The Tar Heels led the ACC in ERA, while the Seminoles topped the conference in home runs and ranked second in batting average. Florida State’s bullpen is a little suspect, however, which could make it difficult for the Seminoles to hold on here.
Could we see our first sweep in a Stanley Cup Finals since 1998? It’s looking that way, given how Florida has seized control in this series. The Panthers continue to play a step ahead of the Oilers and have forced Edmonton to play their game, even as the Oilers got second change.
Florida State can play with Tennessee, and like Virginia, it kind of has to get a win here with ace Jamie Arnold on the mound.
The feeling in Germany has been much like the 2006 World Cup, when Germany hosted with little expectations. That side reached the semifinals and set the stage for German triumph in 2014. But even though the odds are low on Germany to win the title (+550), Die Mannschaft isn’t seen as a favorite by most experts.
While Virginia attempts to win a crown with Blanco, a bullpen and a bunch of bats, Carolina is far more well-rounded. And that might make the Heels the better pick to win the CWS — even if Virginia makes sense today.
If you’re new to following college baseball, we’ve got a breakdown of what you need to know about what’s about to happen in Omaha. Check out the answers to these College World Series FAQs.
It’s only Game 3, but it feels like this game is do-or-die for Edmonton. The Oilers did get some good news when the Panthers’ plane got delayed, but that’s about all they have going for them in this series.
These Panthers understand that cheap penalties are suicidal against Edmonton. When this team takes a penalty, it’s for a purpose to prevent a scoring opportunity. And if the Oilers can’t find space and can’t break through the Florida penalty kill, this series isn’t going to take long.
It’s difficult to see West Virginia bouncing back after making the mistakes that cost it the first game. On lineup talent alone, the Mountaineers have the ability to compete with the Tar Heels. But the Mountaineers really made some critical errors that might have damaged their chances to come back.