Welcome to March Madness, everybody. This is the time of year when mid-major players become household names across America, the time of year when tradition meets the future, and the time of year when memories of a lifetime are made.

Last March, we were blessed with a fantastic tournament. Kentucky fell just short of a perfect season. We saw 14-seeded Georgia State and coach Ron Hunter capture the attention of Americans when he fell out of his stool as his R.J. Hunter hit a game-winning shot against Baylor.

This year promises to be no different. March is always crazy. You never know when the next historical upset could happen. Let's take a look at 5 bold predictions for this year's tournament.

1. Kansas will not make the Final Four.

Kansas went 27-4 this year, did not lose a game at home and won another Big 12 Conference regular season title. That is very impressive, don't get me wrong. Throughout most of this season, there was not a legitimate number one team in the country. Once teams climbed the rankings, they suffered set backs. Over the course of the last few weeks, though, Kansas cemented themselves as the team to beat this year and finished the season as the number one team in both the AP Top 25 and the USA Today Coaches Poll.

This season, Kansas suffered losses to Iowa State, West Virginia, and Oklahoma State in conference play. In years since their National Championship win against Memphis in 2008, Kansas has reached the Final Four once in a loss to Kentucky in the 2012 championship game.

In the last two years, Kansas has failed to make the Sweet 16 with losses to Wichita State and Stanford. In both cases Kansas was a two seed. In 2013, Kansas lost to Michigan State in the Sweet 16 and lost to VCU in the Elite 8 in 2011. In 2010, Kansas lost to Northern Iowa in that memorable game as a one seed. 2010 was also the last time Kansas finished the regular season ranked number one in the country.

They'll face a tough match up against the winner of Colorado and Connecticut. That alone may could be a tough game, as the Huskies are one of the hottest teams in the country after their AAC conference tournament championship. The South region also offers tough teams in Maryland, Cal, Arizona, Miami and Villanova.

Kansas has played extremely fundamental basketball throughout the season. They shoot well from the field, as well as behind the arc. Bill Self is one of the greatest coaches in the game, but this year they'll succumb to the pressure and expectations of winning yet another national championship. Don't pencil Kansas into your Final Four.

2. At least two 11 seeds will advance to the Sweet 16.

This year's bracket is full of 11 seeds who would normally not be thought of as 11's. However, the bracket is set up favorably for these teams. Vanderbilt and Wichita State will play each other in Dayton on Tuesday, and the winner will face Arizona.

Northern Iowa in the West and Gonzaga in the Midwest regions could pull upsets. Gonzaga will play against Seton Hall in their first game, and would face the winner of Utah and Fresno State with a win. Watch out for the experience and veteran play of the 'Zags. Finally, the winner of Michigan and Tulsa will take the 11 spot in the East region and will draw Notre Dame.

3. Watch out for the Kentucky Wildcats.

Last year, Kentucky nearly made history. This season has not been as glamorous as last season, but the Wildcats still pose a serious threat in this year's tournament. John Calipari has pulled off possibly the best coaching job of his career. He got his players to buy into his system, and it has shown in their play.

Kentucky shared the SEC regular season title with Texas A&M, but beat the Aggies Sunday in the conference tournament championship in Nashville. This team is hot and ready for the challenge of the big dance. The East region is tough, however. A possible Sweet 16 date with North Carolina looms in the distance, and there's no doubt Calipari would have his team ready to pull an upset.

4. Two seeded Villanova or Xavier will get bounced before the Sweet 16.

Both of these teams have had very solid seasons, but something about them screams that they're prone to upsets. In the Big East tournament semifinal Xavier lost to Seton Hall, who then went on to beat Villanova in the conference championship game.

'Nova will have to battle the winner of Iowa and Temple. Although Iowa faded in the remaining few weeks of the regular season, they have the ability to pull the upset, and Temple could do the same. Xavier will also face a tough third round game against the winner of Wisconsin and Pittsburgh, both of whom would threaten Xavier.

5. Buddy Hield will lead Oklahoma to a National Championship.

Oklahoma nearly pulled off an unbelievable win against West Virginia in the Big 12 tournament, but fell short after Buddy Hield's half court buzzer shot was not counted. Hield has been the go-to guy all season long for Oklahoma. They have relied heavily on Hield's success, and he hasn't disappointed. The tournament will be no different.

Hield averaged 25 points this year in a tough Big 12 conference. Additionally, he shot 50 percent from the field and 47 percent from behind the arc. He shoots free throws at nearly 90 percent, which is extremely impressive.

In the NCAA Tournament, teams need a guy who can take over games when they need to. All season long, Hield has been that player for Oklahoma. A leader both on and off the court, this team is relying on him. Hield isn't the only guy on the floor for Oklahoma, though. There are three other players for Oklahoma that averaged double-figure points this year: Isaiah Cousins, Jordan Woodard and Ryan Spangler. As a team, they shoot extremely well from all areas of the floor.

Head coach Lon Kruger has morphed this team into a serious contender, and I believe that this is the year he finally pulls it off. Watch out for Oklahoma basketball.

Welcome to March, and enjoy.