Predicting who exactly will come out on top of the NCAA tournament each year is always a difficult task, and this year could arguably be the toughest yet.

Unknown teams can make surprising runs, and favorites can bow out at any moment.

However, since it is so unpredictable to determine which teams will move on, my philosophy is to not go too far in predicting upsets. I instead bet on the expected.

But I still love to be proven wrong.

Final Four

No. 3 Michigan State (Midwest), No. 2 Ohio State (West), No. 1 Kansas (South), No. 1 Indiana (East)

The Big Ten proved it was the strongest conference in the country during the regular season, and three teams will represent the conference in the Final Four.

Runner up

Michigan State

The Spartans will win the tough Midwest Region and make it to their second title game in five seasons.

Champion

Indiana

It may be treasonous, but I think the Hoosiers’ scoring threat will run through the field and give the Big Ten its first national champion in 13 years.

Team to watch

No. 4 Saint Louis (Midwest)

Watch for the A-10 champions to upset No. 1 overall seed Louisville in the Sweet 16 to advance to the Elite Eight.

Team that will disappoint

No. 4 Michigan (South)

The Wolverines will barely survive South Dakota State before VCU wreaks havoc on them in the Round of 32.