Elite 8 2015: Updated Odds, Day 1 Schedule Info and Bracket Predictions

A wild start to the NCAA men's basketball tournament has given way to mostly scripted basketball in the round that followed. In the Sweet 16, just one lower seed advanced to the Elite Eight, with the No. 7 Michigan State Spartans ousting the No. 3 Oklahoma Sooners 62-58.

While all eight teams are now decided, Saturday will feature only four programs facing off for the right to reach the Final Four. All four are conference tournament champions with aspirations of bringing another tournament title back to their campuses.

Leading up to the massive showdowns, here's a look at the full Day 1 schedule, odds and bracket predictions.

Time (ET)	Matchup	TV	Live Stream	Prediction
6:09 p.m.	(2) Arizona vs. (1) Wisconsin	TBS	NCAA.com	Arizona
8:49 p.m.	(3) Notre Dame vs. (1) Kentucky	TBS	NCAA.com	Kentucky

Breakdown

In terms of matchups, the first day of the Elite Eight couldn't have worked out any better. Four of the hottest teams in the sport have survived the gauntlet. Now they'll each look to continue torching their own trails to the semifinals.

Even the most uninformed college basketball fans know about Kentucky, but Notre Dame, Arizona and Wisconsin are all worthy of being on this stage. Seth Davis of CBS Sports offered his take on the juggernauts:

The first matchup pits two opponents that faced each other in last year's Elite Eight. Arizona and Wisconsin trudged their ways through the first three games to face off yet again just before the Final Four.

As ESPN Stats & Info points out, the matchup might lean in the direction of the Badgers:

Along with the previous winner dominating the rematches, Arizona head coach Sean Miller has also not fared well this late in the tournament. In three previous trips to the Elite Eight, Miller has come up short every time.

Currently holding his best record as a coach, this year has a different feel for Miller. Saturday's matchup with Wisconsin will be a telling sign of just how much his Arizona team has grown this season.

Once the opener ends, Kentucky and Notre Dame will take center stage in a battle of the SEC against the ACC. The Wildcats are coming in with an unblemished record, making the game seem like an impossible one for the Irish to pull out. However, with a guard like Jerian Grant, Notre Dame has a shot against any team.

Grant is averaging 15.8 points and 6.8 assists over his last five games, including wins over Duke, North Carolina and Wichita State. If Grant continues that tear, he might be the difference for the Irish, as Chris Chase of USA Today notes:

"

The senior point guard needs to play a game that’s made him worthy of player of the year consideration. Grant runs the show offensively, even more so than coach Mike Brey, and knows how to space the floors, get teammates to set picks and always makes the right shot or pass. He’s the fuel that makes Notre Dame go. If he’s driving, shooting and defending, Kentucky could have problems with his speed.

"

Both games should provide fireworks, but Grant's battle against the Kentucky guards will be special to watch. In order for the Irish to complete the upset, he'll also need help inside from Zach Auguste.

Notre Dame has a daunting task ahead, but the Wildcats aren't unbeatable. Kentucky will be going up against its first true test in months. Expect Notre Dame to be a tough adversary for the Wildcats.

With a trip to the Final Four on the line, the Irish might have what it takes to shock the country. To beat perfection, they'll need to be perfect.

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