Well, MUSIC_DADDY, it’s entirely possible. The Heels are one of the nation’s best teams, and probably the top seed in the CWS bracket #2.
But I would keep my eyes open for the Cinderella team...the only team in the field that is not among the top eight seeds going into the regionals, and that is Fresno State. The Bulldogs didn’t even finish the season in the national rankings, but they were placed in the nation’s toughest regional, the Long Beach one, where they, as a mere #4 seed, outlasted nationally ranked Long Beach State, Cal, and UC San Diego.
Then they faced the national 3rd seed, Arizona State, which carried a 14-game home postseason win streak into the Super Regionals, and boasted a 39-3 record at home this season, and took two of three from the powerful Sun Devils...becoming the first #4 regional seed ever to make it to the CWS.
Despite the objectionable practice of pitting the top Western teams against each other in the regionals to protect their darling Florida, SEC, and ACC teams, when a Western team manages to break through and get to the CWS finals, more times than not, they prevail(remember Oregon State last year? I’m sure you do.)
Despite the Bulldogs’ struggles during the season, watch out for this team....they could be trouble!
Yes, UNC, Miami, LSU, Rice, and Georgia boast strong teams...but don’t overlook the folks from out West, where baseball has always reigned supreme! This will really be a good CWS this year, if the playoffs thus far have been any indication.
Well, MUSIC_DADDY, it’s entirely possible. The Heels are one of the nation’s best teams, and probably the top seed in the CWS bracket #2.
Hey John! Good to hear from you on the west coast and glad to know there are folks still interested in collegiate sports, baseball as is this case.
But I would keep my eyes open for the Cinderella team...the only team in the field that is not among the top eight seeds going into the regionals, and that is Fresno State. The Bulldogs didn’t even finish the season in the national rankings, but they were placed in the nation’s toughest regional, the Long Beach one, where they, as a mere #4 seed, outlasted nationally ranked Long Beach State, Cal, and UC San Diego.
Yes, just like in the NCAA basketball tournament there is always a Cinderella team. That’s kinda what makes it great. Even the top teams can fall.
Despite the objectionable practice of pitting the top Western teams against each other in the regionals to protect their darling Florida, SEC, and ACC teams
Darling? John, you say that with such adoration That’s funny!
when a Western team manages to break through and get to the CWS finals, more times than not, they prevail(remember Oregon State last year?
I’m sure you do.)
Ah, actually I remember Oregon State from the past 2 years……………..
Despite the Bulldogs’ struggles during the season, watch out for this team....they could be trouble!
I agree with you.
Yes, UNC, Miami, LSU, Rice, and Georgia boast strong teams...but don’t overlook the folks from out West, where baseball has always reigned supreme! This will really be a good CWS this year, if the playoffs thus far have been any indication.
UNC has not always been known for being a baseball powerhouse, whereas Chapel Hill is nationally known as a basketball nation! They haven’t even been in the same class as the Miami’s, Rice’s, etc. until the last 5 years. Mike Fox has done a great job of recruiting. And let me say that I think Butch Davis will bring UNC football back up to speed just like Mack Brown did in the 90’s.
Side note : John, I truly enjoy your articles hear on the website. Thanks for sharing all of your research and time.
Well, Greg...I guess we’ll get more of an idea how good our respective teams are in this year’s CWS...inasmuch as they’ll be facing each other in the Bracket 2 winner’s bracket game this coming Tuesday...I doubt if the Tar Heels will overlook Fresno State, and I KNOW the Bulldogs will not be overconfident against the bracket’s top seed. It should be a good matchup...ya think?
Oh...and I’m SO glad that Miami and Florida State will have the chance to knock each other out tomorrow!
Well, Greg...I guess we’ll get more of an idea how good our respective teams are in this year’s CWS...inasmuch as they’ll be facing each other in the Bracket 2 winner’s bracket game this coming Tuesday…
You’re right. I have to admit that I am a little worried facing you guys. Your bulldogs should change their name to bulldozers cause that’s what they have been doing to their opponents (esp. the owls) I am concerned about tomorrow night especially with the momentum you all have.
I doubt if the Tar Heels will overlook Fresno State, and I KNOW the Bulldogs will not be overconfident against the bracket’s top seed. It should be a good matchup...ya think?
Me thinks so. Neither team will take the other lightly. I didn’t get to see the ‘Heels play Sunday night because we were doing the Father’s Day thing at my wife’s dad’s house. I did get to check the internet, though for updates. I do think it will be a good matchup.
Oh...and I’m SO glad that Miami and Florida State will have the chance to knock each other out tomorrow!
Yes, yes, yes. I have never been a fan of any sport out of the state of Florida!
Greg, sorry that our Bulldogs had to burst your bubble...I’ll bet UNC has had enough of playing teams from out West in the College World Series...it might be three straight years that the Tar Heels have ultimately come up short in Omaha, but it’s now three straight years that an underdog team from the West Coast has beaten them. Too bad, the Heels are a fine team, with some of the country’s best players...it’s unfortunate that this wasn’t the championship final!
Meanwhile, as I warned at the beginning of this thread, Fresno State has become a major factor in all of this...I don’t think anyone will be shocked now if they go all the way! Here’s to Fresno winning the battle of the Bulldogs!
Hey John!
Been waiting on this one. Congrats to Fresno State. Those boys want it bad. I am sure the UNC will be glad to get home, though. They are very tired, as you can tell where the pitching fell apart. I hate to say it but the better team won.
And by the way I am pulling for the Bulldogs to win Take care John!
Side not: I agree about playing the west coast teams. Maybe we can get a different draw next year.
That’s funny!
