ESPN’s Myron Metcalf wrote his 10 Bold Predictions for the Sweet Sixteen. Here’s what he had to say about the Cards:
1. Louisville over Kentucky by double digits. The Friday matchup between Louisville and Kentucky will be poetic, really. Two of the top three teams in The Associated Press’ preseason poll stumbled at times during the regular season. Louisville regained its mojo in the final weeks, but Kentucky fell short of lofty expectations all season. John Calipari’s fleet of NBA prospects have since risen in the NCAA tournament. The world-beaters who removed Kansas State and top seed Wichita State from the tourney have looked like they could beat anyone in the field. But the fun will end in Indianapolis. I wasn’t impressed by Louisville’s opening weekend (wins over Manhattan and Saint Louis), but I believe that the Cardinals recognize they had more to give in both games. And they’ll prove it with a double-digit win over Kentucky. More experience. More balance. Rick Pitino’s 11-0 record in the Sweet 16. (Calipari is 5-1 against Louisville since arriving at Kentucky, though.) This game won’t live up to the hype. Russ Smith & Co. will pressure the young Wildcats for 40 minutes and avenge an earlier loss against Kentucky.
9. The Vols will go down swinging against Louisville in an Elite Eight thriller. Tennessee won’t leave Indianapolis quietly. Although the Vols won’t have enough to upset Louisville and earn a slot in the Final Four, this will be a tough matchup for Pitino’s squad. The Cardinals will need a late comeback to secure their third consecutive trip to the Final Four and a chance to defend their title.
See everyone isn’t drinking the blue kool aid. I think it’s going to be a fun weekend!
