Central Arkansas
There's no question this is the strongest four seed in this year's NCAA field of 64. Not only should Central Arkansas be a three seed this weekend, there's zero reason why this team, which took two of three from Mississippi State earlier this season, should be headed to Starkville. With that said, this is a very dangerous club. UCA doesn't have an overwhelming offense, but versatile outfielder Forrestt Allday and catcher Michael Marietta are worth watching. Allday is hitting .383 with 13 doubles, three homers and 35 RBIs, while Marietta is hitting .315 with four homers and 56 RBIs. Also keep an eye on Jonathan Davis, who doesn't have a great batting average, but does a nice job of getting on base with 35 walks this season. Pitching-wise, UCA rides a solid trio of starting pitchers in Caleb McClanahan, Bryce Biggerstaff and Jeffrey Enloe. McClanahan has a 2.17 ERA in 116 1/3 innings, along with 80 strikeouts and 10 walks, Biggerstaff has a 2.91 ERA in 99 innings along with 56 strikeouts and 16 walks, and Enloe has a 3.28 ERA in 104 1/3 innings of work. Also keep an eye on Ethan McKinzie, who has appeared in 20 games, recorded five saves and who has a 2.11 ERA in 42 2/3 innings of work.

REGIONAL FORECAST
Mississippi State was one of the nation's hottest teams entering the 2012 NCAA postseason, but were unable to even reach the Tallahassee Regional title game after losing to Samford. State is at home this weekend and will be extra motivated to take that next step to an NCAA Super Regional. Look for a balanced attack from State this weekend, with that opening game against Central Arkansas being a real dog fight. On paper, this NCAA Regional looks like it will be rather offensive in nature. And with State having the deepest pitching staff by far, and at home, I like its chances to advance. Still, this is the toughest NCAA Regional for a reason.