Omaha Bound

The field is set for the NCAA World Series and it could be one for the ages. There are the usual powerhouses like Fullerton, Arizona State, LSU, North Carolina and Texas. And, there are the newcomers like Southern Mississippi, Arkansas and Virginia.

The match-ups are very interesting. Upstart Arkansas has been playing great baseball all year and they match-up with a dominant Fullerton team that has destroyed its competition in the regionals and Super regionals. Both teams have yet to lose a game in the postseason. The Titans have everything...pitching, hitting and speed. The Razorbacks are balanced as well and may have an edge at the plate. We'll give the edge to Fullerton though.

LSU is no stranger to Omaha, but they are matched up with a hot Virginia team that is in it's first trip to Omaha and seems to be on a mission. Personally, we like this Cav's teams. Look for them to upset the Tigers.

The most intriguing first game match-up is Arizona State and North Carolina. Like Fullerton, the Sun Devils have dominated their two regionals. The Tar Heels haven't really been challenged either. Both teams rely on a great pitching staff and an aggressive approach at the plate. Both can pitch and both can score. Should be interesting.

This years Fresno State could be Southern Miss. They are playing inspired ball right now and they match-up well against a Texas team that just doesn't impress us. The Longhorns play in a highly overrated league and we just don't think they have the horses to go far. It could be a 0-2 and Q for Texas.

Here is the schedule:

BRACKET ONE
Saturday June 13
Game 1: Cal State Fullerton vs. Arkansas, 2 p.m., ESPN
Game 2: LSU vs. Virginia, 7 p.m., ESPN

Monday June 15
Game 5: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 2 p.m., ESPN2
Game 6: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 7 p.m., ESPN2

Wednesday June 17
Game 9: Winner Game 5 vs. Loser Game 6, 7 p.m., ESPN2

Friday June 19
Game 11: Winner Game 6 vs. Winner Game 9, 2 p.m., ESPN2

Saturday June 20
Game 13: Winner Game 6 vs. Winner Game 9, 2 or 7 p.m. ESPN, if necessary

BRACKET TWO

Sunday June 14
Game 3: North Carolina vs. Arizona State, 2 p.m., ESPN
Game 4: Texas vs. Southern Miss, 7 p.m., ESPN2

Tuesday June 16
Game 7: Loser Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4, 2 p.m., ESPN2
Game 8: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 7 p.m., ESPN2

Thursday June 18
Game 10: Winner Game 7 vs. Loser Game 8, 7 p.m., ESPN2

Friday June 19
Game 12: Winner Game 8 vs. Winner Game 10, 7 p.m., ESPN2

Saturday June 20
Game 14: Winner Game 8 vs. Winner Game 10, 2 or 7 p.m., ESPN, if necessary

College World Series: Championship Series
Bracket One winner vs. Bracket Two winner

Format: Best of three series.
Game 1: Monday, June 22, 7 p.m., ESPN
Game 2: Tuesday, June 23, 7 p.m., ESPN
Game 3: Wednesday, June 24, 7 p.m., ESPN, if necessary

On another note, the regionals drew extremely well over the weekend. This is yet another example that this game is on the rise. LSU drew 20,000 for two games, Texas drew nearly 22,000 for three game series and Ole Miss/Virginia had over 19,500 for two games. Those are numbers that rival basketball folks. This game is really taking off. Now, if we can only convince the West Coast to draw those type of numbers, baseball would be a fully funded sport.

Friday, June 5:
9,923 - LSU/Rice
9,213 - Ole Miss/Virginia
3,784 - Florida State/Arkansas
3,362 - CS Fullerton/Louisville

Saturday, June 6:
10,323 - Ole Miss/Virginia
10,279 - LSU/Rice
7,220 - Texas/TCU
4,581 - Florida State/Arkansas
4,381 - Arizona State/Clemson
4,316 - North Carolina/East Carolina
3,570 - Florida/Southern Mississippi
3,178 - CS Fullerton/Louisville

Sunday, June 7:
10,110 - Ole Miss/Virginia
7,205 - Texas/TCU
4,406 - Arizona State/Clemson
4,313 - Florida/Southern Mississippi
4,271 - North Carolina/East Carolina

Monday, June 8:
7,241 - Texas/TCU