We are down to just eight teams left from the original field of 68 for the 2012 NCAA Tournament. While the Cal Bears and Saint Mary's Gaels may have made an earlier exit than they were hoping for, there are still plenty of story lines to watch this weekend as the Elite 8 gets underway.
Does a cinderella team make their way into the Final Four, like Butler and VCU did last season? Do the blue blood schools add yet another banner to their rafters? Do we all miss Gus Johnson?
These questions and more will be answered in the coming days. We have a complete preview of Saturday's action after the jump...
WEST REGION - Phoenix, AZ
Matchup: Louisville Cardinals (4) vs. Florida Gators (7)
Road To The Elite 8: Louisville knocked off Davidson in the second round, New Mexico in the third and dismantled Michigan State in the Sweet 16 on Thursday. Florida dominated Virginia and Norfolk State in their first two games, and led the entire way against Marquette earlier this week.
Tipoff Time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT
TV Coverage: CBS will broadcast the game live across the entire nation, with pre-game coverage starting 90 minutes before the game.
EAST REGION - Boston, MA
Matchup: Syracuse Orange (1) vs. Ohio St. Buckeyes (2)
Road To The Elite 8: Syracuse avoided the early upset against UNC-Ashville in the opening round before defeating Kansas State to advance to the Sweet 16. They knocked off Wisconsin at the buzzer on Thursday. Ohio State has defeated Loyola, Gonzaga and Cincinnati to get to this point.
Tipoff Time: 7:05 p.m. ET / 4:05 p.m. PT
TV Coverage: CBS will broadcast the action. Should the Louisville-Florida matchup run long or into overtime, they will likely delay the start until the conclusion of the earlier game.