As the college baseball season begins to gather apace, it is interesting to look at how different views can form around each team. Sportsbooks don’t always agree with baseball experts, nor do power rankings always agree with a team’s numbers.
However, now that we are getting a better idea of who the candidates will be in Omaha in June, those opinions and numbers should start to converge. In light of that, this piece will take a look at the latest college baseball power rankings (week 7) and match them up to the latest sportsbook odds. Is there an opportunity to get some betting value?
Oregon State
Power Ranking: 1st
World Series Odds: 9/1 (Ladbrokes)
The Beavers lost their second straight Pac-12 series this week, going down 2-1 against the Wildcats in Arizona. That came after a brilliant run of 16 consecutive Pac-12 victories. Is there a reason to be worried? Perhaps. The run production is still excellent, although there are slight worries over the Beaver’s pitching depth. In terms of the odds, they are second-favourite behind Florida (see below), which is the reverse of their current power ranking.
Florida
Power Ranking: 2nd
World Series Odds: 6/1
A nine-winning streak for the Gators came to an end against Tennessee, but more importantly the signs were there that Florida’s offense is ready to break out. To be honest, there is not much to choose between the reigning champions and Oregon, so you can judge for yourself whether the lower odds represent value. Brady Singer (7-1) looks like he has found his groove again.
Stanford:
Power Ranking: 3rd
World Series Odds: 33/1
The team with by far the biggest divergence in the odds and power rankings, Stanford look a complete bargain at 33/1 to win the College World Series. The biggest test of their credentials will likely come in the Pac-12 series against the Beavers (11th-13th May, Or). If you want to catch it, check out this guide to live streaming sports.
Arkansas
Power Ranking: 4th
World Series Odds: 12/1
You could argue that the Razorbacks odds and power ranking just about match up. Arkansas look in very good shape at the moment, currently on a five-game winning streak, including a galvanising walk-off win against Auburn. It’s going to be interesting to see the battle it out with Ole Miss to take the division.
Vanderbilt
Power Ranking: 5th
World Series Odds: 25/1
Another whose power ranking doesn’t quite match up with their odds, Vanderbilt were hoping that their solid pitching would carry them far this year. The big blot on their copybook however, was the series against the Gators at the end of March, where they lost all three games 8-2, 10-2 and 8-2. Those sorts of numbers do not match up with a World Series contender.
Kentucky:
Power Ranking: 6th
World Series Odds: 16/1
A crazy series in Lexington against South Carolina recently saw Kentucky show the best of their offense in a 14-1 victory (game 1), the worst of their pitching in a 15-1 loss (game 2) and something in between in 10-5 win in the series decider. Consistency will be key to contending later in the postseason, so we will possibly learn a bit more about Kentucky’s credentials as they face a tough schedule ahead.
