Canes - Seminoles Set to Square Off

This weekend presents an odd first in college baseball, as the Miami Hurricanes will meet the Florida State Seminoles, as they have every year for some time now, but this year will be the first time they do so as conference rivals. So in that sense there's more on the line than their used to be, as these games count in the conference standings. But on the other hand, because of the ACC affiliation, they'll only meet three times per year from now on, instead of the six they used to.

What's also odd are the hats they're selling for this series. I'm not sure who a split Miami/Florida State hat appeals to, maybe other than Ken Dorsey's mom, as her other son went to FSU.

Like in nearly all recent years, both teams are playing well and are ranked. Miami is riding a hot streak, having won two games last weekend in North Carolina against the Tar Heels - including beating the Heels two most highly touted pitchers. FSU is hot too - having beat highly ranked Florida (which took two of three from Miami earlier this year) just last night. And the Noles did that while using one of their regular infielders as their starting pitcher (he'll also start on Sunday, after his strong showing last night).

This should be a great series at Mark Light this weekend. Friday night's game is already sold out (and features a giveaway). Saturday and Sunday's affairs should draw big crowds too (if only to see the Noles loud Sunday uniforms).