NCAA Bracket 2012: Dark Horses That Will Pose Problems for Top Seeds

When you're Kentucky, the heralded top team in the nation, you likely aren't shaking in your shoes right now.

But that doesn't mean crazy things can't happen in March Madness...or, perhaps, not-so-crazy things.

All four No. 1 seeds are still alive heading into the Sweet 16, but there are some teams that will pose problems for the powerhouses down the stretch.

3. Florida (No. 7 Seed, West Region)

If you've seen the Florida Gators play in this year's NCAA tournament, you're probably wondering how on earth they entered as a No. 7 seed.

The basic answer is that they tanked in the second half of the regular season.

But these Gators have been chomping up their competition on the big stage, beating Virginia and Norfolk State by an average of 30 points.

There is no doubt that Florida can shoot the basketball, led by star Bradley Beal. The Gators have the ability to outscore practically anyone in the country when they're on their game. The true test will come against a dynamic scoring team, like, say, Kentucky.

But you can forget about the Gators' regular-season woes. They are a different team in the tournament, led by historic coach Billy Donovan.

Remember, the Gators lost by just three points to Kentucky on March 10.

2. Wisconsin (No. 4 Seed, East Region)

Wisconsin has the ability to be a big challenge for No. 1 seed Syracuse in the Sweet 16. The Badgers are one of the best defensive teams in the country, if not the best, and they have a player in point guard Jordan Taylor who can lead them offensively.

Wisconsin just beat a dark horse in Vanderbilt, keeping the Commodores' stars, Jeffery Taylor and John Jenkins, at bay. The Badgers have the ability to do the same to Syracuse, although it's going to be a challenge, especially after what the Orange's bench did against Kansas State.

1. Louisville (No. 4 Seed, West Region)

Louisville faces No. 1 seed Michigan State in the Sweet 16.

The Cardinals, led by Rick Pitino, are a very good defensive team that gets after the ball, converting turnovers into fast break points. In that sense, they have the ability to swivel the game in their favor.

Obviously, Draymond Green has been a beast for the Spartans, but the Cardinals do have Gorgui Dieng, who can make things difficult down in the post.

Don't forget the Cardinals have Peyton Siva, who's been a leader for them all season long.

This should be a great game that could go either way.

Follow me on Twitter. We can talk about dark horses in the NCAA tournament.