A look at the nation's top eight teams, MLB prospects

By Bryan Smith

Every other week, SIOC's Bryan Smith checks in with a look across the college baseball universe.

EIGHT IN OMAHA

Junior Brett Wallace (right) has been a spark for the Sun Devils offense this season. AP

1. Arizona State (12-0) -- We knew before the season that the Sun Devils would be able to hit, and they've done nothing to dispel that notion, averaging 11.5 runs per game game. The offensive attack has been led by junior Brett Wallace and Kentucky transfer Jason Kipnis, who leads the team with six home runs. The team's success, however, can be attributed to the development of the pitching staff, which boasts a 2.00 ERA with 113 strikeouts in 108 innings.

2. Arizona (10-1) -- After losing its season opener at Georgia, the Wildcats have reeled off 10-straight victories, including three shutouts in last weekend's Whataburger Classic. Watch out for first baseman C.J. Ziegler, who has already smacked eight home runs in 11 games.

3. Mississippi (10-3) -- Ole Miss started the season with seven-straight victories before falling to Arkansas State and dropping a weekend series at Texas Christian. Despite losing two of three to the Horned Frogs, the Rebels pitching was strong, allowing just eight runs in the three games. Reliever Scott Bittle has been nothing short of nasty, giving up just two hits and three walks in 44 opponent at-bats, while striking out 28.

4. North Carolina (10-2) -- After being on the losing end of the national championship the past two seasons, UNC -- which is off to a 10-2 start -- looks poised for another June run. Sophomore first baseman Dustin Ackley has continued to maintain the .400 batting average that he posted as a freshman, batting .451 with a .508 slugging percentage and a .765 on-base percentage. The nation's top freshman, Matt Harvey, has been dominant in two starts, striking out 13 in 8.2 innings.

5. South Carolina (8-2) -- For years, South Carolina has boasted a dominant offense and a not-so-dominant pitching staff. As expected, the hitters have been doing their job, averaging nine runs per game. The pitching staff, however, is the Gamecocks' best in years. Junior ace Mike Cisco is off to a 3-0 start, and shortstop Reese Havens is hitting .429.

6. Missouri (9-2) -- The pride of the Midwest did their region proud a week ago, winning four straight to take the University of San Diego tournament title. The Tigers pitching staff is top-heavy, but loaded with talent -- particularly ace Aaron Crow (3-0, 26 K's in 17 IP) and sophomore star Kyle Gibson (3-0, 23 K's in 19.1 IP). Missouri hasn't had much time to practice outside, and it is hoping its bats heat up with the weather.

7. Long Beach State (9-2) -- After toppling Rice and Wichita State in the season's opening weekends, the Dirtbags headed to Hawaii for some R&R ... and a three-game sweep of the Rainbows. Andrew Liebel has been a revelation in three games, posting a 1.16 ERA while striking out 31 batters in 23.1 innings. Shortstop Danny Espinosa leads the offensive charge with a .370 batting average. The most impressive Dirtbag, however, has been freshman Jake Thompson, who left high school a year early to attend Long Beach. The 18-year-old has posted a 3.63 ERA in three starts against good Division-I programs.

8. Miami (9-1) -- Everything has been right in southern Florida this season as the Hurricanes have their strongest squad in years. The offense is loaded throughout the lineup, especially the double-play combination of second baseman Jemile Weeks (.415/.467/.780) and shortstop Ryan Jackson (.353/.371/.647). Freshman southpaw Chris Hernandez -- who has allowed just two earned runs in his first three career starts -- has spearheaded a strong rotation.

Four that just missed: Baylor, Florida State, UCLA, California.