Feb. 22, 2008

Vanderbilt spent a good chunk of last season as the top-ranked team in the land. But the Commodores fell short of reaching the College World Series, losing as a Regional host to Michigan.

College baseball's coaches don't expect history to repeat itself.

In a survey of 60 college baseball head coaches, Vandy received the most votes - edging out Texas and North Carolina - to reach the College World Series. Yet, when asked which team would leave Omaha with the national title, it was Arizona State that was picked as the favorite.

Vanderbilt received 42 votes to appear as one of eight CWS participants, with Texas claiming 41 and two-time national runner-up North Carolina receiving 40. Rounding out the coaches' eight picks to reach Omaha are Arizona State (34), Rice (30), Arizona (28), Miami (25) and UCLA (24).

Just missing the cut in the preseason poll are two-time defending champ Oregon State (21), South Carolina (20) and Ole Miss (20). Also receiving multiple votes: Michigan (14), Clemson (12), Florida State (11), Cal State Fullerton (9), Virginia (9), San Diego (8), Missouri (7), Long Beach State (5), Wichita State (4), Texas A&M (3), LSU (3), Louisville (3), Baylor (3), USC (2), Arkansas (2), Oklahoma State (2) and Mississippi State (2).

The Sun Devils were chosen by 12 coaches to take home the title. ASU is followed by Arizona and North Carolina, with nine votes apiece, Vanderbilt (6), Miami (4), Oregon State (4), UCLA (3), Texas (3), Rice (2) and South Carolina (2). Schools receiving one vote to win the title include: Ole Miss, Michigan, Virginia, San Diego and Mississippi State.