North Carolina Tar Heels
This is a particularly tough decision considering I’m confident in all four one seeds moving on to the Elite 8. North Carolina’s task is a bit more daunting than others because of how well Auburn is playing right now and how much the program has improved over the last month or so.
Bryce Brown and Jared Harper orchestrated a signature 14-point victory over Kansas in the Round of 32. A win of any nature would have gone down as one of the greatest in recent memory for the Tigers. But it’s worth noting how Auburn demolished the Jayhawks and held a 26-point lead at halftime.
North Carolina hasn’t done anything specific that leads me to believe the Tar Heels’ season will come to an end on Friday. I just like how Auburn looks heading into this game much more than UNC, and March Madness is all about who is riding a hot streak.
The Tar Heels have yet to face anyone in the tournament who have forced them to elevate their game. Considering New Mexico State was no simple task, Auburn has had to do this both rounds and has answered the bell each time.
This game is an instant classic in the making. I’d be surprised if it doesn’t go down to the final few seconds or so. The Tigers will knock down more clutch shots down the stretch and will ride its blue and orange wave into the Elite 8.