They have many names, surprise teams, underdogs, and dark horses, and they're in Omaha every year. Mine are Coastal Carolina and Auburn.
Discussion
I'm not trying to create trouble, but the Power Rankings require some explanation. There are already at least six organizations publishing top 25 rankings and I am in no way opposed to more. I think all of these rankings are trying to rate a teams likelihood of winning in Omaha. Is this what the CBN rankings intend to do or is it trying to rate the teams chance at having the most home runs or slugging percentage? If the latter perhaps we should have fielding and pitching rankings as well. Why not all four. That would be interesting.
TCU, Ole Miss
TCU had become an Omaha mainstay before the last two years! It'll be interesting to see if they can turn it around after some injuries derailed their season last year.
Ole Miss really was impressive last year.
I like TCU. Great recruiting class coming in, and Jim Schlossnagle knows how to coach.
I'm gonna echo Auburn. I like Arizona State a lot too. They brought in Jason Kelly to fix their pitching, and I think that will help.
As a Husky fan it hurt to lose Kelly to ASU. That was a great hire. I think he can really help that program.
I like both Auburn an ASU same reason and they didn’t lose much from a team that was really good at times last year.
TCU I believe it’s just a matter of Time before Coach S get them back on top of the B12.
How or why is Auburn a "surprise" team? SEC team that's coming off a world series appearance and returns Burns, Owen and Greenhill on the mound? Not sure I'd classify them as a surprise team if they got to Omaha.
That's fair. In my mind, Auburn is ahead of schedule, so it was a surprise to see them this year in Omaha. It would be less of a surprise next year, but they're not a team I'm used to seeing in Omaha.
Cal State Fullerton is someone I could see making a return trip this year. Vanderhook turned over coaches and I think their pitching will be much better this year.
Seems like someone from out West has a good shot. They might have to go through someone like UCLA which would be tough
UCSB and Georgia
The Gauchos really looked unstoppable until the last two weeks of the season this year
@John Peters I admittedly would be really surprised with UCSB. Have they posted their schedule yet? They went on road and swept Tulane and swept a down Missouri State squad last year. Big West was down last year and the Gauchos did a good job there. They have lights now, so that's a plus, but can't see them having nearly the same won/loss record as this year. CSF, UCI, Cal Poly and a resurgent LB State under Valenzuela should provide a competitive Big West.
I like Georgia and love Emerson Hancock (not hard to like one of if not the probable #1 pick in the draft) but don't understand the love affair with Cole Wilcox. Yes, I get it, "he throws 99" but at what point does the rubber have to meet the road? It's great to have "tools" and potential, but you need guys on the mound that can get outs. He had a 4+ era last year with a matching high WHiP. Will he take the next step this year? And what happens if he doesn't? I happened to see him throw 1 game on the Cape this summer and got absolutely lit up. What am I missing? I don't bring this up to demean the young man, but media loves him and so far, he hasn't lived up to expectations. I believe Aaron Fitt at one point mid season last year had him as his "2nd half player that would be a difference maker". I did hear he threw some solid innings for USA Collegiate National team so we'll see.
They were my dark horse team last season. Haven’t seen their roster so not sure how much they lost from that team. I seem to recall that they would be returning most of their key players. I think their conference will be improved this season, and better competition will either make them better or sink their boat. They were good last season. I think they’ll be better this season. Looking forward to finding out!
Someone I"m intrigued with but don't have enough info yet is Tennessee. With Crochet going on Friday nights, they can compete with anyone in the country and Vitello is considered one of the top young coaches in the country. After winning 40 games last year, I think they take another step this year, host a regional and a potential surprise in Omaha.
That's an interesting pick. They do have a few good arms that will keep them in any series.
Tennessee definitely has the arms. Crochet will be a 1st rounder. Chase Wallace has been lights out. Returnees Sewell, Hunley, Kohlepp, Pleasants and Walsh. Juco newcomers Rackers, Leath, Dallas and Freshman Drew Gilbert have all looked really good.
NC State And Duke
Now those would qualify as surprises. I like it!
Duke's going to have a good team, as will Michigan. I wouldn't be shocked if either or both made it to Omaha.
What do you think about the loss of Michigan's best arms?
@John Peters They showed a few good arms in our scrimmage with them Sunday so I think they'll develop well. Hard to tell at this point, however. But I do think they'll win the Big 10 and go far in the NCAAT.