Every year there is a region that is just miserable for each team involved and easily the hardest in the tournament. This year that region is the Midwest. Make no mistake this "region of death" will push all the teams to their limits and the winner will be battle tested going into the Final Four and even the championship game.

Sports World News Guide to March Madness Bracket Games

Favorite: Louisville
I am a true believer that until someone dethrones any champion they should be treated as the favorite and the same goes for me here. This is the region of death and all the teams will have to endure hardship to win each and every game, but Louisville is the reigning champ.

Upset Watch: Kentucky v. Wichita State
Assuming both teams win their first round game this game could be a tough one for the Shockers. It has been noted time and time again that the Shockers don’t play the same schedule as a major conference team and Kentucky will be Wichita’s first “real” test. Kentucky is hitting its stride at the right time, but the Shockers aren't the pushovers the world thinks they are.

Best Matchup: Massachusetts v. Tennessee
Tennessee is a potential sleeper Cinderella that isn’t getting enough love due to its play-in game. The Volunteers can not only beat UMass, but possibly knock off the winner of the Duke vs. Mercer matchup. Mass will play Tennessee tough and will have a chance to prove the wroth of the Atlantic 10

Wild Card: Michigan/Duke
As a No. 2 and No. 3 seed respectively these teams are not being talked about at all. Of course in a perfect world both of them can’t make the Elite 8, but they are Top 15 teams that have some star power. They are hurt by the way they ended their regular seasons, but this time of year was made for teams like Duke and Michigan.

Who comes out of your Midwest Region? What matchup are you looking forward to most? Tell us @SportsWN