Much was made of the state of North Carolina sending a record 8 schools to the NCAA Baseball Tournament, which gets under way today across the country.
While the Tar Heel State's depth is on full display with that number of contestants, only Wake Forest (the overall favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook at +400) is viewed as a true contender ahead of two programs from the Palmetto State.
While there is no South Carolina sports betting for the road to Omaha, keep tabs on this site for coverage throughout the summer.
Gamecocks Play Host To Multiple NC Schools
The South Carolina Gamecocks, winners of 2 College World Series titles, will host the Columbia Regional, with an opening Friday night game against Central Connecticut State.
USC will also have to get through Campbell and NC State to advance to the Super Regional, but oddsmakers like their chances.
At DraftKings, the Gamecocks are +2000 to go all the way, behind only 7 other schools, including the Demon Deacons. USC went 39-19 this season, more than holding their own in the brutal SEC East Division.
The only two programs USC finished behind, Florida and Vanderbilt, are +900 and +1200, respectively, to win the CWS. Look for a DraftKings South Carolina promo code when the state officially legalizes mobile sports betting.
Clemson Seeks First CWS Title
The Clemson Tigers, meanwhile, have made 12 all-time CWS appearances, and 2023 may very well deliver the thirteenth. The Tigers also host their regional beginning today, starting with a 1pm game against Lipscomb. They'll also have to make it past Tennessee and Charlotte over the course of the weekend.
At +2500 at DraftKings, the Tigers are just behind the Gamecocks, and well ahead of North Carolina longshots like East Carolina (+6000) and NC State (+10000).
Last, But Certainly Not Least
Meanwhile, a third program from the Palmetto State also has its sights set on Omaha, and has recent good history to lean back on.
The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (+5000 at DraftKings) shocked the world with their 2016 CWS title, though it wasn't as random as a non-baseball fan might think. The program, which doesn't quite have the resources of a USC or Clemson, has made 19 NCAA Tournament appearances, and this year's squad comes in as the Sun Belt regular season champs.
Like USC and Clemson, they will also host this weekend's festivities, meaning there is no shortage of college ball being played in the state! Coastal will begin tonight against Rider, and then face two North Carolina schools, Duke and UNC Wilmington, to advance out of their Conway home.
Stay close to this site for coverage of all three programs in the NCAA Tournament as we patiently wait for the launch of South Carolina sportsbook apps.
