Midseason NCAA Baseball Tournament Projections: SEC and ACC Dominate
The college baseball season is reaching its midway point, and the excitement is building as teams vie for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The latest midseason Field of 64 projections have been released, offering a glimpse into which teams are on track to make a splash in the postseason.
Dominated by the SEC and ACC, the projections highlight the fierce competition and the potential surprises that lie ahead.
This comprehensive analysis will guide you through the key takeaways and notable teams to watch as the season progresses.
Contents
SEC and ACC Dominate the Projections
The SEC and ACC are the powerhouses in this year’s midseason projections, hosting 12 of the 16 regionals. The SEC leads with nine hosts and 12 bids, while the ACC follows with three hosts and 11 bids.
This dominance underscores the strength and depth of these conferences in college baseball.
SEC Teams to Watch
The SEC’s strength is evident with teams like Tennessee and Georgia leading the charge.
Tennessee, sitting at No. 3 in RPI, boasts an impressive 26-2 overall record and 8-1 in SEC play. Their 10-1 record in Q1 games makes them the clear-cut top overall seed.
Georgia, close behind, is also 28-2 overall and 8-1 in the SEC, making them a strong contender for the top seed if Tennessee falters.
- Tennessee: No. 3 in RPI, 26-2 overall, 8-1 in SEC
- Georgia: No. 7 in RPI, 28-2 overall, 8-1 in SEC
- Arkansas: No. 3 overall seed, poised to host
- Alabama: Top five overall seed, 25-4 overall, No. 7 in RPI
ACC Teams to Watch
The ACC is no slouch either, with teams like Florida State and Clemson making significant strides.
Florida State, currently 23-4 and 7-2 in the ACC, is a safe bet for a top-eight host spot.
Clemson, with a 26-5 overall record and No. 5 RPI, is also in a great position to host.
- Florida State: 23-4 overall, 7-2 in ACC, top three seed potential
- Clemson: 26-5 overall, No. 5 RPI, strong host contender
- North Carolina: 21-7 overall, 6-6 in ACC, No. 17 in RPI
Big 12 and Other Conferences
While the SEC and ACC dominate, other conferences also have teams making waves. The Big 12, for instance, has one host and seven overall bids.
Notably, Kansas State has emerged as an unexpected host, showcasing the committee’s value on conference champions.
Big 12 Teams to Watch
Kansas State is a standout, potentially hosting if they win the Big 12 and maintain their top-20 RPI.
TCU and Oklahoma are also in the mix, with Oklahoma enjoying success in their first SEC season.
- Kansas State: Potential host, top-20 RPI
- TCU: Intriguing team, currently a 2-seed
- Oklahoma: 22-5 overall, 5-4 in SEC, top ten non-conference RPI
Other Notable Teams
Beyond the SEC, ACC, and Big 12, several other teams are worth mentioning.
Coastal Carolina, Georgia Tech, and Auburn are all in contention to host, with strong starts to their seasons. Meanwhile, preseason No. 1 Texas A&M is notably absent from the projections, struggling under new head coach Michael Earley.
- Coastal Carolina: No. 6 in RPI, strong non-conference schedule
- Georgia Tech: Hot start, currently a 2-seed
- Auburn: Potential host, strong position despite tough SEC weekends ahead
- Texas A&M: Struggling, not in projected field
Bubble Teams and Key Matchups
The bubble teams are always a focal point of midseason projections, and this year is no different.
UC Santa Barbara, Florida, Iowa, and Baylor are the last four in, while Cal, Mississippi State, Michigan, and Hawaii are the first four out. The next four out include UCF, Georgia Southern, South Carolina, and USF.
SEC Bubble Teams
Three SEC teams are currently on the bubble: Florida, Mississippi State, and South Carolina.
All three are 1-8 in league play, and their performance down the stretch will be crucial.
Florida controversially made last year’s NCAA Tournament despite a 28-26 overall record, but getting to 12 SEC wins feels like the minimum for at-large consideration this year.
- Florida: 1-8 in SEC, needs to reach 12 SEC wins for at-large consideration
- Mississippi State: On the bubble, must improve league play
- South Carolina: Also 1-8 in SEC, crucial games ahead
Key Matchups to Watch
Several key matchups in the coming weeks will have a significant impact on the projections.
Teams like Tennessee, Georgia, and Arkansas will face tough SEC opponents, while Florida State and Clemson will battle it out in the ACC.
These games will be critical in determining the final Field of 64.
- Tennessee vs. Georgia: Potential top seed battle
- Arkansas vs. Alabama: Top five seed implications
- Florida State vs. Clemson: ACC supremacy on the line
Conclusion
As we move into the second half of the college baseball season, the race for the NCAA Tournament is heating up.
The SEC and ACC are leading the pack, but other conferences are making their mark as well.
With key matchups and bubble teams fighting for their spots, the excitement is only just beginning.
For a deeper dive into the latest projections, visit the full article on On3.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the road to the College World Series unfolds!