Feb. 1, 2010

CollegeBaseballInsider.com asked college coaches around the country to preview the 2010 college baseball season by sharing their insights on the teams and players to watch in their conferences. CBI compiled their answers to provide a sneak peek for the season ahead. click here for CBI Conference Previews

Today, we take a look at Conference USA (eight out of nine coaches participated).

The team to beat is: Rice

The top three starting pitchers are: Seth Maness, East Carolina; Todd McInnis, Southern Miss; Mike Ojala, Rice

The top closer is: Collin Cargill, Southern Miss (pictured right)

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Seth Maness, East Carolina; and Todd McInnis, Southern Miss

The most underrated pitcher is: Kevin Brandt, East Carolina

The best defensive catcher is: Jeremy Schaffer, Tulane

The best catcher arm is: Diego Seastrunk, Rice

The best defensive infielder is: Rick Hague, Rice

The best defensive outfielder is: Trent Whitehead, East Carolina

The three best pure hitters are: Anthony Rendon, Rice* (pictured right); Trent Whitehead, East Carolina; Rick Hague, Rice

The three biggest power threats are: Anthony Rendon, Rice; Kyle Roller, East Carolina; Victor Gomez, Marshall

The hitter you least want to face is: Anthony Rendon, Rice*

The most underrated hitter is: B.A. Vollmuth, Southern Miss

The best base-runner is: Jamal Austin, UAB; Nick Boullosa, Tulane; and Nick Crawford, UAB

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Pete Taylor Park/Hill Denson Field, Southern Miss

The best game coach is: Wayne Graham, Rice

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: David Pierce, Rice; and Chad Sutter, Tulane

(photos courtesy of Southern Miss and Rice Media Relations Offices)