We have officially hit the hallway point of conference play in college baseball. While there is still plenty of big games ahead, I thought now would be a good time to start looking at the postseason picture.
Of course, things can change from week to week but as of right now, here are the Big 12 teams who are projected to make the Field of 64 according to D1Baseball.
Regional Hosts
West Virginia (13)
Even though they may not lead the conference standings at the moment, there’s no denying that West Virginia is one of the best teams in the Big 12. The Mountaineers already have ten wins in conference action and are one of the most balanced teams out there.
One thing that is in their favor is their RPI. Right now, the Mountaineers have a top 20 RPI is crucial when it comes to being a regional host. As long as they can keep up their play, there’s no reason why they can’t bring another regional to Morgantown.
Kansas (16)
The Jayhawks take the final bid and are the second team from the Big 12 to host a regional. Kansas is alone at the top of the conference standings with their impressive 12-3 record.
Despite losing their opening series to Texas Tech, Kansas has now won four straight series and have won 12 out of their last 13 games in Big 12 play. Forget about beating the hottest team in the Big 12, they just may be the hottest team in the country right now. Dan Fitzgerald has officially put Kansas baseball on the map.
Teams That Are In
UCF (2)
One most wonder where UCF would have been if they didn’t get swept by Kansas this past weekend. Prior to that series, the Knights were in first place in the Big 12 and had a chance to host a regional.
However, their RPI isn’t great (39) to host but they still have plenty of opportunities ahead of them in the next few weeks. As we all know, a lot can change in a short period of time.
TCU (3)
I never thought TCU would be in a position to be a three seed this season but due to inconsistent play, here we are. The Horned Frogs are just one game above .500 in Big 12 action, but they have looked a little better than they did when the season started. Their bats need to wake up but as of now, they are a lock to at the very least make the postseason.
Cincinnati (3)
The record is certainly not there for the Bearcats (6-9), but the RPI loves Cincinnati. As crazy as it may sound the Bearcats have a top 25 RPI and when I look at their remaining schedule, it is very favorable. They get to play Houston and Texas Tech in two out of their next four series. And if they can take a couple of from UCF and West Virginia, then they should be a lock to get in.
Kansas State (3)
Much like Cincinnati, Kansas State doesn’t have a winning record in conference play (7-8), but they do have a top 55 RPI. However, their remaining schedule is absolutely brutal down the stretch with series against Arizona, Kansas, West Virginia, Cincinnati, and UCF. I have a hard time seeing them making it out of that with a winning record.
