NCAA Bracket 2012: Kentucky and Baylor on Crash Course for Epic Elite 8 Game

It won't be easy, but I'm expecting Kentucky and Baylor to slay their opponents on Friday, setting up a salivating Elite Eight showdown.

First, both teams have to go through quality squads in Indiana and Xavier. However, both will use their size, athleticism and overall talent to overwhelm their Sweet 16 counterparts.

Here's how I'm expecting each game to shake out.

Kentucky vs. Indiana

The Hoosiers beat Kentucky 73-72 in December, so they're definitely capable of taking out the tournament's overall No. 1 seed. However, that game featured some unusual events that I wouldn't count on happening again.

Anthony Davis struggled with foul trouble, Terrance Jones was nonexistent, and the Wildcats missed three key free throws with less than 20 seconds left in the game. And of course, Christian Watford buried a buzzer-beating three from the left wing.

All of those factors added up to a thrilling victory for the young Hoosiers squad. Unfortunately, too many things have to go right for them to pull off another upset.

On Friday, Davis will use his intelligence to stay on the floor. Jones won't have more turnovers than points. And Kentucky definitely won't miss clutch free throws in the waning seconds.

I'm expecting Kentucky to win 78-68.

Baylor vs. Xavier

Xavier advanced to the Sweet 16 behind a solid effort from Kenny Frease, who went off for 25 points and 12 rebounds.

Unfortunately for the Musketeers, there's no way Frease dominates against the size of Baylor. Quincy Acy, Quincy Miller and Perry Jones III will use their length and athleticism to frustrate Frease in the paint.

The Bears also have a quality point guard in Pierre Jackson, who can match Xavier's Tu Holloway bucket for bucket.

The X-factor for Baylor on Friday, however, is Brady Heslip. In two tournament games, he's knocked down 14 of 23 three-pointers.

If Heslip gets hot against Xavier, Baylor will cruise to a double-digit victory, setting up the epic showdown with Kentucky.