March Madness 2011 Predictions: Eight Bold Predictions for the Elite Eight

Here we go folks, we are down to the Elite Eight.

Will Kemba Walker be able to out play Derrick Williams?

Can Butler keep their momentum rolling against a Florida team that shut down the Jimmer?

How about Harrison Barnes, is he leading UNC back to the top?

That said, to give some insight of what's to come, here are eight predictions for the games this weekend.

1. Kemba Walker Puts Up 50 Points

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ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 24: Kemba Walker #15 of the Connecticut Huskies reacts after a play against the San Diego State Aztecs during the west regional semifinal of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Honda Center on March 24, 2011 in Anaheim, C

Pretty ridiculous right?

Not the way Kemba has played thus far.

Also, if Arizona plays like they did against Duke, Kemba will need to put up 50 if UConn is to stay in the game.

Both schools come in on fire and Derrick Williams is coming off of arguably his best game of the year.

It's going to be fun to watch and as important as Kemba is to the Huskies, 50 points can be done.

2. Florida and Butler Go to Overtime

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ST. LOUIS - MARCH 23: Julian Betko #1 of the Butler Bulldogs drives to the basket in front of Al Horford #42 of the Florida Gators during the midwest regionals of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the Edward Jones Dome on March 23, 2007 in St. Loui

Two great coaches with an excellent amount of experience.

The Bulldogs have played in two barn-burners, while the Gators fought off the magic of Jimmer Fredette.

Also, each school averages roughly the same offensively and defensively.

Butler scores 72.8 per game to Florida's 71.5, and the Gators allow 63.1 to the Bulldogs 64.7.

Come time for tip-off don't expect either team to pull away as this game has buzzer-beater potential.

3. Alex Tyus Grabs 20 Boards

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 24: Alex Tyus #23 of the Florida Gators celebrates during their game against the Brigham Young Cougars in the Southeast regional of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at New Orleans Arena on March 24, 2011 in New Orleans, L

In playing 32 minutes verse BYU, Florida Senior Forward Alex Tyus brought down 17 rebounds.

Throughout the game against Butler however, he will be challenged by none other than Matt Howard.

Howard, who played 37 minutes and got 12 in the game against Wisconsin could easily give Tyus problems down low.

But, Tyus has pulled down 30 in the past two games and if the Gators want an edge, Tyus doing work in the paint will be key.

Especially if the game is close, because Matt Howard was clutch in the first two rounds.

4. Morris Twins Combine for 40 Points

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LAS VEGAS - NOVEMBER 26: Markieff Morris (L) #21 and his twin brother Marcus Morris #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks appear on the bench late in the team's 98-41 victory over the Ohio Bobcats during the third round of the Las Vegas Invitational at The Orleans

The Morris twins only combined for 18 points versus Richmond; part of that could be due to Brady Morningstar lighting it up as well as the Jayhawks overall dominance throughout the game.

Now, although Morningstar is a solid player, chances are he won't repeat that performance.

Thus, the big boys in the paint will need to put in more work especially if they want to go all the way.

Come Sunday against VCU, the Morris twins are bigger and more physical, but don't think the Rams will just roll over.

They did just beat arguably the best defensive team in the country in Florida State, however the Jayhawks are a different kind of animal.

With that said, Marcus and Markieff should pose as a more dangerous threat down low.

5. Josh Harrellson Takes a Step Back

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TAMPA, FL - MARCH 19: Josh Harrellson #55 of the Kentucky Wildcats gestures as he reacts against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at St. Pete Times Forum on March 19, 2011 in Tampa, Florid

For as great as Harrellson has played this tourney, it may slow down versus North Carolina on Sunday.

UNC has three guys that are just as good as Harrellson in the paint in Harrison Barnes, John Henson, and Tyler Zeller.

As a whole, the Tar Heels are bigger and can also shoot elbow J's and from downtown just as well as the Wildcats.

Therefore, coach Roy Willams should look to zone-in on Harrellson and win the game on the boards, as well as points in the paint.

Not to mention it could also get him into foul trouble early on.

6. Joey Rodriguez Takes More Shots

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SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 25: Joey Rodriguez #12 of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams sets up the play against the Florida State Seminoles during the southwest regional of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Alamodome on March 25, 2011 in San Ant

Versus Florida State on Friday night, Joey Rodriguez dished out 10 assists, but only scored five points.

The Seminoles had a rough time with VCU guards Bradford Burgess (26 points, nine of 15 from the field) and Brandon Rozzell (16 points, five of nine from the field), who also combined for nine of 14 from three-point range.

When the Elite Eight tips off for Kansas and VCU, look for the Jayhawks to key in on both these legitiment scorers.

Enter Joey Rodriguez.

The five points he scored against FSU was his lowest since January, therefore more from him will be needed against KU.

If Rodriguez can play well, and then get everyone else involved, the Rams could be in the Final Four.

7. North Carolina Dishes out 20 Assists

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NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 25: Dexter Strickland #1, Kendall Marshall #5, John Henson #31 and Harrison Barnes #40 of the North Carolina Tar Heels walk on the court after a play against the Marquette Golden Eagles during the east regional semifinal of the 2011 N

In game the game they dominated over the Marquette Golden Eagles, the Tar Heels still had 15 assists as a unit.

Kendall Marshall had seven, while big man Tyler Zeller even dished out four amongst others.

Had the game been closer, UNC may have had a few more that could have put them over 20.

Well, Kentucky is no slouch, so look for Carolina to get that for sure open shot.

Versus Marquette three players were in double digits for points (two over 20), which attributes to dishing the rock around the horn.

Against UK, if UNC elevates their level in this area 20 assists or more is easily possible.

8. Derrick Williams Gets a Double-Double

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ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 24: Derrick Williams #23 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after defeating the Duke Blue Devils during the west regional semifinal of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Honda Center on March 24, 2011 in Anaheim, California.

As obvious as this may seem, Williams actually did not get a double-double in the Arizona Wildcats second round game versus the Texas Longhorns.

He had 17 points and only nine rebounds.

The next game he dominated Duke and went 32-13.

Against the Connecticut Huskies in the Elite Eight, a double-double seems easily attainable.

For starters, if he thrashed the Blue Devils then UConn shouldn't be as difficult.

However, do not overlook Alex Oriakhi of UConn who can play just as good.

That said, expect Williams to play just as well, if not better than he did against Duke.