to the Final Four.

You probably think I am crazy right now, but Wichita State is very talented. They have experience on their side, having won the NIT last season. I truly believe Wichita State can upset an unsuspecting Kentucky team. If they did that, it wouldn't shock me if they went to the Final Four. In fact, that is exactly where I have them going in my bracket. Call me crazy, but you heard this prediction first here.

Rematches Highlight a Busy Saturday in College Basketball

5. Drake @ #19 Wichita State - 1:30 PM EST

Wichita State has already clinched the #1 seed for the Missouri Valley Conference tournament. However, that does not mean they won't be pumped for this one. The Shockers only loss in 2012 came in triple overtime at Drake. This one has thriller potential written all over it yet again.

4. #7 North Carolina @ Virginia - 4:00 PM EST, ESPN/ESPN3

North Carolina and Duke are both tied for the ACC lead for best record. Both teams are looking forward to the big regular season finale. However, both need to be careful to not overlook their games before that. On Saturday, UNC plays Virginia. The Tar Heels beat the Cavaliers by 18 in the previous matchup. The Cavaliers are still looking for that signature win to help their resume. A win in this one would provide just that.

3. #2 Syracuse @ Connecticut - 9:00 PM EST, ESPN/ESPN3

Syracuse has dominated Big East play like no other team has. Connecticut, on the other hand, has disappointed all season. They have simply struggled to win conference games. Syracuse just keeps rolling along. In order to have even a remote chance of advancing, UConn will need Shabazz Napier to have another great game. The crowd should be pumped up for this one.

2. Vanderbilt @ #1 Kentucky - 12:00 PM EST, CBS

When these two teams met earlier this year, Kentucky escaped with a six point win. Vanderbilt made a push late, but it was to little to late. Little has seemed to change since then. Both teams are undefeated since their first matchup. Vanderbilt would have to play amazingly well in order to pull the improbable upset.

1. #3 Missouri @ #5 Kansas - 4:00 PM EST, CBS

This is the last regular season matchup of these two historic rivals for the foreseeable future. Big 12 supremacy and bragging rights are on the line. Additionally, it is likely that the winner of the Big 12 will get a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Missouri won by three in these teams' first matchup. This game should be just as excellent as the first.