Feb. 5, 2013

CollegeBaseballInsider.com surveyed college coaches around the country to preview the 2013 college baseball season by sharing their thoughts on the teams and players to watch in their conferences. CBI compiled their answers to provide insight on the upcoming season. click here for CBI Conference Previews

Today, we take a look at Conference USA (all nine coaches responded).

No change in membership from 2012

The team to beat: Rice

The top starting pitchers: Austin Kubitza, Rice; Andrew Pierce, Southern Miss; Aaron Blair, Marshall (right)

The top closer: Bradley Roney, Southern Miss

The pitcher you least want to face: Austin Kubitza, Rice

The most underrated pitcher: Jeff Hoffman, East Carolina; Andrew Pierce, Southern Miss

The best defensive catcher: Keaton Aldridge, Memphis; Ryan Breen, UCF

The best catcher arm: Keaton Aldridge, Memphis; Ryan Breen, UCF

The best defensive infielder: Brennan Middleton, Tulane

The best infield arm: Garrett Cannizaro, Tulane; Jack Reinheimer, East Carolina

The best defensive outfielder: Mason Robbins, Southern Miss

The best outfield arm: Mason Robbins, Southern Miss

The best pure hitters: Christian Stringer, Rice; Mason Robbins, Southern Miss (right); Brennan Middleton, Tulane

The biggest power threats: Brandon Boudreaux, Tulane; Mason Robbins, Southern Miss; Sean Potkay, Tulane

The hitter you least want to face: Mason Robbins, Southern Miss

The toughest hitter to strike out: Christian Stringer, Rice

The most underrated hitter: Jeff Schalk, UAB

The best baserunner: Isaac Ballou, Marshall

The best game coach: Wayne Graham, Rice

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Chad Sutter, Tulane

(photos courtesy of Marshall & Southern Miss Media Relations Offices)