Final Four 2012: Ultimate Showdown Set For Saturday

This year's NCAA Final Four packs quite a punch, as there is not an underdog in sight. Kentucky is the #1 seeded team in the tournament, and their starting lineup is made up entirely of freshman and sophomores. Louisville wasn't necessarily expected to make it this far, but after putting away Florida, they have arrived and look like they belong. Kentucky is still favored to beat them, and Kansas is expected to send Ohio State home as well. Last year's title game was the fourth lowest in history for ratings as Butler took on Connecticut, but this year's showdown is going to be quite the opposite.

As a kid growing up in Kentucky, I still remember watching what many say is the greatest NCAA game ever played. The Wildcats were playing against Duke to see who would advance to the Final Four. With the game in overtime, Kentucky up by 1 point, and 2.1 seconds remaining on the clock, Christian Laettner takes a pass from the opposite side of the court, spins, and swishes a shot at the buzzer that will never be forgotten. Duke went on to win the NCAA championship game, and I measured everything basketball that I've seen since then against that moment.

With four strong teams vying for the title, there are high expectations. The action starts Saturday night on CBS, and my interest lies mostly with the Louisville vs. Kentucky game. Many Kentucky fans have never forgiven Rick Pitino for leaving to coach the Boston Celtics, only to turn around a few years later to come back and coach Lousiville. The stage is now set for the two rivals, as John Calipari's Kentucky Wildcats take on Rick Pitino's Louisville Cardinals. It could be another game for the ages. They call it March Madness for a reason.