What does the data tell us? And who will make it to The Big Show?
Men's DI Regionals Preview (Clippd Article)
Amherst, Virginia Regional
Top 5 seeds: Louisiana State (#6), Oklahoma (#7), Vanderbilt (#18), Pepperdine (#19), Tennessee (#30),
Next 8: Arizona (#31), Stanford (#42), Wake Forest (#43), Arkansas, Fayetteville (#55), Florida Gulf Coast (#56), Kent State (#78), Princeton (#82), Howard (#252)
Take it to the bank: LSU, Oklahoma
Both LSU (above) and Oklahoma (below) have remained in the top-10 team rankings all year. Furthermore, both teams have five players in the top-150 individually. The Tigers are coming off a second-place finish in the stroke play portion of the SEC Championship, while the Sooners finished fourth. I’d argue Ryan Hybl’s team (below) hasn’t had quite the spring they’ve been looking for, while Jake Amos’ squad has remained a touch more consistent. However, they are both excellent, well-coached teams, both of which should be ready for postseason and cruise through this regional.
Notable: Vanderbilt
It will be very interesting to see Scott Limbaugh’s lineup for this regional. Gordon Sargent (who has earned his PGA Tour card through the PGA Tour U accelerated program), has been struggling with his game of late and is currently ranked #522. The Commodores finished 13th out of 16 teams at the SEC Championship a couple of weeks ago. However, we all know what Sargent and crew are capable of, and I will always back a Scott Limbaugh-coached team in the postseason. I think Vandy finds their footing with or without Sargent and makes a postseason run.
Watch out for: Wake Forest
Wake Forest has had an up-and-down spring. However, after their worst performance of the year at the Valspar at the end of March, Jerry Haas’ squad has played solid golf. They finished 6th in the stroke play portion of the ACC Championship. Senior Marshall Meisel (#148) had a good showing at ACC. Scotty Kennon (#87), another senior, is a proven player ranked in the top-100. The Demon Deacons have experience and high standards. Since 2009, 20 #8-seeds have advanced through regionals (22.2%).
My picks: LSU, Oklahoma, Vandy, Pepperdine, Tennessee
Auburn, Alabama Regional
—
Read the full article on Clippd HERE.