Feb. 15, 2008

CollegeBaseballInsider.com asked college coaches around the country to preview the 2008 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 three top starting pitchers are: Shooter Hunt (Tulane)*, Ryan Berry (Rice), T.J. Hose (East Carolina)

The top closer is: Cole St. Clair (Rice)

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Cole St. Clair (Rice)

The most underrated pitcher is: Barry Bowden (Southern Miss) (pictured right)/Wes Musick (Houston) (tie)

The best defensive catcher is: Adam Zornes (Rice)

The best three pure hitters are: Jimmy Cesario (Houston), Trey Sutton (Southern Miss), Aaron Luna (Rice)

The biggest three power threats are: Aaron Luna (Rice)*, Kyle Roller (East Carolina), Kiko Vazquez (UCF) (pictured right)

The hitter you least want to face is: Aaron Luna (Rice)/Trey Sutton (Southern Miss) (tie)

The most underrated hitter is: No hitter received more than one vote

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: East Carolina

*unanimous selection