This is one of the most hyped Super Regionals matchups since the tournament introduced this format in 1999. Tennessee is the No. 14 overall seed but is clearly one of the most talented teams in the nation.
The Vols have been undone this year by poor defense at times and the inability to find the right pitching combination in Game 3s of their weekend series — they lost the third game in six of their final seven SEC series.
Arkansas’ roster is elite, with great starting pitching, tons of options in the bullpen and an offense that led the SEC in runs scored (by 41!) in league games.
We won’t get the Liam Doyle vs. Zach Root pitching matchup in Game 1 since the Vols are giving their ace an extra day of rest, but No. 2 starter Marcus Phillips is very capable of slowing down the Hogs offense.
One prediction I feel good about: There will be some fireworks at some point in this series.
Another prediction: Arkansas in 3