Uh, so we blanked on writing this earlier today...
We knew Florida's route to the 2012 College World Series ran through Gainesville as of Sunday, but the Gators didn't know their opponent in the Super Regional round until late Monday night. It'll be North Carolina State, winner of two straight games against Vanderbilt in the Raleigh Regional, that comes to McKethan Stadium for a weekend series beginning on Saturday, June 9.
The Wolfpack boast one of the finest pitchers in the country, Carlos Rodon, who has compiled a 9-0 record and has a sterling 1.61 ERA and has struck out 132 batters in 111.2 innings, but have struggled away from Raleigh. Their 28-4 home record pales in comparison to their 15-14 mark on the road and at neutral sites.
Both teams will also have to deal with withering Florida heat on the weekend: the three games of the series will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, 1 p.m. on Sunday, and, if necessary, 1 p.m. on Monday. We'll have more coverage and previews of the series as it gets closer.