NCAA Bracket 2015: Schedule and Updated Predictions Before Final Four

The Final Four couldn't have worked out more perfectly for college basketball fans. No, seriously. Try to think of a more perfect pair of semifinals than the four programs that made the trip to Indianapolis. With all of the storylines going in, it's simply not possible.

Opening up the Final Four is a matchup between Duke and Michigan State. Mike Krzyzewski against Tom Izzo is a dream duel at this stage, and the talent on their rosters will make this a memorable showdown.

A rematch between Kentucky and Wisconsin will serve as the nightcap. The two programs met last season in the Final Four, with Kentucky winning to reach the national championship game. The Wildcats are two wins away from an undefeated season, but Wisconsin has the firepower to get revenge in the semifinal.

Here's a look at the full schedule and updated predictions prior to the Final Four.

Date	Matchup	Time (ET)	TV	Prediction
April 4	No. 1 Duke vs. No. 7 Michigan State	6:09 p.m.	TBS	Duke
April 4	No. 1 Kentucky vs. No. 1 Wisconsin	8:49 p.m.	TBS	Kentucky

Predictions Breakdown

The aforementioned matchup between two legendary coaches will serve as the first game to decide half of the national championship game.

While both have led illustrious careers, Krzyzewski has the clear advantage over Izzo. Coach K is looking for his ninth win over Izzo while the Spartans coach is hoping to get his second over Krzyzewski. ESPN Stats & Info points out that the overall margin between the two is closer in the NCAA tournament:

The difference for Duke will be the talent inside.

Both teams have versatile guards with Tyus Jones and Quinn Cook for Duke against Travis Trice and Denzel Valentine for Michigan State. However, Jahlil Okafor outmatches any opponent inside with his power and ability to create an open shot.

Chad Ford of ESPN offered his take on the big man, via Mike & Mike:

Okafor will have a massive impact inside along with Justise Winslow. Equipped with so many freshmen that can step up in clutch situations, Duke will end the unlikely run for Michigan State to advance.

All season long, the Badgers have been awaiting a rematch with Kentucky to get revenge. Well, maybe revenge isn't the best word to use for what Sam Dekker hopes to achieve against the Wildcats.

"We're not going to back down from anybody," Dekker said, per Jason King of Bleacher Report. "Obviously, they're a great team, the best team in the nation right now. But I think we're a pretty good team, too.

"People are going to talk about revenge, revenge, revenge. But that 's not going to be the case. We're just going to try to get a win and go to the national title game."

Wisconsin has the offensive tools to compete with Kentucky. Frank Kaminsky is averaging 18.7 points and eight rebounds this season. Sam Dekker has been nearly as prolific during the tournament with 25 points and 7.5 rebounds in his last two games.

However, competing with the Wildcats defense is like no other team in college. In fact, only one NBA team has a starting lineup with as much length as Kentucky, via ESPN College Basketball:

"

Only once this season has an NBA team (Utah on Jan. 22) started a lineup taller than Kentucky's starting five. pic.twitter.com/63mMThTOXr

— ESPN College BBall (@ESPNCBB) April 3, 2015"

Given that size and defensive presence, expect Kentucky to swarm the Wisconsin offense and get the job done on the other end. Coming off a tight game against Notre Dame, the Wildcats will have no interest in making it close by running away at the end of the game.

That will leave the Wildcats and Blue Devils matching up in the national championship game. Even decades after "The Shot," this will be a revenge game for Kentucky—with a shot at history on the line.

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