Wisconsin vs. Kentucky: 5 differences in the rematch

Apr 5, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Sam Dekker (15) and guard Josh Gasser (21) reacts after the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates after the semifinals of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Once the bracket for this year’s tournament was released, many noted the potential similar road the Badgers could see on their pursuit of back to back Final Fours.

For the second year in a row, the Wisconsin Badgers were placed in the West Region, defeated Oregon in the round of 32, defeated Arizona in the Elite Eight, and will now play Kentucky in the Final Four.

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As Wisconsin fans remember, and would just as easily like to forget, the Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Badgers in last year’s Final Four game thanks in large part to guard Aaron Harrison’s parking lot three with 5.7 seconds left.  The bucket gave Kentucky the 74-73 lead, and eventual win.

A year has gone by, and here we are again.  Wisconsin vs. Kentucky, winner goes to the national championship game.

With these teams meeting for a second straight year in the Final Four, it would be easy to think that not much has changed.  Both teams obviously carried over their 2014 successes, made a few little tweaks, and returned to glory for 2015, right?

Ah, not so fast my friend!  Here are five significant differences between their 2014 classic, and upcoming 2015 showdown.