March Madness 2012 Bracket: Top Seeds That Won't be Lulled to Sleep

Despite the massive upsets that have busted everyone's brackets, there are still a few top-ranked teams we can depend on to power through the third round of the NCAA tournament.

These teams are prepared, motivated and coached by some of the best in the business.

(3) Marquette

The Golden Eagles are ready to take to the air and make it through to the Sweet 16.

They pounded their second-round opponent, and Harvard never had a chance. Seniors Darius Johnson-Odom and Jae Crowder staved off every single comeback attempt, hitting big shot after big shot until the final whistle.

Their third-round opponent is Murray State. 

I expect this game to be a shootout, but in the end, Marquette has too much firepower. Johnson-Odom and Crowder are too good. They won't allow their college careers to end without a fight, and their veteran leadership will spur the rest of their teammates on to greater glory.

(2) Ohio State

The Buckeyes are well aware of what will happen if they fail to take Gonzaga seriously in the second round of the tournament.

Senior guard William Buford said, "We'll lose. You can't treat (Gonzaga) like slouches. That's what they want you to do, but you can't."

They won't, and Ohio State will get past the Bulldogs on their way to the Sweet 16.

In their second-round matchup, the Buckeyes destroyed Loyola, winning by 19 points. Deshaun Thomas scored a career-high 31 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. It was one of his best career performances, and I expect his strong play to continue.

Ohio State should dominate the boards against Gonzaga. If they limit the number of possessions the Bulldogs have, they should win the game handily.

(1) Michigan State

Sparty handled their business in the second round versus LIU Brooklyn. They held the nation's third-ranked offense (81.9 points per game) to just 67 points on their way to a 22-point victory.

Senior forward Draymond Green played out of his mind in the game, converting a triple-double before Tom Izzo finally took him out of the game. 

They will have a tough test in the third round against Saint Louis. The Billikens held Memphis to just 54 points (21 points under their seasonal average) in their second-round win.

Tom Izzo won't take Rick Majerus' team lightly, and the Spartans will be as prepared as possible for a dogfight with Saint Louis.

In the end, Michigan State has too much talent and leadership to fall asleep against a lesser opponent. They will defeat the Billikens, though I'd wager to say it's going to be an ugly game.

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