NCAA Bracket 2015: Forecasting Potentially Epic 2nd-Round Matchups

We won't know the final NCAA brackets until Selection Sunday on March 15, but over the years ESPN.com's Joe Lunardi has provided some pretty accurate projections. You can see his latest projected bracket here.

Based on the matchups prognosticated in Lunardi's bracket, three of the games jump out as potential barn burners during the tournament's second rounds. Now that we have play-in games, the first two days of play for the field of 64 are known as second-round games.

That said, here are the games that could add to the NCAA tournament's long history of thrilling early-round contests.

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Xavier Musketeers

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This epic Ohio battle probably wouldn't take place in the Columbus portion of the Midwest region, but it would still be emotionally charged. Not only would the teams be playing to advance to the round of 32, but also to secure state bragging rights.

The two teams have contrasting makeups, which also adds to the intrigue.

The Xavier Musketeers have a balanced offensive attack that features six players who average at least 8.5 points per game. Trevon Bluiett leads the way at 12.3.

Ohio State has an unquestioned leader on offense in freshman D'Angelo Russell. He's third in the Big Ten in scoring at 19.3 points per game and also averages 5.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists.  Russell has a real chance to be the No. 1 pick in the 2015 NBA draft. Stats like the one presented by ESPN's John Buccigross give credence to the concept.

Russell has been solid all year, and he could really make a statement in his first NCAA tournament game. The Musketeers' ball movement could test Ohio State's defense, and it would be interesting to see if Russell gets help carrying the scoring load.

Maryland Terrapins vs. Georgia State Panthers

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Without question, the Maryland Terrapins are a solid defensive team. The Terps only allow 63 points per game and have held opponents to 39.9 percent shooting from the field.

That defense would be tested by two of the more underrated scorers in the nation if this game takes place.

Former Kentucky Wildcat Ryan Harrow and R.J. Hunter combine to average 40 points per game for the Georgia State Panthers. Both men are excellent long-range shooters. If their shots are falling, an upset could be in the making.

Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Oregon Ducks

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It's like the Rose Bowl...only it's basketball.

Too much?

I guess that comparison is a bit of a stretch, but this potential Big Ten vs. Pac-12 showdown could be a great game.

Both teams are currently on five-game win streaks and figure to head into the NCAA tournament with some momentum. Stylistically, the teams are pretty different. The Iowa Hawkeyes are the more defensive-minded bunch and play at a slower pace with fewer offensive weapons. 

The Oregon Ducks have a dynamic scorer in Joseph Young who is averaging 19.8 points per game. Oregon likes to shoot the three and makes 36 percent of its attempts on the season. Winning this game is going to be about controlling the glass, and thus dictating the tempo of the contest.

Both teams average exactly 37.3 rebounds per game this season. Hopefully the committee proves Lunardi to be correct, as this one could be a classic.

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