Who is the biggest underdog in 2024 College World Series? 3 teams that could cause major upsets in NCAA tournament
The 2024 College World Series is fast approaching. The final stretch of the NCAA tournament will begin on Friday and conclude on June 24. Eight teams qualify for the CWS and some higher-seeded teams are expected to make it to the final four of the CWS finals. Meanwhile, some lower-seeded teams are considered underdogs to reach the last four of the postseason.
Let's look at three teams that head into the CWS as underdogs.
Predicting the 3 underdogs at the 2024 College World Series
#1. Florida
The Florida Gators (34-28) have the lowest seed among the eight teams in the CWS and are tipped as the biggest underdog at Omaha this year. They managed to take down the Clemson Tigers in two games at the Clemson Super Regional to advance to the next round.
The Gators finished as runners-up at the CWS finals in 2023, but have had their fair share of struggles this season. However, coach Kevin O'Sullivan knows how to get the best out of his team when it matters. He is leading Florida to its ninth trip to Omaha since taking charge of the program in 2008.
Florida will take on No. 3 overall seed Texas A&M in its opening game of this year's CWS.
#2. Virginia
The Virginia Cavaliers (46-15) beat the Kansas State Wildcats in this year's Charlottesville Super Regional to qualify for the CWS. Brian O'Connor's team has made it to Omaha for the third time in four seasons.
However, Virginia failed to reach the College World Series finals in its last three visits to Omaha. This year, the Cavaliers earned the No. 12 overall seed, the second lowest among the eight teams remaining in the CWS. Hence, many predict that Virginia is an underdog to reach the CWS finals this year.
Virginia will square off against No. 4 national seed North Carolina in its 2024 CWS opener on Friday.
#3. NC State
The NC State Wolfpack (38-21) are considered the streakiest team to make it to the College World Series this year. Elliott Avent's team beat Georgia in the Athens Super Regional deciding game to reach the final eight.
NC State has a strong batting line-up but has been unconvincing in its pitching department. The Wolfpack earned the No. 10 overall seed in the country but are vulnerable against the elite teams they will face in Ohama.
NC State will begin its CWS campaign against Kentucky on Saturday.