2008 College World Series: What to Expect in Omaha

Here is a look at the eight teams that make up the 2008 College World Series.

Florida State Seminoles:

Record: 54-12, finished second in ACC

Head Coach: Mike Martin (1538-518-4) 29^th season

The Seminoles are making their 20^thappearance in the CWS, their first since 2000. Although the Seminoles have the second most CWS appearances of all the teams, they have never won a national championship. Florida State has finished second three times, the last in 1999.

Pitching: Matt Fairel (12-2, 3.74 ERA, 97 strikeouts)

Batting: Buster Posey (.460 batting average, 26 home-runs, 92 RBI)

What I think:

Florida State knows how to play with their backs against the wall.

The Seminoles lost the opening game of their Regional and Super Regional, but bounced back to win both. There is enormous pressure on Florida State to bring a national championship back to Tallahassee, probably the most out of any other team in the tournament.

Martin has done an excellent job at getting the team to Omaha, but it is time he wins the big one.

Unfortunately for the Seminoles, I think there will be too much pressure on them to win it all. I see the Hurricanes eliminating them just shy of the championship series.

Stanford Cardinal:

Record: 39-22-2, finished second in Pac-10

Head Coach: Mark Marquess (1274-617-7) 30^th season

Stanford is making their 17^thappearance in the CWS, their last was in 2003. Although the Cardinal is no stranger to Omaha, they have not taken home the title since 1988.

Pitching: Erik Davis (7-3, 4.67 ERA)

Batting: Jason Castro (.379 batting average, 13 home-runs, 66 RBI)

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?