Jay Johnson opens up on what it means to lead LSU to Omaha

Jay Johnson isn’t taking it for granted how special it is to be going to Omaha with the LSU Tigers.

After clinching their spot in the College World Series, Johnson took some time to bask in what it all means to him. Speaking with the media, Johnson waxed poetic about his program, and how far they’ve come.

“It means a lot,” started the LSU skipper. “It started right after kind of the heartbreak of losing in the College World Series. I mean, the opening game in 2021, we had the lead against Kumar Rocker and Vanderbilt late, and we played great that night. That was a tough loss in extra innings, and then got eliminated by Stanford. Then they approached me and said, ‘What do you think about this?’ Probably wouldn’t have gone anywhere else. … Made this the place. I thought, ‘Wow. What a once in a lifetime, once in a career opportunity, and dream come true.’

“To be a part of this. … I mean, I grew up — I’m 12 years old, I had an LSU baseball hat, in Northern California. Watching the purple jerseys run around Omaha all the time. So to get to coach this team in the College World Series is, I’d have a hard time putting that into words, but it’s pretty special.”

It’s more than a dream Jay Johnson, it’s a reality. He can etch his name into the history books if LSU is the last team standing later this month.

Updated 2023 College World Series odds with two tickets to Omaha still to be punched

Some teams have already punched their tickets to Omaha, but a couple of chances at the College World Series are still up for grabs on Monday.

Nevertheless, bettors are already placing their wagers on which team will lift the trophy at the end of it all. Thankfully, DraftKings Sportsbook has provided some updated odds on who the favorites to get the job done are.

While it’s no surprise the Wake Forest Demon Deacons lead the way, some of the list may grab your attention. Here’s the updated 2023 College World Series odds, via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Updated 2023 College World Series odds, via DraftKings Sportsbook:

• Wake Forest Demon Deacons (+300)
• LSU Tigers (+380)
• Florida Gators (+425)
• Virginia Cavaliers (+425)
• TCU Horned Frogs (+800)
• Tennessee Volunteers (+1500)
• Stanford Cardinal (+1600)
• Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (+2000)
• Texas Longhorns (+2200)
• Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (+3000)

While many teams have punched their tickets to Omaha, there’s still two spots remaining unfilled. Either the Southern Miss Golden Eagles or Tennessee Volunteers, and the Texas Longhorns or Stanford Cardinal will join the contingent already headed to Nebraska.

The Volunteers will look to continue their season against Southern Miss on Monday at 6:00 p.m. ET, while the Longhorns and Cardinal will do battle at 8:00 p.m. ET. It should be a fascinating night of baseball, complete with high-energy showdowns for the ages.

Nevertheless, it seems as if the College World Series is wide open this season, and some wonderful games should be taking place at Omaha in 2023.