DALLAS (NCBWA) The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association
continues its tradition of NCAA Division I polls for the ninth year with
its 2006 preseason predictions and weekly surveys. Weekly polls will continue
through June 27, following the NCAA World Series in Omaha, Neb.
The Rice Owls took two of three from Cal State Fullerton to
stay in the top spot in the poll. Rice is the third
team this season to occupy the No. 1 ranking. The Owls are getting set
to try to avenge an earlier loss to Texas when they host the Longhorns
Tuesday night.
Georgia tech scored 48 runs in the three-game sweep of Rutgers to
move up to No. 2. Florida State also had a perfect week, including a win
over rival Florida, to rise to No. 5. No. 3 North Carolina and
fourth-ranked Clemson give the ACC four of the top five teams. The ACC,
along with the SEC, has seven teams in the poll.
Overall, this week's poll has representation by nine different conferences
among the 284 baseball-playing schools in the NCAA Division I ranks.
Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college
baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists of
the sport. Members receive a membership card, directory, newsletter updates
and official votes in the Dick Howser Trophy, Regional Players of the Year
and Pro-Line Cap/NCBWA All-America voting. The NCBWA also sponsors the Pro-Line
Cap Division I Players of the Week, the Stopper of the Year, and publication
and writing contests.