ESPN analysts/writers predict how the Tennessee Vols will fare in the College World Series
The Tennessee Vols are set to take on the Florida State Seminoles on Friday night in Omaha as the College World series gets underway this week. Tennessee is making its third trip to Omaha in the last four seasons. The Vols came up short in their last two trips, so they're hoping the third time […]
The Tennessee Vols are set to take on the Florida State Seminoles on Friday night in Omaha as the College World series gets underway this week.
Tennessee is making its third trip to Omaha in the last four seasons. The Vols came up short in their last two trips, so they're hoping the third time is the charm under Tony Vitello.
And there are plenty of folks in the national media that think Tennessee will come through this time.
A panel of four ESPN writers/analysts made their predictions for who will win the College World Series and three of the four have the Vols as the last team standing.
(Chris Burke, a former Vols infielder, also pointed out that Virginia is his "sleeper" pick.)
From ESPN: Kiley McDaniel: I think whoever wins Bracket 1 between Tennessee and Florida State will win the title. I'll lean Tennessee because I think it's just too deep at a time of year where that's crucial and it has Omaha experience.
Mike Rooney: The Vols lead the nation with an eye-popping 173 home runs. The first three hitters (Christian Moore, Blake Burke, Billy Amick) are the toughest stretch of any lineup in college baseball. But it's more than the power … it's the program pedigree. The Vols are returning to Omaha for the third time in four seasons. The team that missed the College World Series (2022) won 57 games before losing in Game 3 of a super regional. Tennessee has earned the No. 1 overall seed for the NCAA tournament in two of the past three seasons. This program has been operating at the top of the sport for four years now. It's time for a crowning achievement.
Chris Burke: To this point the Vols have answered every challenge presented to them. I think the easiest prediction is that they will continue that in Omaha. If they do, the baggage of the No. 1 seed will be finally gone! Sleeper pick … Virginia. Love the way this team plays offense, and after three trips in the past four years, I would not be surprised if this is the Hoos' time.
It's obviously impossible to predict what will happen in Omaha. All eight teams that reached the College World Series are capable of winning it all.
The Vols, though, have a unique blend of experience and talent that makes them the perceived favorites in the eyes of many. They'll have to handle the pressure of being the No. 1 overall seed while continuing to perform at a high level if they hope to bring the trophy back to Knoxville.
Key Tennessee Vols player reacts to Tony Vitello’s fiery post-game rant after UT’s win against Evansville
An all-time college baseball moment
