Bogus Smith Posted May 25, 2007 Share Posted May 25, 2007 MID-CONTINENT CONFERENCE Site: Macomb, Ill. Dates: May 24-26. Format: Four teams, double-elimination. The Field: No. 1 Oral Roberts, No. 2 Western Illinois, No. 3 Valparaiso, No. 4 Centenary. Who's Hot: Perennial league powerhouse Oral Roberts has won 13 straight, culminating in a four-game sweep at second-place Western Illinois this past weekend. The Golden Eagles have won 22 of 23. Who's Not: Western Illinois had a chance to usurp ORU before being swept in four games to end the season. Bubble Watch: The Mid-Con is a one-bid league unless Oral Roberts gets upset, in which case the Golden Eagles would likely get an at-large bid thanks to a strong RPI (42). The Favorite: Oral Roberts is the overwhelming favorite to win its 10th consecutive conference championship. ORU has utterly dominated the Mid-Con again, going 19-1 and leading the league in homers (52) and ERA (3.51). Ace righthander Chance Chapman has recorded a 17-strikeout game and a 19-strikeout game this season. The Darkhorse: Led by Mid-Con batting champion Brett Pendell (.363) and RBI co-leaders Travis Check and Matt Newquist (50), Western Illinois could slug its way to the conference title, but it would be a major upset. Who in the world is thinking that WIU is any good? Regardless of their bomb today v. Valpo, WIU can't hold a candle to ORU in this conference (nor can anyone else for that matter). ORU has to beat itself for anyone in this conference to win a game against them (IMHO). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish333 Posted May 25, 2007 Share Posted May 25, 2007 AAAAAAAA Men to that. PERIOD! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrueBlue82 Posted May 25, 2007 Share Posted May 25, 2007 Let's hope we don't have to "back in the door" - but it would be a sure sign of respect if ORU gets a bid even with a loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ORUJason Posted May 25, 2007 Share Posted May 25, 2007 I don't think ORU would get an at-large bid if they lost the Mid-Con tournament. There are too many other good teams in high-profile conferences with some quality wins and a stronger strength of schedule. Some of the power conferences would throw a fit if the Mid-Con got 2 bids. It would be different if we had been ranked in the Top 25 for most of the year, or had won a couple of the Texas and/or Baylor games. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Titan Posted May 25, 2007 Share Posted May 25, 2007 I don't think ORU would get an at-large bid if they lost the Mid-Con tournament. There are too many other good teams in high-profile conferences with some quality wins and a stronger strength of schedule. Some of the power conferences would throw a fit if the Mid-Con got 2 bids. It would be different if we had been ranked in the Top 25 for most of the year, or had won a couple of the Texas and/or Baylor games. You're right - ORU may have an RPI of 42 now, but imagine where it would fall to if we were to lose two games in the next two days to the likes of Valpo and/or Western. Triple digits, that's what... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bogus Smith Posted May 25, 2007 Author Share Posted May 25, 2007 Even if we win the Conference Tournament, 3-0, our RPI will drop because all of the power conferences are playing each other and raising their lower brethern up into the double digit ranks - even with losses. Our wins against 200+ RPI teams will not be able to raise our standing this weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.