The Lineup: Top-25 SEC Showdowns and Crucial Mid-Major Matchups

Top 25 SEC series and pivotal Mid-Major matchups highlight this week’s college softball slate. From Baton Rouge to Austin, the top three teams in the nation will face off with conference contenders. Several key series in the ACC and Big Ten also make their way onto the schedule this weekend.

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1. No. 10 South Carolina @ No. 3 LSU

Where: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
When: March 28-30
What’s it on: Fri & Sat: SECN, Sun: ESPN2

What do we want to see: Both LSU and South Carolina are in prime position to vie for a national seed come May, making every series that much more crucial as March nears its end. The Gamecocks have already claimed three top-25 series this season and will look to add another to their resume. South Carolina’s offense has been promising, but LSU’s pitching staff has been a key component of its success all year.

However, LSU’s bullpen has shown signs of vulnerability recently, surrendering 15 runs in its last two games—more than the Tigers had allowed in their previous eight games combined. As a result, questions loom about whether LSU’s pitching can regain its impressive form. Can LSU’s pitchers bounce back, or will South Carolina’s potent offense take advantage of LSU’s recent struggles in the circle?

2. No. 14 Tennessee @ No. 2 Oklahoma

Where: Norman, Oklahoma
When: March 28-30
What’s it on: Fri & Sun: SECN+, Sat: ESPN

What do we want to see: All eyes will be on Karlyn Pickens and the formidable Oklahoma lineup this weekend. Pickens, who faced the Sooners as a freshman in the World Series, will encounter a much different lineup this time. The reigning SEC Pitcher of the Year has grown considerably since that last meeting and recently set a new record for the fastest pitch ever thrown at 78.2 mph. Oklahoma, meanwhile, will look to rebound after suffering its first loss of the season. The Sooners they will try to bounce back in front of a rowdy home crowd at Love’s Field.

Read more: College Softball Mid-Season Freshman Rankings

3. No. 16 Stanford @ No. 11 Virginia Tech

Where: Blacksburg, Virginia
When: March 28-30
What’s it on: Fri & Sun: ACCNX, Sat: ACCN

What do we want to see: Two ACC teams with hosting aspirations will clash this weekend in a series that promises plenty of runs. Stanford’s offense has been drastically better this season, while Virginia Tech continues to feature one of the nation’s best lineups. The Hokies’ offense remains a key strength, but the X-factor could be Virginia Tech’s ace, Emma Lemley. Stanford’s pitching staff has found its rhythm recently but has relied on only three different pitchers this season. Lemley’s experience could give the Hokies an edge, but don’t count out this scrappy Cardinal squad, which has proven resilient all season. Can Stanford muscle out a series win or will the Hokies prove to be too much for the Cardinal?

4. No. 1 Texas @ No. 17 Mississippi State

Where: Starkville, Mississippi
When: March 28-30
What’s it on: SECN+

What do we want to see: Mississippi State has won its last three series, but the Bulldogs will face their toughest test yet this weekend. The key matchup will be the effectiveness of Mississippi State’s Raelin Chaffin against a tough Texas lineup that has combined for 43 runs in its last four games. Head coach Sam Ricketts will look to lead her Bulldogs to a series upset, which could solidify their position as a host favorite. Texas, however, will look to squander the Bulldogs’ hopes and maintain its dominance. Can the Bulldogs pull off a statement win, or will the Longhorns reign supreme once again?

5. Indiana @ No. 18 Ohio State

Where: Columbus, Ohio
When: March 29-31
What’s it on: Sat & Sun: BIG+, Mon: Big Ten Network

What do we want to see: Two of the most productive offenses in the Big Ten will meet this weekend in a pivotal series that will shape the conference standings. Ohio State, led by first-year head coach Kirin Kumar, has a renewed attitude this season. Meanwhile, Indiana, a regular contender in the Big Ten, hopes to maintain its position near the top of the standings. With both teams boasting explosive offenses, this series will likely see plenty of runs, and it may come down to who can bat last.

6. No. 20 Georgia @ Alabama

Where: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
When: March 28-30
What’s it on: Fri & Sat: SECN+, Sun: ESPN2

What do we want to see: This weekend’s series between Georgia and Alabama could be the most important of the season for both teams. Neither team has won an SEC series this year, though both have managed to salvage a game in each series. With hopes of potentially hosting in May still alive, this series presents a critical opportunity to boost their resumes. As SEC rivals, both teams know this weekend is one of many chances to improve their standing and keep their postseason aspirations intact.

7. California @ No. 25 Clemson

Where: Clemson, South Carolina
When: March 28-30
What’s it on: Fri & Sun: ACCNX, Sat: ACCN

What do we want to see: ACC play is heating up, and this weekend’s series between Clemson and California could prove pivotal in determining both tournament and conference seeding down the line. Clemson’s pitch-by-committee approach will be tested against California’s explosive offense, which has been putting up big numbers all season long. Clemson wants to carry its momentum from their last two series, while California hopes to outscore a potent Clemson lineup. With both teams vying for positioning, this series could be a crucial turning point for their seasons.

8. San Diego State @ Nevada

Where: Reno, Nevada
When: March 27-29
What’s it on: Mountain West Network

What do we want to see: Nevada enters this weekend’s series with momentum after capturing a crucial series win over Boise State last weekend. The Wolfpack now faces conference favorite San Diego State, which has established itself as one of the top mid-majors in the country. Under first-year head coach Victoria Heyward, though, Nevada is in prime contention for the Mountain West title. At home, can the Wolfpack pull off the upset and take firm control of first place in the conference standings?

9. Kentucky @ No. 12 Arkansas

Where: Fayetteville, Arkansas
When: March 28-30
What’s it on: SECN+

What do we want to see: Kentucky is coming off a top-25 series win over Ole Miss and will look to carry that momentum forward. Arkansas also enters the weekend with confidence after a huge series win over top-15 Tennessee. The Razorbacks received a boost from Payton Burnham in the circle last weekend, hoping to have established a more organized pitching rotation as conference play reaches its midway point. With both teams riding high after stellar performances, can Arkansas use its newfound confidence to get back into conference contention? Or will Kentucky prove that last weekend’s series win was no fluke?

Film Study: Payton Burham

10. South Florida @ Wichita State

Where: Wichita, Kansas
When: March 28-30
What’s it on: ESPN+

What do we want to see: Wichita State has been battle-tested this season, sitting right at .500 but coming off back-to-back conference series wins. The Shockers have found various ways to win, with different players stepping up both at the plate and in the circle. This weekend, they’ll face one of the American’s top teams in South Florida. The Bulls boast one of the best mid-major arms in the country in Payton Dixon. Can Wichita State scrape together enough to secure a series win and solidify itself as a legitimate American contender? Or will South Florida capitalize on its ace and leave Wichita with a resume-boosting series?

More from Softball America:

SEC Power Rankings
ACC Power Rankings
Big 12 Power Rankings
Big Ten Power Rankings