Unlike the Euros, only two sides per group qualify to the knockout stages. Losing to Argentina wasn’t a surprise, but it does put the pressure on Canada. To progress, the Canadians need results against both Peru and Chile.
Edmonton seemed to be a freed team when it came into Game 4 and just went out and played. Nobody expected anything from the Oil in that game, and they played their best hockey of the series. Now they have expectations and something to lose. The Oilers are so close to making the most of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and they might never get this close again.
The Aggies do have an edge: they intentionally held back their best bullpen pitchers after Game 1 to get them extra rest. Josh Stewart and Evan Aschenbeck didn’t go on Saturday, as Texas A&M knew it had the third game if needed.
Not only did the Americans land one of the weakest groups in the tournament, but they open with the weakest side in the tournament in Bolivia. The Bolivians haven’t won a match in the Copa America in nine years, losing 10 straight in the tournament.
It’s the proverbial unstoppable force against the immovable object in the College World Series championship series, as Tennessee meets Texas A&M.
Florida still has two shots at this, and Edmonton has to be perfect again. For another, the Panthers turned the tables in Game 5. Much like Edmonton used Game 3’s third period as a springboard to Game 4, Florida has the chance to do it in Game 6.Â
Florida did get a gift in an easy win over Kentucky to start the day, which meant they didn’t have to waste their best pitchers. But with A&M’s bullpen at full strength, winning a pair of games against a side that hasn’t lost yet will be a tall order for the Gators.Â
Being the last ACC team standing is exactly where Florida State expected to be at this point. Having to beat Tennessee twice to reach the finals isn’t.
One could argue that FSU shouldn’t even be in this position, given that the Seminoles were one checked swing away from beating Tennessee on the first day in Omaha. But that’s the hand they’ve been dealt, and now they’ve got some decisions to make.
The Panthers have the home crowd on their side, and they have every incentive to bury the Oilers right now. A loss means Florida has to head back to Alberta and face the Oilers, with Edmonton having new life in the series. There will be no rationalizing in this game; the Panthers will be a desperate team.