The March Madness Elite Eight features two marquee matchups as Tennessee faces top-seeded Michigan and UConn battles Duke. ESPN analysts Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf favor Michigan (80-68, 85-69 predictions) and split on the UConn-Duke game. The winners advance to Indianapolis for the Final Four with Tennessee seeking its first semifinal appearance.

Tennessee must dominate the paint behind Nate Ament and Ja'Kobi Gillespie while avoiding foul trouble from Felix Okpara. The Vols rank first nationally in offensive rebounding rate but face Michigan's defense allowing just 48.9% shooting in the post. UConn's Tarris Reed Jr. must stay out of foul trouble against Cameron Boozer.

Duke's inside approach has been effective despite cold perimeter shooting (30% from 3-point range since ACC tournament). UConn's guard depth could exploit Duke's less-than-100% backcourt. The Blue Devils have won by owning the paint with Boozer leading the way, but must solve Reed's recent dominance with double-doubles in two of three NCAA tournament games.