By Bryan Smith

THE SUPER REGIONAL CONTENDERS

Can Oregon State repeat as national champions? Pat Casey's squad will have to improve its hitting to contend. AP

9. Missouri Tigers

Missouri has two of the Cape Cod League's best summer talents on its pitching staff -- Aaron Crow and Kyle Gibson -- who opened last weekend by striking out 17 and walking zero in victories over UConn and Stetson. Veteran southpaw Rick Zagone is another valuable starter, giving the Tigers one of the nation's most dangerous pitching staffs. The question will be the offense, particularly the depth beyond stars Jacob Priday and Trevor Coleman.

10. Oregon State Beavers

In opening weekend losses to Vanderbilt and Arizona State, the two-time defending champion Beavers learned the hard way what it will be like to play the season with a target on their backs. Last year, many thought it would be impossible for the Beavers to return to Omaha given the talent they had lost. Though this year's squad has a talented group of freshman, there are enough holes in the lineup to suggest coach Pat Casey's improbable stretch may end.

11. Michigan Wolverines

Even without ace Zach Putnam on the mound last weekend, the Wolverines dominated Villanova in a three-game sweep. But Putnam wasn't invisible -- his bat helped lead the charge. The Wolverines have a veteran club on both sides of the ball and represent the Big Ten's best team in about a decade.

10. South Carolina Gamecocks

Like Arizona State, the Gamecocks are always going to hit -- and this year is no exception. Justin Smoak is a top 10 talent and shortstop Reese Havens and third baseman James Darnell make up the nation's best left-hand side of the diamond. The biggest question is the pitching staff, which was hit hard against East Carolina last weekend.

13. Long Beach State Dirtbags

Only 10 runs were scored total in the three-game series between Long Beach State and Rice last weekend, proving good pitching can beat even aluminum bats. The keys for Long Beach were eight shutout innings from command-artist Andrew Liebel, a healthy return from starter Vance Worley and a fantastic debut start for freshman Jake Thompson. If this team shows it can hit outside the confines of its spacious home field, their pitching staff will lead them a long way.

14. Texas Longhorns

On Sunday, Texas saw its most promising development in two years: 6-foot-10 starter Kenn Kasparek returned from Tommy John surgery to pitch five shutout innings. The addition of Kasparek to a questionable rotation is valuable because this Texas team -- led by two potential first-round outfielders Kyle Russell and Jordan Danks -- can hit like nobody's business.

15. Rice Owls

The Owls were disappointed not to win the national championship last season, but don't count them out this year. The team boasts a fabulous weekend rotation with the return of former All-America southpaw Cole St. Clair from injury. The offense will come around after a slumping weekend, leaning heavily on blue-chip recruit Rick Hague up the middle.

16. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Mark it down: Transfer Matt Hague -- a third-baseman that moved to Stillwater from the University of Washington -- will be the biggest newcomer of the year. The key for the Cowboys is whether they can pitch, and after allowing just seven runs in a four-game sweep of Gonzaga, it appears they can. Keep your eye on sophomore ace Andy Oliver and two-way closer Jordy Mercer as the top arms on an usually deep staff.

EIGHT MORE HONORABLE MENTIONS

Cal State Fullerton: Coach Dave Serrano is looking to find the same magic that led UC-Irvine to Omaha a year ago.

Clemson: Despite the turnover to Jack Leggett's roster, the Tigers have enough talent to win the ACC.

Fresno State: The veteran pitching staff is similar to Louisville's of 2007, but with more talent such as Tanner Scheppers.

Kentucky: The return of 2007 injury victims Colin Cowgill and Scott Green should propel the Wildcats to a new level.

San Diego: The Torreros struggled in the opening weekend, but their pitching depth is admirable.

Tulane: A good outfield and ace Shooter Hunt will depend on a hoard of transfers and freshman to succeed.

Virginia: Ace Jake Thompson is one of the nation's best, and pitching depth behind him is very good. But will they hit?

Wichita State: Good pitching depth with a capable lineup led by Cape Cod League star Conor Gillaspie.