Could the 2011 College World Series see a repeat champ? The 2010 title-winners open up their attempt to repeat with a home game against the Southern Conference champion Georgia Southern Eagles, as the South Carolina Gamecocks host the 2011 Columbia Regional. Joining them at Carolina Stadium are the N.C. State Wolfpack and Atlantic Sun champ Stetson Hatters.
USC coach Ray Tanner, who calls GSU the country's best fourth seed, is expected to send lefty Michael Roth (1.17) up against Southern's Chris Beck (3.21). Minus injured ace Kurt Schluter, Stetson is expected to put Lindsey Caughel (4.40) vs. N.C. State's Josh Easley (6.15), with Wolfpack ace Cory Mazzone reserved for Round 2.
The complete Columbia region bracket and schedule:
Game 1: N.C. State vs. Stetson, June 3 at 1 pm ET
Game 2. South Carolina vs. Georgia Southern, June 3 at 7 pm ET
Game 3: Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser, June 4 at 1 pm ET
Game 4: Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, June 4 at 7 pm ET
Game 5: Game 4 loser vs. Game 3 winner, June 5 at 1 pm ET
Game 6: Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, June 5 at 7 pm ET
Game 7, if necessary: Whoever remains standing, June 6 at 7 pm ET
Twenty-five College World Series games are in action Friday -- click here for game times, schedules and live score updates for all of them. For more college baseball, browse SB Nation's list of college blogs. For more SEC, join Team Speed Kills. For more South Carolina join Garnet And Black Attack, and for more N.C. State join Backing The Pack.