2021 College World Series preview: Stanford vs. NC State betting odds, picks, analysis, more

(Texas Tech Athletics)

Here is the info you need for Stanford vs. NC State on June 19 at the 2021 College World Series.

Stanford vs. NC State betting odds (via DraftKings)

Run Line: Stanford -1.5 (+140), NC State +1.5 (-160)

Over/Under: 11.5

Moneyline: Stanford -135, NC State +115

Projected starting pitchers

Stanford: Brendan Beck (R) 100.1 IP, 9-1, 2.96 ERA, 0.97 base runners/inning pitched, 6% free passes, 32% K

NC State: TBA

Stanford's Road to Omaha

Record: 38-15

Pythagorean record: 33-20

RPI: 7 (No. 25 strength of schedule)

League finish: third in Pac-12

Coach: David Esquer (136-52 in 4 yrs. at Stanford)

CWS appearance: 17th

National titles: 1987, 1988

Stanford has to be considered one of the blue-bloods of college baseball.

With two national titles (1987-88) under its belt and 17 trips to the College World Series, this year’s Stanford team will do something no other Cardinal team has done before.

The Cardinal will play for the very first time at TD Ameritrade Park. The ballpark hosted its first CWS in 2011. Stanford has not been to Omaha since 2008.

Stanford will bring a “cardinal”-hot, power-hitting team into Omaha. The Cardinal mashed Texas Tech in the Lubbock Super Regional, outscoring the Red Raiders 24-3 in the two-game sweep.

Stanford head coach Dave Esquer brings his second team to Omaha as head coach. Esquer was the head coach at Cal when the Bears reached Omaha in 2011. He has participated at the CWS as a player, assistant coach and head coach. Esquer played on the 1987 Stanford national championship team and was on the staff when the Cardinal reached Omaha in 1995.

Read Southeastern 14's in-depth College World Series preview for Stanford at this link.

NC State's Road to Omaha

Record: 35-18

Pythagorean record: 32-21

RPI: 16 (No. 20 strength of schedule)

League finish: second in ACC Atlantic

Coach: Elliott Avant (1,148-762 in 33 seasons, 924-549 in 25 seasons at NC State)

CWS appearance: third

National titles: none

North Carolina State has taken the long road to Omaha, winning both the NCAA Regional and Super Regional on the road.

The Wolfpack won all three games against Alabama and Louisiana Tech (twice) in the Ruston Regional. Then last week, NC State knocked off top-seed Arkansas to capture the Fayetteville Super Regional.

The Wolfpack rebounded from a 21-2 drubbing in the series opener to become the only team to win a series against the Razorbacks this season.

In all, NC State has traveled 3,426 miles in the post season alone to reach the CWS for the first time since 2013. 

The journey seems longer for a team that started 1-8 in ACC play. NC State closed the season by winning its last four ACC series, going 10-2 against Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Pittsburgh and Florida State.

NC State and fellow ACC member Virginia have both reached Omaha by winning both series away from home.

Michigan, Florida State and Auburn advanced to 2019 CWS after winning the Regional and Super Regional on the road.

Read Southeastern 14's in-depth College World Series preview for NC State at this link.

Southeastern 14's Game Pick for Stanford vs. NC State

NC State has not yet announced whether Reid Johnston or Sam Highfill will take the mound for Game One. But that doesn't change our opinion on who will win. Stanford right-hander Brendan Beck has been dominant this season, and the Wolf Pack could struggle to manufacture runs against a strikeout pitcher.

Pick: Stanford

Southeastern 14's Best Bet for Stanford vs. NC State

Pick: Stanford ML

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