Houston College Classic: The Eyes of College Baseball Are Upon You

The eyes of the college baseball world will be on Houston, Texas this weekend as Minute Maid Park plays host to the annual Houston College Classic.

This year, Texas, Texas Tech, and Missouri from the Big 12 along with Conference USA's Houston and Rice and Mountain West Conference powerhouse TCU will throwdown in what's sure to hold an excitement level close to that of the NCAA Regionals.

The Rundown:

Favorites:

Despite half the schools competing belonging to the Big 12 Conference, the three favorites for this weekend's round robin are split between all three conferences represented.

The Texas Longhorns, Rice Owls, and TCU Horned Frogs are ranked Nos. 5, 10, and 16, respectively, in the latest Rivals.com Top 25 and are all favorites to win their leagues when the time comes in May.

Darkhorse:

If I had to pick a darkhorse for the Houston College Classic, it would have to be Texas Tech. The Red Raiders aren't exactly a baseball powerhouse but currently hold a 6-2 record and are averaging 9.4 runs per game. If they can keep with the solid bats, the boys from Lubbock might do damage.

Game to Watch:

TCU against Rice will be the final game of the Houston College Classic on Sunday night. Both teams are baseball powers every season, but neither come from a very strong conference. Whichever team is able to  pull out a win on Sunday on a neutral site will be able to point to it when the NCAA Tournament starts and the selection committee is picking national seeds.

Schedule:

Friday:

Noon - TCU vs. Texas Tech
3:30 p.m. - Houston vs. Missouri
7 p.m. - Rice vs. Texas

Saturday:

Noon - Missouri vs. TCU
3:30 p.m. - Houston vs. Texas
7 p.m. - Rice vs. Texas Tech

Sunday:

11 a.m. - Missouri vs. Texas
3:30 p.m. - Texas Tech vs. Houston
6 p.m. - TCU vs. Rice