One of the most popular and proven methods for picking your NCAA national champion has been the number of NBA prospects factor. Take the team with the most legit players at the next level and advance them all the way to that special box in the center of your bracket.

If you went by that theory, chances are you had a hell of a time picking the winner of this game. I've scored it as 4.5 to 3.5 in favor of the Cardinals.

Either way you see it, this matchup shouldn't be a disappointment. That much talent and athleticism combined with two contrasting strengths and I wouldn't be too surprised to see this decided on the final shot.

Tennessee hasn't been all the impressive thus far in my opinion. Butler sadly brought a B- effort and while the Vols frantic style accounted for some of the errors, most were unforced. But the name of the game is just advance, and a Chris Lofton hot streak will put them into the Elite Eight. Lofton has been off thus far and was apparently in a walking boot Monday, but will play tomorrow night.

Louisville is far too good defensively to let Bruce Pearl's squad to get all the easy buckets they had against Butler. The Bulldogs also didn't have a David Padgett or Earl Clark in the post. Both should own the boards Thursday night and eliminate any second chances points.

What I like most about Rick Pitino's team is they've proven they can play at any style. Grind it out against Georgetown. Sure. Run with Notre Dame. Done. Tennessee has only one style and that's frantic and if it doesn't got that way they get out of sorts and miss too many threes which they've relied on heavily all year.

Either Chris Lofton and JaJuan Smith go nuts from three or its another well earned defensive win for Louisville.

64% of FanIQ picks UL

Prediction: 74-71