NCAA Tournament 2012: Bold Predictions for Sweet 16

The first weekend of the NCAA tournament was a huge success. Ratings were high, and there were plenty of big upsets.

Now, 16 teams are still dancing and two more wins away from a trip to New Orleans for the Final Four.

Realistically, almost any of the 16 teams left can win this tournament, as the season has been so up and down for nearly every remaining team.

These are my bold predictions for the upcoming Sweet 16 games.

Indiana Will Sweep Kentucky on the Year

Coming into the tournament, Kentucky only lost two total games. One was to Vanderbilt last Sunday, and the other was on December 10th at Indiana.

The Hoosiers and Wildcats will meet Friday night in Atlanta with a trip to the Elite Eight on the line.

Indiana vs. Kentucky is a fierce rivalry, and this game will surely come down to the end like the game back in December.

I can see this game ending with the same result. Indiana is too good, and Kentucky is way too young and immature.

Anthony Davis will end up in foul trouble, and Indiana will do the same things it did against the Cats in Assembly Hall.

My pick is an Indiana win in this matchup.

Two No. 1 Seeds Go Down

Along with my prediction of Kentucky losing on Friday, I think Syracuse will lose as well.

That would be huge, as the teams have four combined losses on the entire season.

There are two things Wisconsin does well, and those are playing great defense and shooting the ball. The matchup with Syracuse will allow Wisconsin to do just that.

The Badgers will be able to slow Syracuse's attack, and due to Syracuse's 2-3 zone, the Badgers will be lights-out in Boston.

If Wisconsin can get a lead with good shooting, it will be hard for the Orange to come back.

I can see the top two No. 1 seeds going down to two Big Ten schools.

Four Big Ten Schools in the Elite Eight

Along with Indiana and Wisconsin beating the No. 1 seeds in their respective games, I can see the other two Big Ten teams left winning as well.

Michigan State should handle Louisville in Phoenix. Ohio State is playing well at the right time, and should be able to end Cincinnati's good run.

Many experts have missed a lot of picks so far, but they have been saying since midseason that the Big Ten will have four teams in the Elite Eight.

It can definitely happen and will start on Thursday night.

Anthony Davis Will Struggle on Friday Night

Many people have Anthony Davis as a threat for Player of the Year in college basketball. Rightfully so, as he is one of the best players in the nation.

But I think the matchup with Cody Zeller and the Indiana Hoosiers will exploit Davis' weaknesses on Friday night. He is a great defender and shot-blocker, but I think that will haunt him in Atlanta against the Hoosiers.

Davis was in foul trouble from the get-go in Indiana back in December, and Zeller has only gotten better at getting his man in foul trouble.

Zeller has a great shot fake and can get his man in the air. Davis loves to body up and block shots. Zeller has matured enough to just jump into his man while he's in the air and get to the line.

That will be the difference-maker on Friday night and will help Indiana win.

If Indiana uses the same game plan, expect Davis to get into foul trouble and not make much of an impact.