Final Four 2012 Predictions: UK, 'Cuse Will Live Up to Championship Hype

With the Sweet 16 wrapping up tonight, we can't help but look forward to potential Final Four matchups.

One No. 1 seed has already bowed out of the tournament as Michigan State fell to Louisville last night. Meanwhile, another No. 1 seed, North Carolina, may be without point guard Kendall Marshall, who fractured his non-shooting wrist in their last game.

That leaves two No. 1's left.

The University of Kentucky has been the best college basketball team in the country for most of this season and don't show any signs of letting up.

The Wildcats have proven too talented for most teams in Division I and are just three more wins away from making the National Championship game.

With a loaded squad that includes Anthony Davis, Terrence Long and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky seems destined for greatness.

Coach John Calipari will have to ensure his roster don't look past any opponent, starting with their Sweet 16 matchup with Indiana tonight.

Although anything is possible in the NCAA tournament, Kentucky is just too talented and powerful to be stopped.

Syracuse is the other No. 1 seed. The Orange squeaked past Wisconsin last night to earn a spot in the Elite Eight.

Many wrote Syracuse off when star Fab Melo was lost for the entire tournament due to eligibility issues.

However, Jim Boeheim and his squad have overcome adversity to make it to the Elite Eight. They are looking to make their first championship appearance since the days of Carmelo Anthony.

Although Fab Melo is out, 'Cuse still floors a team that includes Kris Joseph, Brandon Triche and Dion Waiters. Few teams can compete with the team's depth and experience.

While a tough road still remains, Syracuse and their zone defense looks poised for a monster matchup with Kentucky in the National Championship.

Recent history has told us not to expect a No. 1 vs. No. 1 in the National Championship, but these teams are too talented not to make it.

We are still a long way off from seeing this prediction come to fruition, but you better believe that the Wildcats and Orange will pull out all the stops to make it through the next few rounds and into the championship game in New Orleans.