Ranking ACC Stadiums

Camp is just about three weeks away for most teams so we have some time to squeeze in a few more lists to get you through the Summer.

When teams say a stadium is "tough to win in", the team they are playing usually has a good amount to do with the validity of that statement. Today, I am going to rank the toughest stadiums in the ACC using overall home records over the last eight seasons.

12. Duke - Wallace Wade Stadium
2000-2008 Home Record: 10-44 (.185)
FBS Rank: 120
Games as Underdog: 43

Some say Duke is tough to win at because there is a small crowd and very little energy in the stadium, but opponents still come out with a victory over 80% of the time. Duke ranks dead last in FBS in home winning percentage since 2000. A bright spot was Duke 43% home winning percentage in 2008 under first year coach David Cutcliffe.


11. North Carolina - Kenan Stadium
00-08 Home Record: 28-28 (.500)
FBS Rank: 94
Games as Underdog: 26

The Tar Heels may have the prettiest setting in the ACC, but only manage to win half of the time lately. UNC was an underdog just under half of the time too so the oddsmakers have them pegged pretty well. Butch Davis went 5-2 at home in his second season last year so things are looking up.

10. Wake Forest - BB & T Field
00-08 Home Record: 30-26 (.536)
FBS Rank: 85
Games as Underdog: 21

The Demon Deacons have done some damage in the ACC the past few years but are below average for the conference in Winston Salem. Wake has lost five more times than they were underdogs, but did post a 5-2 record last year.

9. NC State - Carter-Finley Stadium
00-08 Home Record: 36-24 (.600)
FBS Rank: 72
Games as Underdog: 20

The Wolfpack were a menace under Chuck Amato especially when Philip Rivers was around. Now Tom O'Brien is trying to rebuild a program who has made major renovations to their stadium over the last few years. The Wolfpack need to improve on a 4-3 record last year to move up.

8. Georgia Tech - Bobby Dodd Stadium
00-08 Home Record: 39-18 (.684)
FBS Rank: 43
Games as Underdog: 13

The Yellow Jackets play in FBS' oldest stadium and it has been pretty good to them over the years. This is also one of the few BCS stadiums in a major urban area. One area of concern is the 18 home losses vs 13 times as an underdog. Paul Johnson went 6-1 at home in year one.

7. Clemson - Memorial Stadium aka "Death Valley"
00-08 Home Record: 44-16 (.733)
FBS Rank: 37
Games as Underdog: 13

Clemson's Death Valley may be the loudest stadium in the ACC. Players rub Howard's Rock and run down the hill for their entrance. Despite some up and down seasons as of late, the Tigers have won roughly three out of every four home games. Clemson was a respectable 5-2 last season.


6. Virginia - Scott Stadium
00-08 Home Record: 42-15 (.737)
FBS Rank: 36
Games as Underdog: 23

The first surprise on the list to many is in Charlottesville. The most remarkable stat about UVA is their 23 games as an underdog with just 15 losses; this difference is tops in the nation. However, the Cavs went just 4-3 in 2008 at home.

5. Florida State - Doak Campbell Stadium
00-08 Home Record: 42-14 (.750)
FBS Rank: 29
Games as Underdog: 4

Once impossible to win at, Doak Campbell has slipped in stature along with the Seminoles. Attesting to the former dominance is evidenced by FSU being an underdog just four times at home in the last eight seasons. But FSU has lost 14 times and that 10 game difference is second nationally.

4. Maryland - Byrd Stadium
00-08 Home Record: 43-14 (.754)
FBS Rank: 27
Games as Underdog: 18

This was the biggest surprise to me, but Maryland's record at home is very, very good. Even in an average year like 2008, the Terps still went 6-1 in College Park. Upon Ralph Friedgen's arrival, Maryland experienced a few undefeated seasons at home.

3. Boston College - Alumni Stadium
00-08 Home Record: 45-12 (.789)
FBS Rank: 19
Games as Underdog: 9

BC, a relative newcomer to the ACC, shouldn't be too much of a surprise here as they have played in the last two ACC Championship Games. The Eagles went 5-2 in Chesnut Hill last season.

2. Miami - Land Shark Stadium/Orange Bowl
00-08 Home Record: 46-11 (.807)
FBS Rank: 13
Games as Underdog: 3

The Hurricanes recently moved out of their long time home into the Miami Dolphins facility. In the 80s and early 90s Miami was impossible to beat at home winning 58 straight at one point. Times are not as good as they used to be and Miami went just 4-2 last season. But their success early in the decade vaults them near the top.

1. Virginia Tech - Lane Stadium
00-08 Home Record: 52-9 (.852)
FBS Rank: 8
Games as Underdog: 3

No surprise here with the Metallica entrance spelling doom for most visitors. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lane Stadium was very kind to the Hokies in 2008 as they went undefeated at home.
General thoughts on the rankings-
On average, the ACC went 38-19 (.664) at home over the past eight seasons and was underdogs twice per year. I thought about different ways of ranking the stadiums - just use 2008 record, use the current coaches home record, use ATS data, etc. Using just last season is too small a data point. ATS data is good, but punishes really good teams who are often favored. The current coaches record I think could be a suitable replacement for my data but coaches have varying tenures so you are not pulling the same number of data points for each.

I found overall record was the best indicator because even if a stadium is tough to win in, its overall record is the biggest determinant. I have heard coaches and players say Duke is tough to play because of the small crowd and lack of energy, but the record does not back this up. Certain stadiums like Clemson's may be louder, but BC's much smaller home field has been tougher to win at than the Tigers.

Obviously with certain teams on the upswing and others on the downswing, this ranking is by no means a reflection of what teams' home records will be this year.

What are your thoughts on what are the toughest stadiums in the ACC?

STOP THE PRESSES!

Tony Barnhart, aka Mr College Football, tell us that the SEC had 3 unanimous selections by the coaches to first team all-conference - LSU T Ciron Black, Alabama WR Julio Jones, and Tennessee S Eric Berry. Oh ok. Nice info. Hey, wait a second. WHERE IS TEBOW? Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own players so it wasn't Ole Miss' Houston Nutt voting for Jevan Snead.

Here is my list of candidates:
1. Lane Kiffin
Lane has shown a disdain for everything Gator (except his wife). This may be just another shot across the bow to Urban Meyer. September 19 is going to be fun.

2. Mark Richt
Could Richt be continuing the antics he started against Florida he started in 2007 with the favor returned by Meyer in 2008? Richt seems like a nice guy on the outside, but he has does have that killer instinct that has given him 2 SEC Championships.

3. Nick Saban
Nick is still fuming that Alabama lost the SEC Championship Game and a chance at a BCS Championship. I think Saban respects Tebow, but that doesn't mean he likes him.

4. Les Miles
Les has been know to do crazy things in his time. Maybe he thinks the Gators rubbed it in a litle too much in last year's 51-21 loss.

5. Steve Spurrier
Spurrier might have voted for himself seeing that was the first Heisman QB winner from Florida. Some say the Ol' Ball Coach has lost his touch, but tell him that.

Who do you think it was?

Lucky 7 Links For Thursday

ACC News
Tommy Bowden did not step down on his own will?!? Shocking!. Next it will come out that Tommy Tuberville was fired at Auburn.

State Fans Nation (one of the best NC State blogs out there) makes the case against Clemson in the Atlantic Division. And therefore, pumps up the Pack's chances in a wide open division.

The Legacyx4 breaks down ACC teams are how many plays it took them to score a TD in 2008. I was definitely surprised to see Miami near the top. VT near the bottom didn't surprise too much considering they get a decent amount of points off defense and special teams.

Tomahawk Nation did a roast of Bobby Bowden. It is about as funny as you would think.

SEC News
ESPN's Chris Low puts out his all East and all West team for this year. Kinda a cop out so he could get Nick Saban and Urban Meyer as coaches.

We all know Tennessee holds the current NCAA record for most consecutive defeats of a team (Kentucky), but did you know UT players like to party in Lexington too?

CollegeGameBalls breaks down the last five years in terms of wins and losses. You guessed it USC is #1. Va Tech is at #5 followed by LSU (6) and Florida (7) and Georgia at #9. Boston College ranks 12th in wins and Tulsa, Navy, and Hawaii all have more wins than FSU.

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10 Links For Tuesday: 5 ACC Stories, 5 SEC Stories

SEC News
ESPN has hired former Georgia greats Matt Stinchcomb and David Pollack for their expanded SEC coverage this season. I don't get the logic behind Pollack. He is on here in Atlanta doing a afternoon show and sounds very unpolished. Maybe ESPN was listening too much to his counterpart Mike Bell and has mistaken Pollack for being a genius in comparison.

Orlando Sentinel back again with the 10 most powerful people in the SEC. Interesting that Nick Saban is above Florida AD Jeremy Foley and Urban Meyer. Paul Finebaum makes an appearance at number nine, but I am sure he is pissed that Tim Tebow beat him out (5).

Tony Barnhart asks if anyone can stay with Florida in the East. If the Gators come to play 12 Saturdays next fall, I say 'No'.

Is South Carolina headed up or down in year five of Spurrier in Columbia? Funny how Stephen Garcia is listed as a reason South Carolina will better and worse.

Sporting News ranks their top coaches. Urban Meyer is #1. Nick Saban #2. Les Miles and Frank Beamer are in the top. Paul Johnson, Butch Davis, and Tom O'Brien make their "Five with sights on the top five" list. I ranked the coaches in the ACC and SEC a little while ago.

ACC News
Mr. College Football, aka Tony Barnhart, asks if GT can stay with VT in the ACC.

Tony elegantly points out that it may the other teams, not VT, that trip Georgia Tech up.

With a three-game stretch against Clemson (Sept. 10), at Miami (Sept. 17) and North Carolina (Sept. 26), we’ll find out about the defense.

Five reasons Clemson may be better in '09 and five reasons why they may be worse.

ACC Football doesn't sell like SEC Football though Commissioner John Swofford hopes it will.

Caulton Tudor gives the ACC coaching hot seat a dust off.

ESPN has announced their Thursday night Football schedule and it has a distinct ACC flair.



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Thoughts on Early College Football Lines

The Golden Nugget has some early lines for the football season. Some observations on games of interest. Link

1003 GEORGIA
1004 OKLAHOMA ST. -3
Okie St is basically getting the home field points in the opener. I am assuming Vegas knows Richt's road record?!?!

1007 VIRG. TECH @ATLANTA GA
1008 ALABAMA -4
People are going to jump all over Alabama at -4. No one outside the ACC respects the ACC.

1027 USC -6½
1028 OHIO ST.
I like tOSU at +6.5 to USC with a new QB on the road for the first time. Not sure if that is enough to get the Buckeyes the outright win.

1031 GEORGIA TECH
1032 MIAMI (FL) -4
At first this one seems like a head scratcher, but lets investigate more. This will be GT's second Thurs game in a row and on the road. Tough to win back to back Thursday games.

1037 TENNESSEE
1038 FLORIDA -27
Depends on what mood Urban Meyer is in that day. He may wake up feeling great and sympathetic. He may not.

1061 ARIZONA ST.
1062 GEORGIA -14
I really like UGA on this line. The Sun Devils are annually overrated. Their women are not.

source: SI.com

1091 AUBURN
1092 TENNESSEE -6
This may be the only game where the total and spread are the exact same.

1107 ALABAMA
1108 MISSISSIPPI -3
Ole Miss getting the home spread, but not any more.

1101 FLORIDA -11
1102 LSU
Florida -11 @ LSU..WOW that seems like a lot for Saturday night in Baton Rouge.

1123 OKLAHOMA @DALLAS TX
1124 TEXAS -3
Early edge to Texas in a neutral site game.

1127 VIRGINIA TECH
1128 GEORGIA TECH -6
Seems a little high right now, considering GT is underdog to Miami and FSU. GT getting 2-3 points besides the home field.

1141 BOSTON COLLEGE
1142 NOTRE DAME -7
Outside of USC and Pitt(huh?), looks like ND will be favored in every game. Here comes the national title talk. Meanwhile, Utah has had two undefeated seasons since ND's last national championship.

1157 GEORGIA @JACKSONVL, FL
1158 FLORIDA -16
I could see this one being -6 or -26. Again, depends on Meyer's motivation.

1217 FLORIDA ST.
1218 FLORIDA -20
That wouldn't be a very nice way to send Bobby out.


1219 GEORGIA
1220 GEORGIA TECH -1
Basically saying on a neutral site that UGA wins.

1225 CLEMSON PICK
1226 SOUTH CAROLINA
Looks spot on to me.

What are your thoughts?

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Links To Distract You From Work On A Friday

The Junkyard Blawg over at the AJC has a poll up asking UGA fans who the best player ever is. Is there even a question it is Herschel Walker?
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The GT Blog at the AJC takes a look at ACC Basketball after all the draft day decisions came in. Mark Bradley also chimes in with an early top 10 for next year appeasing some of his readers by putting GT at #10. Seems like just a throw in at #10.
Link

Tony Barnhart at the AJC takes a look at the ACC Atlantic today. I value Tony's opinion about as highly as anyone who covers college football.
Link

UGA joins the secondary violation train. Don't worry, it is kinda like the conga line at a wedding party. Everybody is doing it and they think you are not having fun if you don't (a quick google search yields multiple schools).

I found it interesting that Matthew Stafford was part of one violation for NFL tickets because I stood right next to the future #1 draft pick at the 2008 Masters at the 12th teebox. Hardly anyone recognized him despite the throngs of UGA fans. But it brings up an interesting point because Stafford would have technically had to pay for those tickets while his classmate in Business 101 could get them scot free.
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And GoGamecocks.com asks if all secondary violations are the same?

The guys over at BC Interruption discuss how scared ACC teams should be of new HC Frank Spaziani. Spaz is a longtime DC at BC but is their third HC in the last four years.
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Here is your daily Urban Meyer to Notre Dame rumor. This time suggesting that Meyer is concerned with Nick Saban's talent stocking at Alabama. Uh, I think Meyer is doing just fine at Florida and if the two stay at their respective schools for the next 5 years, I think the Gators will win just as many SEC titles than Alabama. And Meyer would be stupid to leave Florida for Notre Dame.
Link

DocSports.com has odds up for the ACC Championship.

Augusta Chronicle profiles Georgia, Georgia Tech, South Carolina, and Clemson's chances according to the major preseason magazines.
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Fanblogs asks if there is a really a debate for the SEC vs Big 12? I say no and the SEC proved it last bowl season.
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Gator Sports Nation profiles three games that could sink Florida's title hopes. I definitely agree with #1 (UGA), but Miss State at #2 leaves me perplexed. I don't think Dan Mullen has a chance in his first year in Starkville with the lowest number of returning starters in the SEC and a new offensive scheme already void of talent.
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10 Questions with ACC Commish John Swofford
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The Gainesville Times discusses what college football means in the South. Basically everything.
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Chris Low of ESPN ranks SEC stadiums
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A Navy Blog, The Birddog, has a great write up breaking down Paul Johnson's spread, triple option offense. Despite rumors of its demise, I think GT gets better at running it in year two than defenses do stopping it.
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Here is a list of major infractions by school. Congratulations to SMU (given) and Arizona State (are the girls there not good enough to get kids on campus?)
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the Ohio State University football program has reported 375 violations to the NCAA since 2000, the most of any school. Keep it classy Tressel. By the way, whatever happened with Maurice Clarett's allegations?
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Phil Steele has some interesting tidbits about college football over the last five years (and all time).
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Vanderbilt Baseball makes a huge hire getting Arizona State's recruiting coordinator.
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The Wall Strett Journal profiles the best baseball schools for turning out talent. Miami and Kentucky are mentioned prominently. That's right, Kentucky.
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Miami is leaning on the upperclassmen in '09. They need to with Randy Shannon feeling a little bit of heat after two subpar seasons for the Canes.
Link

The Orlando Sentinel ranks the 10 (actually 20) most powerful people in the ACC. Duke and North Carolina are represented well.
Link

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Post College World Series Q&A

The College Baseball Blog was kind enough to do a final Q&A wrapping up the College Baseball Season. We talk about LSU's 2009 run, the Tigers' chances next year, and who will step in the ACC and SEC.

Q: What was the difference for LSU in winning the College World Series?
A: The difference between Texas and LSU was the pitching and the power hitting of the Tigers. They were killing the ball in Omaha and only got shutdown out there by Jungmann in Game 2. Jared Mitchell showed why the Chicago White Sox drafted him in the first round.

Q: Does LSU’s win put the SEC as the #1 conference this year?
A: I thought the victory by LSU just solidified what I was saying throughout the year about how strong the SEC is. They play 10 of the most intense three game series in the country. During any weekend, you can't take a game off as the last place team can beat the best team in the conference.

Q: What will it take for LSU to make it back to the CWS next year?
A: Matty Ott needs to step up his game and step into the starting rotation to replace Louis Coleman in the number 2 spot in the rotation. If he can solidify that spot, LSU will be tough to beat in any weekend series.

The biggest question is who will step into the shoes of Blake Dean, Jared Mitchell, Sean Ochinko, and DJ LeMaheiu who might all leave the program for the minor leagues. It is LSU, they are always able to find someone to fill these holes. Austin Nola is one example of a player that was sitting on the bench for the Tigers and stepped right into the shortstop role about mid-way through the season.

Of course, LSU will need a little luck to get back to Omaha as things need to fall right for any team to make it to Omaha.


Q: Teams from the South and West Coast dominate college baseball, why is that?
A: Money. Teams in the South and on the West Coast tend to put the most money into the program which draws the best recruits. The best recruits bring in winning teams therefore getting bigger attendance figures and more donations for the program to make it even better. It is a viscous cycle.

Q: What specific area of the country would you rate as the best for High School talent?
A: I would say it is Texas, California, and Florida year in and year out. I would put California first with the amount of players from out there on college rosters.

Q: Who are your top teams from the SEC next year?
A: Vanderbilt will be pretty good next year but my early favorite is Florida in the SEC. Ole Miss will be good also.

Q: What about the ACC?
A: I have not been sold on the FSU pitching for the last few years so they are out before we even start. I really think Virginia will be the early favorite to win the conference with UNC (Matt Harvey) and Georgia Tech (Deck McGuire) right on their tails.

Q: What team will make the biggest leap forward?
A: I think in the ACC, NC State will make a big jump as they can't have as bad of a season like the past year. In the SEC, I see Vanderbilt making it back to the top tier of the SEC.

Q: What about the teams that will make the biggest drop?
A: I think Duke and BC are going to drop off in the ACC. Duke lost two big players in Hassan and Freiman while losing Manno to the draft. BC loses both Belfiore and Sanchez among others and really has no power in the offense heading into next season.

The biggest drop in the SEC could come from Arkansas as I was less then impressed with their pitching staff in Omaha and after Kuechel they struggled. He is gone now.

Q: Who is your way too early favorite for 2010 National Champion?
A: I really like Virginia from an ACC perspective and Ole Miss should have a decent squad too. UCLA always has some talent but can they ever put it together to make a real run to the CWS?? Arizona State will again be strong as they always get some great talent.

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College World Series: LSU A Win Away From Title

LSU won game 1 of the College World Series Finals beating Texas in extra innings. The Tigers were down 6-4 in the 9th with 2 outs when they ripped a double to left field scoring two runs to tie the game. LSU later scored in extra innings to take a one run lead which they held behind freshman closer Matty Ott to win 7-6.

I am getting this up late, but here is a good preview of the finale from The College Baseball Blog. They had LSU pegged as their favorite from the beginning.

With their win last night, LSU extended its post season winning streak to 14 games, with just one more win needed for a sixth national championship.

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SEC Football: Ten Questions for 2009

A few days ago, I pondered some questions for the ACC in 2009. Now it is the SEC's turn. Florida comes in as the clear favorite to win the conference, but the West looks like it is wide open. We have some new coaches too that will be looking to turn around once proud programs.

1. The rosters say ‘yes’, history says ‘no’; will the Gators repeat as national champs in 2009?

2. Is Ole Miss for real or will Nutt crack under the expectations?

3. UGA plays 3 BCS non conference games (Okl St, Ariz St, Ga Tech), how many do they win with a new QB and RB?

4. Will Alabama build on a surprising 2008 season and make 2009 even better with an SEC title?

5. Will LSU's defense rebound enough under new DC John Chavis to win the West?


6. Will Steve Spurrier be able to settle on a QB for an entire season?

7. Will Arkansas go bowling with Michigan transfer Ryan Mallet at QB?

8. Which is more likely, Lane Kiffin SEC Coach of the Year or getting beat by 50 at Florida?

9. How many wins will Miss State’s get in year one under new head coach Dan Mullen?

10. Will Gene Chizik look like he did at Iowa State or like he did as the DC at Auburn in 2004?

What are your thoughts?

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Ten Questions for ACC Football in 2009

College Gameballs did a “20 Questions for the ACC” recently, so I thought I would do one similar. Answering 20 questions kinda gave me a hand cramp, so I will limit it to 10. Add any of your own if you want.

1. Will Virginia Tech stand up for the ACC and beat a national power from the SEC on opening weekend?

2. Will Paul Johnson’s offense be even more successful in year two or will ACC defenses start to catch up?

3. Will Al Groh be coaching Virginia in 2010?

4. Is FSU ready to return to prominence with a 10 win season and ACC title?

5. Will Dabo Swinney prove to be a good hire at Clemson?

6. Will new OC Mark Whipple turn Miami’s talented, but young offense into a force?

7. Is Butch Davis ready to take North Carolina to an ACC Title?

8. If Russell Wilson plays 12 games, how many does NC State win?

9. BC lost a lot in the off season, but they also did the previous year. What will it take for BC to make it three straight ACC Championship Game appearances?

10. Which is more likely – Wake Forest winning the ACC or not making a bowl game?

What are your thoughts?


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College World Series Fun Facts & Odds

The College World Series starts today at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, NE where it has been played since 1950.

The first winner of a Division I baseball title was Cal in 1947. Their Pac 10 brother, USC, leads all schools with 12 titles all time including five in a row from 1970-74. But the Trojans have not won since 1998.

The ACC has two teams in the CWS this year, but has not won a title since Wake Forest did in 1955. UNC finished second two years in a row to Oregon State in 2006 and 2007. The Tar Heels are making their 8th CWS appearance all time, but their 4th in a row. ACC neighbor Virginia is making their first appearance ever.

source: SI.com

The SEC has a strong history in the CWS led by LSU who has 5 titles and ranks 9th in CWS wins with 30. The Tigers are making their 15th CWS appearance. The Arkansas Razorbacks enter their 6th CWS, but first since 2004, looking for their first CWS championship.

source: SI.com

Number one overall seed Texas leads all teams with 33 appearances and is second to USC with 6 titles. ACC newcomer Miami is second with 23 appearances, but has not won the crown since 2001.

Arizona State is back in 2009 with their 21 appearance and looking to add to their five titles. Another 2009 participant, Cal State Fullerton, has won four national titles coming out of the Big West Conference. Southern Miss is making their first ever appearance. In fact, their Super Regional appearance was also their first ever.

The most appearances without a title? That "honor" goes to Florida State with 19. The Seminoles lost to Arkansas in the Super Regionals this season.

Updated: CWS Odds to Win
Just found these so I thought I would pass along.
Arizona State +350
Arkansas +1200
Cal State Fullerton +250
LSU +375
North Carolina +350
Southern Mississippi +1400
Texas +300
Virginia +400

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College World Series Preview

The College World Series starts this Saturday with four of the eight participants coming from the ACC and SEC – two from each. The CWS uses two brackets of four teams with double elimination, like the regionals, to set up a best of three championship series.

Here is the schedule

The ACC takes on the SEC on Saturday with the ACC Champion Virginia Cavaliers meeting the SEC Champion LSU Tigers. The surprising Arkansas Razorbacks square off against national number two seed Cal State Fullerton in the first game Saturday to round out Bracket 1. Back for a fourth straight CWS, North Carolina matches up with the Sun Devils of Arizona State Sunday in Bracket 2.

The College Baseball Blog has some really good previews up for the two brackets.

Bracket 1 has Arkansas, UVA, and LSU and The College Baseball Blog pegs LSU as their pick to win the bracket beat Cal State Fullerton. Your time may come next year, Cavalier fans, as The CBB likes Virginia a lot in 2010.

Bracket 2 has the Tar Heels as well as number one national seed Texas and the improbable Southern Miss Eagles. The CBB like the Heels to advance and has Texas as the first team out!

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Regional Review and Super Regionals Preview

The College Baseball Blog was kind enough to do another Q & A looking back at the Regionals from this past weekend and forward to the Super Regionals this weekend.

We talk about the two ACC vs SEC Super Regional matchups, what went wrong for Georgia and Georgia Tech this year, and if LSU and UNC are still their favorites.

Q: What Regional winner surprised you the most?

A: The obvious answer would be Southern Miss winning the Atlanta Regional but GT had been struggling all season after Deck McGuire and really didn’t have that strong of a staff.

Q: What non-winner surprised you the most in defeat?

A: I thought UC-Irvine would play better at their home stadium but they really couldn’t handle the strong Cavaliers squad.

Q: Who do you like in each of the ACC vs SEC matchups: Florida State vs Arkansas; Ole Miss vs Virginia?

A: I think FSU will be able to take Arkansas this weekend. The Virginia series is going to be interesting as Ole Miss needs to get to the Cavs pitching rotation and get to the middle of the bullpen. If UVA only uses their starter and closer, then Ole Miss is in trouble.

Q: Georgia Tech lost another home regional. Do you think the Yellow Jackets are underachieving under Danny Hall?

A: I think the Yellow Jackets need to get some quality arms in their program instead of always focusing on the offensive side of things. Good pitching will always beat Good hitting.

Q: The Georgia Bulldogs were ranked #1 in the polls early in the season for multiple weeks. What can the downfall be attributed to?

A: I think it can be attributed to a less then stellar out of conference schedule which inflated their record and got everyone drinking the “Kool-Aid.” Georgia went out to Arizona for a three game set and swept the Wildcats but as we all know Arizona was not an NCAA Tourney team this year.

Q: Was it surprising how easily Florida went through their regional with Miami and a strong Bethune-Cookman staff?

A: Cookman gave Florida a run for the money as the Gators needed a three run bottom of the ninth to beat BCU in the opening game of the regional. I was not riding Miami’s coattails this year as they were in the middle of a rebuilding season.

Q: Will Southern Miss continue their run by beating Florida in the Super Regional?

A: Florida is a much better team then Southern Miss right now and should be able to handle them in the Super’s.

Q: How can Clemson upset the Sun Devils in Tempe?

A: Clemson needs to get some quality pitching and some key hits to beat the Sun Devils. Packard Stadium has some poor lighting and it could affect the series a little bit.

Q: We know how important pitching is in tournament baseball, what team left has the staff in your opinion?

A: I would say UNC but Alex White has not been strong in his last three starts for the Heels as this is a major question mark. I think UVA’s staff has looked the best in the ACC and NCAA Tourneys.

Q: Still have LSU and UNC as your favorites?

A: Yep, nothing has really changed there. I think Rice will be a tougher opponent for LSU then UNC has with East Carolina.

Updated 6/5/09
Check out The College Baseball Blog's Super Regional Previews.

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Chat With The College Baseball Blog

The College Baseball Blog is hosting a chat at 1PM today to talk about the Regionals just finished and the Super Regionals this weekend.

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