Ole Miss baseball is considered an underdog in Friday night’s College World Series opener against North Carolina, according to betting odds. However, experts note that in college baseball, the concept of an underdog or upset is often misleading.
Oddsmakers rank Georgia and North Carolina tied for the top spot, followed by Texas, West Virginia, Ole Miss, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Troy. Some analysts, like Rick Cleveland, suggest these rankings are more for entertainment than prediction. Cleveland points out Troy’s impressive run in the Gainesville Regional, including sweeping Florida after losing their first game.
Troy’s ability to score 26 runs in two games against Florida highlights how unpredictable baseball can be. The Trojans’ lineup is known for consistent contact, making them a potential threat despite initial odds. Historically, Ole Miss has defied betting expectations; in 2022, the Rebels were fifth-choice but won the national championship after Texas and Stanford, the favorites, were eliminated early.
College baseball emphasizes playing well at the right time and facing favorable matchups. The 2005 Ole Miss team, considered one of the best, lost a Super Regional to Texas despite having six MLB first-round picks. Mississippi State and Southern Miss also had talented teams that fell short of the title, demonstrating how unpredictable the postseason can be.
Ole Miss’s chances depend heavily on their opening game against North Carolina. While they could win the tournament, they could also be eliminated early. A rare feat—losing the first game and still winning the title—has been achieved only three times this century, but it requires exceptional pitching depth. Rebel pitcher Taylor Rabe, a draft-eligible sophomore, is expected to start and is crucial for their success. Most had anticipated Hunter Elliott, a key player on last year’s championship team, would start, but Rabe’s recent performance has earned him the nod.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
