NCAA Bracket 2012: Ranking Friday's Most Compelling Matchups

Every time I miss an NCAA tournament game, my sports conscience sends a pang of guilt throughout my body.

What if this is the game where another classic moment happens like Christian Laettner's shot against Kentucky? (My sports conscience asks me.)

What if you're missing the next Bryce Drew buzzer-beater? (It wonders as my palms start to sweat, suddenly concerned I might miss one of those moments we'll watch for years to come on whatever the next YouTube is.)

Just in case one of those moments occurs today, I've ranked Friday's four Sweet 16 games in order of those that are the most compelling or could offer a truly classic finish.

Your sports conscience will thank me.

Ohio vs. North Carolina

I don't see this one as a particularly compelling matchup. Even if Kendall Marshall doesn't play, I just don't think the Bobcats can hang with Carolina in the paint or contain Harrison Barnes.

If you want to skip a game and you aren't a fan of the Tar Heels or Bobcats, feel free to pass on this game.

NC State vs. Kansas

This game is interesting down low. NC State is big enough to give Thomas Robinson and Jeff Withey of the Jayhawks trouble in the paint.

I think this one will be close, but I think Kansas remains the safe bet here. You might not want to skip it just to be safe, however.

Xavier vs. Baylor

Don't skip this one—this has all of the makings of an exciting contest.

Baylor can flat out score, has great offensive balance and the super-talented Perry Jones III has been pretty dismal thus far and is due for a big game.

But Xavier is finally playing like the team's preseason top-15 ranking and is led by dangerous guards Tu Holloway and Mark Lyons, either of whom could go off for a big game.

Baylor has more talent, but aren't consistent enough—and Xavier is good enough—to make this one a possible classic. I like Baylor in a tight one, but I won't be surprised if the Musketeers pull off the upset.

Indiana vs. Kentucky

Everything about this game is compelling. It's a clash between historic college basketball powers, there are future NBA studs all over the floor and it's the rematch of a game that gave us the best moment of the college basketball season thus far.

Indiana is good enough to hang with Kentucky, even if I think the Wildcats are unlikely to lose this one. I believe Kentucky will be champions this year, but every champion has to battle through that really tough game that challenges their will and resolve.

I say that game is against Indiana for them. The Hoosiers are confident they can win again. While I don't agree, I think this will be a good one.

Hit me up on Twitter—I've tweeted from Lehigh's campus before. Seriously.