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2010 NCAA Baseball Tournament Info, Bracket Notes, Matchups, and Predictions

2011 UPDATE --> 2011 TOURNAMENT BRACKET - REGIONAL PREDICTIONS - click here

Welcome, college baseball fans!

The 2010 NCAA Division 1 Baseball Tournament is set, with 64 teams ready to compete for a trip to Omaha and the 2010 College World Series.

You'll find all the info you need here at MoreBaseball.com. Check back for updates as we move through the tournament.

Click these links to jump down to specific sections of the page, or just scroll down and read the whole thing

• Bracket and other important links
• How the NCAA Baseball Tournament works, explanation of each round
• Notes on this year's 64-team field
• Bracket notes and matchup analysis
• Predictions for all 16 Regionals
• Super-Regional Predictions
• Add a comment! Share your prediction!

Brackets and other important Links:

• Tournament Brackets - Live Web bracket or PDF bracket to print
• Official NCAA Division 1 Baseball website
• Official College World Series website

How it works

1. Regionals [June 4-7]: click here for ticket info -- There are 16 Regionals, each with 4 teams seeded #1-#4. Winners of these double-elimination mini-tournaments go to Super Regionals (in basketball, the "Sweet 16")
2. Super Regionals [June 11-14]: There are 8 Super Regionals, each with 2 Regional champs playing a best-of-3 series. Winners go to College World Series in Omaha. (in basketball, the "Elite 8")
3. College World Series [June 19-29]: Winner is NCAA Champion

Notes on this year's field

• Includes 8 teams from the 2009 College World Series (i.e. Elite Eight)
• Includes 15 of the 18 different teams that have made it to the CWS over the past three years
• The top 8 overall seeds are the following:
  • #1 Arizona State (47-8)   2009 CWS team
  • #2 Texas (48-11)   2009 CWS team
  • #3 Florida (42-15)
  • #4 Coastal Carolina (51-7)
  • #5 Virginia (47-11)   2009 CWS team
  • #6 UCLA (43-13)
  • #7 Louisville (48-12)
  • #8 Georgia Tech (45-13).
• 35 teams return from the 2009 tournament
• 29 teams did not make the 2009 tournament
• The ACC, Pac-10, and SEC each have 8 teams in the tournament
• Miami (FL) is in their 38th consecutive NCAA tournament, extending its own record
• Mercer is the only true rookie, making its first appearance in school history

Bracket Notes and Matchups

There are some very compelling Regional assignments this year... unfair, but interesting. UCLA, who earned the #6 overall seed (currently #8 by Baseball America, #9 by Collegiate Baseball, #8 by the NCBWA, #7 by USA Today/ESPN, and #5 by Rivals.com) host defending national champion LSU as well as tournament-experienced UC Irvine, both of whom are ranked in the top 25 by Baseball America.

The committee threw down numerous road blocks, and tire spikes on UCLA's road to Omaha. Four of the top eight seeds (including Georgia Tech (45-13) who is ranked lower than UCLA) received no ranked opponent in their regional. Four other #1 seeds who are not in the overall top eight will play no ranked opponent until the Super Regional.
Looking ahead to potential Super Regional matchups, overall #2 Texas is set up to play Texas Christian. TCU is ranked #6 in the latest Baseball America Poll, and are the best #1 seed not ranked in the top 8.

Overall #6 UCLA would have to play the year-in year-out powerhouse Cal St. Fullerton in the Supers.  The Titans of Fullerton are actually ranked higher than UCLA in the Baseball America Polls at #7.

Why? Does it not make sense to have the #8 overall seed, Georgia Tech, play the next best (#9)?

Instead of a matchup with TCU, the Yellow Jackets received the easiest possible path. They have no ranked opponent in their regional pool, and the only ranked opponent they can play before an appearance in Omaha would be Auburn (40-19) who is #14 by Baseball America.

Even the top overall seed, Arizona St. has three ranked opponents standing in their way. San Diego, one of two teams ranked in the top 16 not to receive a Regional #1 seed, is in Arizona State's Regional pool. If the Sun Devils pass that test they can count on playing the Omaha-familiar Arkansas Razorbacks.

The media and public whine endlessly over the unjust bracketing of the Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament, but seriously look at how the Baseball bracket is set up. It is ridiculous. Imagine Kentucky playing North Carolina, and Duke playing Kansas in the Sweet 16... Just not right is it?

Predictions for all 16 Regionals

[our picks for winners are in BOLD]

Tempe Regional:

#1 Arizona State (47-8) vs.  #4 Milwaukee (33-24)

#2 San Diego (36-20) vs.  #3 Hawaii (33-26)

The Sun Devils (47-8) should have very little trouble with Milwaukee (33-24). You can count on a regional final matchup of Arizona State and San Diego.  San Diego is one of two teams ranked in the top 16 who did not receive a #1 pool seed, however, these teams met twice in Tempe, AZ this season resulting in two lopsided victories for Arizona St.  The Sun Devils will struggle for the first few innings with San Diego, but pull out the Regional victory 7-4 in the finals.

Fayetteville Regional:

#1 Arkansas (40-18) vs. #4 Grambling (22-30)

#2 Washington State (34-20) vs. #3 Kansas State (36-20)

This is a two-team Regional.  Washington State has been streaky this season, losing to teams such as Utah and Dallas Baptist, but stole a series from Arizona State, Oregon State, Cal, and Stanford.  They're also fresh off a huge win against the pitcher-packed Bruins from UCLA.  While the Cougars have shown they can play with anyone, Arkansas is clearly the favorite in this Region.  After witnessing their never-say-die style in Omaha last June, it's hard to pick against them.  I was cheering for Fullerton in the 2009 opener, and I won't underestimate the Razorbacks again.  Arkansas wins 8-2 in the final over Washington State.

Auburn Regional:

#1 Auburn (40-19) vs. #4 Jacksonville St. (32-24)

#2 Clemson (37-22) vs. #3 Southern Miss (35-22)

#1 seed Auburn has had a very solid year highlighted by series wins over Georgia, LSU, Arkansas, and Ole Miss.  The Tigers are a lock for the Regional Final. Southern Miss made an unbelievable run last season ending in an appearance at Rosenblatt Stadium.  The Golden Eagles aren't the same though, with their only big wins coming against Rice. Matched up with a Clemson team that had great success in the loaded ACC, Southern Miss will not repeat its run.  Here's my first "upset" pick.  Clemson will defeat Auburn, but it will take three meetings.  Wins over Georgia Tech, Virginia, North Carolina, and a sweep of Florida State force me to choose these Tigers to advance to the Supers. Clemson 4, Auburn 2 in the final game.

Atlanta Regional:

#1 Georgia Tech (45-13) vs. #4 Mercer (37-22)

#2 Alabama (37-22) vs. #3 Elon (38-22)

The Yellow Jackets made their presence known by dismantling then highly-ranked North Carolina early in the season and continued to dominate the ACC throughout the year.  Elon, Alabama, and Mercer complete the weakest Region in the tournament.  With no other ranked team in the region, Georgia Tech will stroll past Elon 11-4 in the final to their showdown with ACC foe Clemson.

Charlottesville Regional:

#1 Virginia (47-11) vs. #4 VCU (34-24-1)

#2 Mississippi (38-22) vs. #3 St. John's (40-18)

The Cavaliers return a still-young CWS experienced team led by Sophomore ACC Pitcher of the Year Danny Hultzen. UVA has been ranked highly throughout the entire season and have yet to disappoint. It will be difficult for VCU, St. John's, or Ole Miss to stay in a game with UVA, let alone beat them twice.  #2 Ole Miss will meet Virginia in the finals but lose the final game 7-2.

Norman Regional:

#1 Oklahoma (44-15) vs. #4 Oral Roberts (35-25)

#2 California (29-23) vs. #3 North Carolina (36-20)

Boomer Sooner!... Until they meet UNC.  OU has had a great season in the Big 12 landing them a #1 seed and home field advantage, but North Carolina's experience in the playoffs will be too much for both Cal and the Sooners.  Although the Tarheels struggled throughout their conference schedule, a sweep at the hands of Virginia late in the year turned their season around.  Each game of the three game series was tight and low-scoring.  Following the impressive play in their losses, they played loosely and swept Va. Tech in a convincing manner. Don't be surprised if the rebuilding season is turned into a deep run by head coach Mike Fox who has appeared in Omaha every year since 2006. UNC beats OU in the final game 9-6.

Columbia Regional:

#1 South Carolina (43-15) vs. #4 Bucknell (25-33)

#2 Virginia Tech (38-20) vs. #3 Citadel (42-20)

Virginia Tech has beaten 4 of the 16 regional hosts, they've only played 5. The Hokies have some big wins, but will have to play well against The Citadel to even reach #1 South Carolina.  The Citadel has beaten tournament teams Hawaii, Elon (5 times), and College of Charleston. South Carolina has beaten up on Clemson, Auburn, Alabama, Ole Miss, Arkansas, and #3 overall Florida. Ultimately, I think Va. Tech's experience against quality opponents will get them to the regional final, but only to fall 3-0 to the Gamecocks.

Myrtle Beach Regional:

#1 Coastal Carolina (51-7) vs. #4 Stony Brook (29-25)

#2 College of Charleston (42-17) vs. #3 North Carolina State (38-22)

Coastal Carolina has the best record in Division 1 Baseball at 51-7. They've been the top seed in their regional 3 of the last 5 years, and have lost to UNC, Clemson, and Arizona State before reaching the World Series. This year their Regional isn't loaded with powerhouses and they are in a position to finally reach Omaha. They've played some giants this season, beating UC Irvine, Virginia Tech, Clemson, UNC, and losing to Virginia in a close game. They've played both NC state (W 6-3) and College of Charleston (L 5-4, L 10-4) this season.  Beating a team three times in a season is a tough task, but beating this extremely hungry and deserving Coastal Carolina team three times... possible, but four times, NO WAY. Coastal Carolina 5, College of Charleston 3 in the final game.

Austin Regional:

#1 Texas (46-11) vs. #4 Rider (36-21)

#2 Rice (38-21) vs. #3 La.- Lafayette (37-20)

This year hasn't gone according to play, but there is a potential matchup of the Pre-season #1 Texas Longhorns, and the Pre-season #5 Rice Owls in this regional final.  Rice began the season 0-4 and has a 1-2 record against Texas this season on its way to a 38-21 record.  The Longhorns go into the tournament with a 3 game losing streak, but I expect them to waltz to the Sweet 16 with little resistance dominating Rice 10-1 in the final.

Fort Worth Regional:

#1 TCU (46-11) vs. #4 Lamar (35-24)

#2 Baylor (34-22) vs. #3 Arizona (33-22)

TCU is ranked #6 in the polls, but didn't receive a top 8 seeding for the tournament.  In fact, they dropped all the way down to 15th out of the 16 #1 seeds.  They beat Fullerton a few times early in the season, but since, haven't really had a stand out win.  They split with Baylor, were run-ruled in one game, and won the other in extra innings.  Baylor hasn't had a marquee win  this year, but they have won 8 of their last 9 and have experience against the Region's #1. However, I don't think the Bears will even get a shot at TCU.  Arizona has put together some very impressive wins this season, including victories over Stanford, UCLA, Arizona State (2), and Cal St. Fullerton (2). The Wildcats are coming out of this regional with a 2-1 (10 innings) win over TCU to meet up with the Longhorns.

Norwich Regional:

#1 Florida State (42-17) vs. #4 Central Connecticut State (33-21)

#2 Connecticut (47-14) vs. #3 Oregon (38-22)

The Florida State Seminoles are in a great position to make a run.  This team beat overall #2 Virginia, and #3 Florida twice each. They should be able to handle all of the teams in their regional.  Connecticut is a mystery still, their only big win came against Louisville, but because of their weak conference it is hard to tell what UConn can do.  I'm predicting Oregon to get past the Huskies and loses to Florida State 9-7 in the Regional final.

Louisville Regional:

#1 Louisville (48-12) vs. #4 St. Louis (33-27)

#2 Vanderbilt (41-17) vs. #3 Illinois State (31-22)

Louisville got the #7 overall seed, but they are going to have a rough time reaching Omaha. After a schedule of playing only two ranked teams they should be worried for the rematch of a 17 inning 11-10 loss to Vanderbilt. Vandy has beaten five #1 seeds including Louisville and plays in a much stronger conference. Vandy is going to pull the upset and make it look easy... 11-3 win in the final game. Expect to see a Florida State - Vanderbilt matchup to decide a trip to Omaha.

Los Angeles Regional:

#1 UCLA (43-13) vs. #4 Kent State (39-23)

#2 LSU (40-20) vs. #3 UC Irvine (37-19)

This is the toughest Regional by far.  With 39 wins Kent State has the best record of any #4 team.  UC Irvine is the #3.  After their 2007 World Series appearance, they lost in the Super Regional in 2008, and were upset by Virginia last season as a top seed.  #2... of course, the defending National Champion LSU Tigers.  Maybe this team isn't as talented, but they just came off a SEC Tournament Championship in which they beat four NCAA Tournament teams including overall #3 Florida.  UCLA is the top seed in the only Regional containing three ranked teams.  I feel bad for the Bruins... after a stellar and unexpected year they are rewarded with this Regional.  I think LSU is too hot right now to not win this Regional.  After an early falter to UC Irvine, LSU will win four in a row beating UCLA 6-5 in the final game.

Fullerton Regional:

#1 Cal State Fullerton (41-15) vs. #4 Minnesota (30-28)

#2 Stanford (31-23) vs. #3 New Mexico (37-20)

Cal State Fullerton had a rough start to their season, getting booted from the rankings at one point, but have won 23 of their last 25 games including a few games against UCLA and UC Irvine.  The Titans once again are ready to travel to their second home in Omaha. Stanford has beaten both UCLA and Arizona State, but they'll have their hands full with the Lobos of New Mexico who took a series from Texas and had several close games with Arkansas.  Stanford will be too talented for New Mexico, and a hunch is telling me that Fullerton will continue its playoff brilliance and advance after a 2-0 victory in the final.

Coral Gables Regional:

#1 Miami (FL) (40-17) vs. #4 Dartmouth (26-17)

#2 Texas A&M (40-19-1) vs. #3 Florida International (36-23)

Miami (FL) is the #1 seed in this regional, but the story here is Garrett Wittels of Florida International and his 54 game hitting streak.  Will he even play in four games in the playoffs, or will the streak be stretched over the offseason?  FIU is matched up with Texas A&M who has a few quality wins over Washington State, Oklahoma, and Rice.  A&M will win the game, but they are hittable and Wittels will continue the streak against Dartmouth.  My prediction: Wittels will extend the streak to 57, leaving America waiting out to dry for a year.  As for the Regional, Miami is far too talented for any of their opponents and have been playing tough competition all year.  The Canes have beaten all four of the eventual #1 seeds they played throughout the year (Florida, Florida State, Virginia, and Georgia Tech). The "U" will move past A&M 5-3 in the final game.

Gainesville Regional:

#1 Florida (42-15) vs. #4 Bethune-Cookman (35-20)

#2 Florida Atlantic (35-22) vs. #3 Oregon State (31-22)

The Gators look to be set on a matchup with Miami in the Super Regional.  The former National Champion Oregon State Beavers will get past Florida Atlantic but will be no test for the #3 overall seed, setting up an instate showdown in the next round.  Florida will pass their first few tests with a 8-2 victory over the Beavers in the final game.

SUPER REGIONAL Predictions

#1 Arizona State vs. #1 Arkansas-

This is the first of three matchups including teams that played in Omaha last year. Arizona State is the #1 overall seed, and they have been playing that way all season. Don't expect Arkansas to pull out two huge upsets in this series.  The Sun Devils cruise to Omaha once again.

#2 Clemson vs. #1 Georgia Tech

Clemson was swept by the Yellow Jackets in the regular season, but pulled out a 9-3 win in the ACC tournament.  Although the Tigers average 8.7 runs per game, Deck McGuire and the Ga Tech pitching will keep Clemson at bay propelling the #8 overall seed to advance to the World Series.

#1 Virginia vs. #3 North Carolina

Another 2009 CWS matchup.  Virginia is an experienced team now with confidence and skill among the best in the nation.  North Carolina is lucky to make it this far, pulling big upsets over Cal and Oklahoma, but Virginia is on another level this year and will move on.

#1 South Carolina vs. #1 Coastal Carolina

South Carolina began to fall at the end of the season, while they made it out of the Regional, it is Coastal Carolina's time.  Their CWS drought will end this year as they decisively take care of the Gamecocks. It has to happen right??

#1 Texas vs. #3 Arizona

The Longhorns, the Yankees of NCAA baseball, are a playoff team, they're experienced and head coach Augie Garrido built his career around small ball, key in the postseason. Arizona will be on a high after their upsets of Baylor and TCU, but heart and adrenaline will not get them past Texas.

#1 Florida State vs. #2 Vanderbilt

Vandy has beaten Florida, Arkansas, Auburn, South Carolina, and Louisville.  They will not be intimidated by a #1 seed from the ACC and will advance after a low scoring series deciding game.

#2 LSU vs. #1 Cal State Fullerton

In this matchup of two returning World Series qualifiers LSU's experience and poise is moot against the Titans who live for the playoffs. Sophomore Noe Ramirez will silence the Tigers and spring Fullerton to their 17th CWS appearance.

#1 Miami vs. #1 Florida

Miami lost 2 of 3 games to Florida at home this season, and are looking to simply even the series with the Gators this time around.  Florida is very young this year, placing five on the All-SEC Freshman team.  The young guns are obviously talented but I'm predicting they won't play to their potential.  The Canes take out the #3 overall seed, winning 2 of 3, with the final game going into extras.

College World Series predictions OMAHA BOUND

#1 Arizona State (#1 overall) *
#1 Georgia Tech (#8 overall)
#1 Virginia (#5 overall) *
#1 Coastal Carolina (#4 overall)
#1 Texas (#2 overall) *
#2 Vanderbilt
#1 Cal St. Fullerton *
#1 Miami (FL)

* - Played in 2009 CWS