5/10/2011 2:02:28 PM
Midweek matchups around the country are beginning to dwindle in number, meaning the number of premier midweek matchups with postseason ramifications are few and far between. However, there are at least seven matchups to watch on Tuesday and Wednesday as several programs jockey for postseason position.
We rank and breakdown the top midweek matchups.
1. No. 6 Florida State at No. 14 Stetson -- When the Seminoles saw this contest on their schedule before the season, they probably thought it'd just be another normal midweek matchup against an in-state foe. Well, this contest has more ramifications than just a single win. The Seminoles are aiming for a national title and could use another win versus an RPI Top 25 team. Stetson, meanwhile, is in solid shape for an NCAA Regional host and only could solidify its already impressive resume with a win over the Seminoles. Give the Hatters credit for one thing, and that's their ability to schedule solid non-conference opponents.
2. Texas State at No. 10 Texas A&M -- Both the Bobcats and Aggies could use a victory in midweek action. The Bobcats lead the Southland Conference and it's assumed they'd earn an at-large bid to the NCAA postseason should they not win the Southland tournament in a few weeks. However, it might not be as much of a slam dunk as some think. The Bobcats have an RPI of 41 and 31-16 overall record, which is solid. However, they're also just 0-4 vs. RPI Top 25, 1-7 vs. RPI Top 50 and 13-10 vs. RPI Top 100. In other words, not exactly an impressive overall resume. The Aggies, meanwhile, have struggled immensely in midweek games over the past few weeks, and they could use a solid RPI win over the Bobcats to boost their postseason resume. A&M must show that it has some pitching depth with a strong midweek showing.
3. Baylor at No. 11 TCU -- In a series that is dubbed a rivalry, both teams enter the midweek hoping to earn a solid win. The Bears have a solid RPI and an OK Big 12 standing. However, they need to finish the regular season on a high note with just a 24-21 overall record. Remember, you cannot make the NCAA postseason with just a .500 record. While the Bears hope to just reach the NCAA postseason, the Horned Frogs are aiming even higher, for an NCAA Regional host. The Horned Frogs are up to 20 in the latest RPI at 33-14, but have little room for error the rest of Mountain West play with some weak RPI teams on the docket. Both TCU and Baylor need to play flawless baseball down the stretch to reach their respective goals.
4. Florida International at No. 14 Stetson -- While the Tuesday matchup between Florida State and Stetson leads the midweek action, the Wednesday contest between the Hatters and FIU also ought to be a dandy. The Golden Panthers have been absolutely fantastic lately as winners of 12-straight contests. They've also climbed to 33 in the RPI with a 32-16 overall record. The Hatters, meanwhile, could have a huge week from an RPI standpoint with wins over both the Seminoles and Golden Panthers.
5. No. 23 Rice at Louisiana-Lafayette -- The Owls have improved their resume over the past week thanks in part to a huge road series sweep over rival Houston. They're up to 14 in the latest RPI with a solid 32-16 overall record. In other words, the Owls are right in the thick of things in the race for one of the 16 NCAA Regional host sites. The Owls might even be in the mix for a national seed before it's all said and done, but that, for now, is very much a long shot. The Ragin' Cajuns, meanwhile, desperately need to take care of the Owls. The Cajuns had a golden opportunity to improve their resume last weekend against Troy, but lost the Sun Belt series. As it stands, ULL is 27-21 overall with an RPI of 52. They have some work to do and a win over Rice would be a step forward.
6. UCLA at Long Beach State -- The Bruins bounced back in a big way last week with a perfect week that included a road series sweep over Oregon. Now, the Bruins, who have an RPI of 40 with a 27-16 overall record, hope to continue their winning ways this week. UCLA isn't in danger of not making the postseason, but is playing for seeding. The Bruins are a No. 2 seed as of today, while moving up to a No. 1 seed is an extreme long shot at this point. Long Beach State, meanwhile, got swept at Arizona State last weekend and its postseason hopes are very much in doubt heading down the stretch. The Dirtbags are just 23-22 with an RPI of 68. In other words, they're in a must-win situation the rest of the season.
7. East Tennessee State at No. 18 Clemson -- It was thought the Buccaneers likely were on the bad side of the NCAA postseason bubble before last weekend. However, they've since won a road series over N.C. State, and their resume is significantly better. ETSU has an RPI of 32 with a 31-16 overall record. Still, this is a team with just a 12-10 mark in the Atlantic Sun, meaning it still has plenty of work to do to safely make the field of 64. A win over high RPI Clemson would be a step in the right direction. The Tigers, meanwhile, have played much better the past few weeks, but with an RPI of 8 and 32-15 overall record, they're hoping to get back into the NCAA Regional hosting mix. Accomplishing that goal would take an incredibly strong finish.