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The landscapes of several conferences could take shape this weekend.
In the SEC, league favorite Florida hits the road to face LSU while Georgia hits the road to face South Carolina. In the ACC, Florida State is at Virginia in one of the weekend’s best series, while N.C. State hopes to make a statement against Georgia Tech.
It’s also a big weekend in the Big 12, where Texas A&M travels to Oklahoma and Kansas State aims to surprise Texas.
Elsewhere, Florida International heads to Florida Atlantic in a Sun Belt showdown and Mercer hits the road to face Stetson in a series that ultimately could determine the Atlantic Sun regular season champion.
It’s time to take an in-depth look at the weekend in college baseball.
WHO’S HOT
Virginia: The Cavaliers have a special team this season and hope to continue their winning ways at home this weekend against Florida State. The Cavaliers have won 11-straight contests and are coming off a huge road series sweep over Clemson and a midweek win over James Madison. Consistency is the key with this team.
LSU: You can’t say enough about what the Tigers have done this spring. They entered the season with some question marks, but are 16-1, winners of five-straight and 9-1 in their last 10 games. The Tigers also enter the Florida series riding high after sweeping Cal State Fullerton at home last weekend.
Oregon State: Rival Oregon was the headliner from the state entering the season, but it seems the Beavers are grabbing more attention these days. The Beavers are winners of 10-straight contests, including a win over the Ducks, and enter this weekend’s series at Long Beach State with much momentum.
Georgia Tech: There was a train of thought before the season suggesting the Yellow Jackets were in the midst of a rebuilding campaign. However, the offense and pitching staff have been solid this season, and the Jackets are winners of nine-straight contests, including a midweek series sweep over Georgia Southern.
Baylor: The Bears are playing a consistent brand of baseball, and to no surprise, they’ve embarked on a seven-game winning streak that includes wins over Rice, Texas State, Florida International, and a series sweep over Louisiana Tech. The Bears will be a major force if their pitching staff establishes consistency.
WHO’S NOT
St. John’s: The Johnnies earned midweek wins over Fairfield and Albany, but those victories don’t diminish the fact they’re coming off an incredibly poor week. Last week, the Johnnies dropped midweek affairs to UNC Greensboro and North Carolina before dropping a pair of games to Gardner-Webb over the weekend.
San Diego: It’s safe to say the Toreros have played some solid competition, but there’s no reason they should have a 4-11 record at this juncture. USD is in the midst of a three-game losing streak and hasn’t experienced much success on the weekend since facing rival San Diego State three weekends ago. USD needs something to go its way.
Pepperdine: Losing apparently is contagious in the West Coast Conference. The Waves are losers of four-straight games and 3-7 in their last 10. They dropped a home series to Louisville last weekend and have another tough chore this weekend when they face Coastal Carolina at home.
Clemson: The Tigers are going through a major slump with a .500 record and losers of five-straight contests. Clemson losing a series to South Carolina and even getting swept by Virginia is somewhat understandable, but losing a midweek affair at home to Presbyterian was inexcusable.
Marshall: The Thundering Herd raised at least some eyebrows opening weekend when they defeated Kentucky, but that win now seems like ancient history. The Herd is coming off a series loss to Ohio and has a 3-7 record in their last 10. It’s a surprise the Thundering Herd is struggling this much.
STORYLINES TO WATCH
Florida has a huge road test: The Gators have earned their No. 1 ranking so far this season with a 15-2 record and series wins over South Florida, Boston College, Miami and Rhode Island. But a close look at UF’s schedule reveals something interesting, it hasn’t exactly gotten road experience. The Gators have played one true road game, a midweek affair at South Florida. It’ll be interesting to see how the Gators fair on the road in LSU’s hostile atmosphere.
Florida State and Virginia butt heads: Outside of that little series in Baton Rouge, La., there’s not a better series in college baseball. The Seminoles have been fantastic this season with an improved pitching staff helping them tally an impressive 15-2 record. Virginia, meanwhile, is 17-1 and coming off an impressive road series sweep over Clemson. Both teams have done a solid job on the mound this season. FSU already has a road series win over Georgia this season. Can the Seminoles earn another road series win to their resume?
Oklahoma’s response to adversity: Just a week ago, the Sooners were the nation’s only undefeated team. Now, the Sooners hope to respond from their mini-slump. OU was shutout by Arkansas-Little Rock to end a series last weekend and dropped both ends of a two-game midweek set against Arizona State. The Sooners have a tall order, even at home, with starting pitchers John Stilson and Michael Wacha and Texas A&M coming to town this weekend. Fortunately, OU is at home. Still, it’ll be interesting to see how the Sooners respond to adversity.
Big weekend in the SEC: There’s that important series in Baton Rouge, but there also is plenty of other interesting action to follow in the Southeastern part of the country. It’s a big weekend in the SEC with conference play beginning. Mississippi State has put together a good record against weak competition and hits the road to face red-hot Vanderbilt, improved Georgia is at South Carolina, Arkansas hopes to build off its successful West Coast road trip at Auburn, Alabama heads to Mississippi and Tennessee is at Kentucky in the most unheralded series of the weekend. The Vols, though, hope to make a statement after starting the season with a 15-2 record.
Changing of the guard in the Mountain West?: TCU coach Jim Schlossnagle once was at UNLV, and the last time he was there was the last time the Rebels experienced a wealth of success. This season, new UNLV coach Tim Chambers is working his magic as the Rebels are off to an incredible 16-4 start. However, there’s no doubt the Rebels haven’t recorded marquee wins. That could change this weekend as they play host to the Horned Frogs. A series win over TCU would go a long way in making the Rebels look legitimate.
SERIES TO WATCH
No. 1 Florida at No. 10 LSU: SEC play gets started in style this weekend as the Gators head to hostile territory to take on the Tigers this weekend. Both teams have done great jobs on the mound and at the plate this season. Lots of young talent will be on display this weekend, too. Florida freshman pitcher Karsten Whitson is arguably the top first-year arm in the country, while the Tigers have their talented trio of freshmen in Kevin Gausman, Ryan Eades and Kurt McCune. A Florida series win this weekend would be extremely impressive.
No. 18 Texas A&M at No. 6 Oklahoma: The Aggies have yet to earn a marquee series win, but that could change this weekend as they hit the road to play the Sooners. The Aggies have a fantastic one-two punch on the weekend with John Stilson and Michael Wacha leading the way. However, OU has a substantial advantage in the offensive department. Oklahoma is expected to win this series if its pitching staff rises to the occasions. The Aggies aren’t an easy team to come back against with Stilson and Wacha on the mound.
No. 3 Florida State at No. 4 Virginia: It doesn’t get much better than this series between the Seminoles and Cavaliers. Florida State left-handed pitcher Sean Gilmartin will matchup with Virginia lefty Danny Hultzen is one of the top pitching duels this season. The Seminoles are solid at the plate and have surprised on the mound, while the Cavaliers are solid in all phases of the game. The Cavaliers have the edge at home, but don’t be surprised if the Seminoles push them to the limit.
Georgia at No. 5 South Carolina: The Bulldogs caught the nation by storm last weekend when they went 3-0 on the West Coast with victories over UCLA, St. Mary’s and Georgia. Now they hope to establish some consistency in SEC play. Georgia needs strong pitching performances from Alex Wood, Michael Palazzone and Craig Gullickson to win this road series. South Carolina, meanwhile, hopes to continue its winning ways with hard-hitting outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr., leading the way.
No. 21 Florida International at Texas A&M: Much time has passed since the Golden Panthers dropped their series-opening series to Southeastern Louisiana. But there’s no question they have something to prove in the eyes of many. Beating the Aggies on the road would give them a marquee series win. Garrett Wittels and Pablo Bermudez lead a talented FIU offensive lineup. The Aggies, meanwhile, have two of the nation’s best starting pitchers in John Stilson and Michael Wacha, but must improve offensively to take a step forward.
No. 8 TCU at UNLV: The Horned Frogs haven’t exactly impressed this season thanks to some iffy offense at times. But they hope to earn a solid road series win this weekend against surprising UNLV. The Rebels are off to a fantastic start with new coach Tim Chambers leading the way. Outfielder Rance Roundy is having a great year at the plate and starting pitcher Tanner Peters still hasn’t allowed a run. UNLV could send shockwaves through the Mountain West with a series win.
No. 25 Arkansas at Auburn: The Razorbacks had a successful trip to the West Coast last weekend, but going to Auburn this weekend is a different animal. The Hogs will play their first weekend against marquee competition, and that could be bad news if they’re not clicking. DJ Baxendale is having a great year on the mound, while Ryne Stanek likely will only be available as a reliever after starting against Kansas earlier this week. Auburn, meanwhile, must establish some consistency, starting on the mound. This is a huge series for the Tigers. They need to take care of business at home.
Loyola Marymount vs. UC Irvine: This is one of the most intriguing series to watch this weekend. The Lions have put together a solid record so far this season, and quite frankly are somewhat of a surprise. The pitching staff with Jason Wheeler and Martin Viramontes has been a surprise, while the offense is hitting .280. UC Irvine, meanwhile, has tallied some impressive offensive numbers this season, but against incredibly weak competition. LMU is Irvine’s toughest weekend test to date.
N.C. State at No. 14 Georgia Tech: The Wolfpack entered the season as a team expected to be on the cusp of an NCAA postseason appearance. That won’t be an option if the Wolfpack continues at the current pace. N.C. State has lost its last two series to Duke and Penn State with limited offensive production. That’s not a good recipe against Georgia Tech, which has been fantastic with star pitchers Jed Bradley and Mark Pope leading the charge.
Oregon State at Long Beach State: Outside of the pitching matchups in Baton Rouge and Charlottesville this weekend, there’s not a better duel set to take place than Oregon State’s Sam Gaviglio and Long Beach State’s Andrew Gagnon. Both pitchers have been fantastic this season and should set the tone for a series that likely will be heavy in pitching and not so much the way of offense. The Dirtbags could use another solid series win, while OSU gets its first big weekend test since playing Fresno State.
Mississippi State at No. 2 Vanderbilt: It’s perceived to be a big season for State coach John Cohen, and there’s no question the Bulldogs are off to a hot start. However, things much be put into perspective. For instance, State’s marquee series win so far this season is against Sacred Heart. That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement. The Bulldogs have a chance to silence all doubters this weekend when they face one of the nation’s best in the Commodores.
Kansas State at No. 7 Texas: This is one of our upset alerts for the weekend. The Wildcats have proven in the past they’re not scared to face the Longhorns in Austin, as evidenced by their series win there two seasons ago. They also have a very solid ace pitcher in Kyle Hunter with one of the nation’s best sluggers in veteran outfielder Nick Martini, who’s hitting .400 with 11 RBIs. The Longhorns, meanwhile, have an outstanding one-two punch on the mound, a solid and still developing bullpen and a sketchy offense. This will be a surprisingly great series.
Mercer at Stetson: The Atlantic Sun regular season title could be decided this weekend when the Bears hit the road to face the Hatters. Both teams have put together solid campaigns this season, but Stetson is more proven. Mercer’s marquee series win is against Liberty, while the Hatters’ marquee series win is over Georgia. Catcher Nick Rickles and pitcher Lindsey Caughel are worth watching for the Hatters, while sluggers Joe Winker, Thomas Carroll and Jacob Tanis spearhead a Mercer lineup hitting .319.
Alabama at Mississippi: Matt Crouse has blossomed into his role as staff ace for the Rebels and hopes to start the weekend against the Crimson Tide off on the right foot. The Rebels need to earn a solid series win after dropping a tough series to Tulane two weekends ago. Alabama, meanwhile, has showed signs of life after a rough start, but needs a strong weekend from a pitching staff that has some talent with weekend starters Nathan Kilcrease and Adam Morgan leading the charge.
Florida International at Florida Atlantic: Sun Belt play couldn’t get started in better fashion than a series between the Golden Panthers and Owls, the two teams expected to compete for the regular season title. The Panthers are coming off a rough road trip to Texas, while the Owls have had major consistency issues and are coming off a midweek loss to Miami and a horrible home series loss to Seton Hall before that. Neither team is very consistent, but at least the Panthers have played OK against some decent opponents. Either way, though, this series is a tossup between two teams with still their best brand of baseball left to be played.
TALKING POSTSEASON
Florida: The Gators will head to Baton Rouge, La., this weekend with the nation’s best RPI. The Gators have accumulated some solid wins this spring, sitting 4-1 against RPI Top 50 teams and 14-2 against RPI Top 100 teams. They also have a strength of schedule of 7. That SOS, of course, only will get better this weekend as the Gators play LSU. A series win over the Tigers could entrench the Gators in the top spot for a long time.
Tulane: Unless something drastically changes from an RPI standpoint, the Green Wave will have to try to not make the NCAA postseason once Conference USA play begins. The Green Wave is 3 in the RPI and has a marquee road series win over Mississippi and a home series win over Wichita State. Tulane is 3-2 vs. Top 50 RPI teams and 7-4 against Top 100 RPI teams. Tulane coach Rick Jones deserves credit for doing a great job so far this season.
Trouble signs for the Big 12?: There’s a long way to go between now and the end of the college baseball regular season, but the Big 12 isn’t in great shape from an RPI standpoint right now. Baylor leads the conference with a solid RPI of 13. However, league leaders Oklahoma and Texas have RPIs of 29 and 38, respectively. Texas A&M, meanwhile, has an RPI of 34 and Oklahoma State has an RPI of 35. The Big 12 has a lot of teams with OK RPIs, but elite? Baylor is the only team for now.
Signs it’s still very early: There are plenty of lingering signs of the RPI still not having the natural corrections kick in. For instance, East Tennessee State is at 6, Troy is at 9, Southeastern Louisiana is at 14, Texas State is at 19 and High Point is at 21. Some of those teams, such as Troy, Southeastern Louisiana and Texas State could end the season with high RPIs. ETSU and High Point? Not so much.
National seeds: It’s still too early to get accurate RPI readings, but if the season ended today our eight national seeds would break down like this in no particular order: Florida, Virginia, Florida State, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, LSU, South Carolina and Georgia Tech. Six of the eight national seeds would hail from the ACC and SEC conferences. Unlikely at the end of the season, but you only can go on the data available.
Kendall Rogers is the managing editor of college baseball for Perfect Game USA and has covered the sport for over 10 seasons. He can be reached at kendall@perfectgame.org