Texas A&M has played numerous top-tier teams this season, but Sunday's matchup against North Carolina may be the biggest of them all.
It will feature the Aggies' daunting size and grit against the Tar Heels' sheer speed and talent.
In order for A&M to win, it does not have to play a perfect game, but likely as flawless as possible.
While freshman guard T.J. Starks has been a catalyst for the Aggies in recent weeks, he must set his rookie mistakes aside when facing North Carolina's Joel Berry II, a seasoned veteran and the Most Outstanding Player at last year's Final Four.
As one of the nation's top point guards, Berry is not only an excellent facilitator, but a major scoring threat as well averaging 17.0 points per game which tops the charts on North Carolina's stat sheet.
Starks has seen several top-notch point guards this season, but none like Berry. His passing will be pivotal, and will have no room to make errant throws that could allow the Tar Heels to score an easy bucket in transition, an area they thrive off their opponents.
An even tougher matchup may be on the wing with North Carolina's guard/forward combo Theo Pinson, who at 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds, will likely draw the attention of A&M's Admon Gilder, who the Aggies regard as their best on-ball defender.
Pinson will definitely possess a size advantage over Gilder (6-4, 200), who has been called on by A&M to guard its opponents' top offensive threats each of the past two seasons.
Where the Aggies must win is at the low block with Tyler Davis and Robert Williams, who combined for 27 points and 29 rebounds in the first round against Providence.
On average, North Carolina out-rebounds its opponents by over 10 boards per game, but head coach Roy Williams said Saturday that A&M is one of the biggest teams he has ever seen -- a huge statement from a to-be Hall of Fame coach.
One disadvantage A&M will have is the game's location -- Charlotte -- which is just over two hours away from North Carolina's campus in Chapel Hill. And with Virginia making the monumental exit, more Tar Heel fans may snatch up extra tickets for the Sunday sessions.
I believe this game will be close, but in the end, the Tar Heels will edge it out in a foot race. But one thing the Aggies should know is that this March has been full of surprises, especially in Charlotte.
Prediction: North Carolina 77, Texas A&M 72
