(01-25-2014 11:21 AM)grol Wrote: Not a poll, but Eric and Mike Rooney give both UT and Rice some love. It's around the 24 to 25 minute mark in the latest Baldcast. They mention other teams that could win it all, too, but focus on both Garrido and WG as having what it takes to make another good run to Omaha.
And, of course, Eric again declares himself a Rice homer.
In related news, check out "Entitlement" as the new word at UT. Based on the comments following, the UT fans aren't buying Augies latest BS.
Sorry, but unless UT has several impressive offensive newcomers, I just don't see them as legitimate contenders. Yes, they should have a strong and deep pitching staff (though I question whether they have a truly elite guy of the caliber of Jungman, Ruffin, Workman or Green), but where are they going to get their offense. IMO, they are borderline Top 25 at best, and that may be a bit of a stretch.
As I said earlier, this should be a very interesting season as there appears to be 5 - 7 elite teams (CSF, LSU, Oregon State, Vandy, UVA, FSU, NC State), followed closely by as many as 10 - 12 additional teams with legitimate Omaha aspirations (including Rice, Indiana, Louisville, Miss. St., Kansas State, South Carolina, Florida, UNC, Oregon, Arizona State, Miami). Oregon and Miss St are receiving some Top 10 consideration, but despite their elite pitching, I question if they have enough offense for such high rankings.
How one ranks these teams is a grab bag. My guess is we'll be in the #13 - #18 range in most polls. IMO, we have one of the more balanced, top to bottom offenses in the country (at least on paper), with significant upperclass experience and leadership. If McCanna, Duplantier and McCarthy step up as starting pitchers, as expected, and a couple guys (e.g., Ditman, Rutter, C.Smith, T.Teykl, Williamson) can contribute in the bullpen to augment Lemond, there's no limit to how far this team can go.