NCAA Tournament 2015: Predictions for 2nd-Round Clashes Sure to Be Thrillers

There are few sporting events in the world that can compete with the excitement that's produced during the first weekend of the NCAA tournament. 

With 64 games played over a two-day period, fans will be overloaded with exciting games coming from every corner of the country. Of all of these round-of-64 battles, a few of them will stand out as especially interesting.

Here is a look at some of the top games to watch in the second round and predictions for each.

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No. 7 VCU vs. No. 10 Ohio State

VCU has been a scary team to face in March for a few years thanks to its unique style on the court. It uses a pressure defense to force opponents into turnovers and create easy opportunities on the other end.

However, the Rams have one of the worst possible matchups in Ohio State, a team with the tools necessary to beat the press. Head coach Thad Matta explained the advantage, via Tim Shoemaker of Eleven Warriors:

D'Angelo Russell has been one of the best backcourt players in the nation this season, carrying the Buckeyes at times while averaging 19.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. Adding this to fellow guard Shannon Scott and his 5.9 assists per game, the backcourt obviously knows how to handle the ball and find open men.

This duo should be able to succeed against the Havoc of VCU, especially without the injured Briante Weber, who was one of the top defenders in college basketball history before tearing his ACL. This should still be an exciting game, but Ohio State will be able to pull out the win.

Prediction: Ohio State 74, VCU 71

No. 8 North Carolina State vs. No. 9 LSU

If you're looking for a trendy pick to knock out a No. 1 seed, both of these teams would qualify. North Carolina State is especially qualified to pull off an upset after beating Duke, North Carolina and Louisville during the regular season.

Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports noted this possibility before the brackets came out:

The Wolfpack have a dangerous backcourt with Trevor Lacey, Anthony "Cat" Barber and Ralston Turner, all of whom are capable of taking over a game at any time.

On the other hand, LSU is also capable of big things with an elite frontcourt tandem of Jordan Mickey and Jarell Martin. These players bully opponents in the low post and make a major impact on both ends of the court.

With the talent on the floor for both teams, don't be surprised if either gives No. 1 Villanova a tough test in the second round.

In this game, however, the difference will be the presence of North Carolina State big man Beejay Anya. The long forward can at least slow down the LSU duo up front and give the backcourt a chance to take care of the rest.

Prediction: North Carolina State 68, LSU 66

No. 6 SMU vs. No. 11 UCLA

There might not be a more scrutinized team in the field than UCLA, which got a bid despite plenty of numbers suggesting otherwise. Eric Prisbell of USA Today broke down why the Bruins didn't deserve a bid:

Of course, undeserving doesn't mean untalented. 

UCLA might have struggled for much of the season, but the squad has a great starting lineup with five players averaging at least 10 points per game. Norman Powell has become a star on both ends of the court, while Kevon Looney has NBA potential.

SMU is certainly going to have its hands full with a team that didn't even deserve to be there.

Still, the Mustangs have plenty of ability on their own. Nic Moore has had a great season running the offense, and the squad is 20-3 with Markus Kennedy in the lineup.

It will be an entertaining game between very balanced teams, but SMU has the depth to pull it out late.

Prediction: SMU 72, UCLA 70

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter. If it's March, I'm talking about pretty much nothing but college basketball.