2024 College World Series: Predictions, odds, how to watch Friday's Super Regional games

The 2024 College World Series Regional tournaments are done and over, and although there were tons of surprises, seven of the top 8 seeds heading into the Regionals are still alive and will host their Super Regional series. Still, there's tons of room for shocking twists.

Friday will feature eight teams going head-to-head to proceed one step closer to a national title, and there are some thrilling storylines thus far. The most notable is the Evansville Purple Aces who have been a team of destiny in this tournament, becoming just the ninth No. 4 seed in College World Series history to advance to the Super Regional stage. Unfortunately for them though, they will have to face the top-seeded Tennessee Volunteers in their series. Tennessee has the edge in nearly every category, but Evansville has everything to gain and nothing to lose. That mentality could take them a long way.

Here's everything to know about Friday's College World Series action.

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Predictions for Friday's Super Regional action:

Evansville vs. Tennessee:

Joe Tansey, Bleacher Report: Tennessee over Evansville

Tansey writes, "Tennessee did not expect to see Evansville anywhere close to Knoxville in the NCAA tournament, but the Purple Aces' string of upsets in Greenville made the David-versus-Goliath matchup happen. The Vols are expected to roll because of their superior talent level, but Evansville will be playing with nothing to lose, and that could be a dangerous mindset to go up against."

Collin Wilson, Action Network: Evansville to cover in Game 1

Wilson writes, "While the opening series price is favorable for Evansville, there's virtually no chance of cashing that ticket without an opening win. Look to back the Evansville run line in the first game after Deverman is announced for the Purple Aces."

UConn vs. Florida State:

Collin Wilson, Action Network: Florida State to take Game 1

Wilson writes, "Florida State projects at -300 or higher in games not started by Arnold. There's a massive difference in offense between these two clubs, with UConn averaging 6.6 runs per game to the Seminoles' 8.7."

Peter Holland Jr., AOL: FSU 9, UConn 6

Holland writes, "UConn has a .465 slugging percentage. Four batters have double-digit home runs. FSU can match its hitting with theirs, but UConn is also strong with their pitching staff, with three Huskies with over 84 strikeouts. Ian Cooke is 5-1 on the mound. Their closer, Brady Afthim, leads the Huskies in saves. Expect a more defensive series from both teams, but FSU should be able to make it out of Super Regional."

Kansas State vs. Virginia:

Joe Tansey, Bleacher Report: Virginia over Kansas State

Tansey writes, "The Kansas State Wildcats have one of the most underrated players left in the tournament in shortstop Kaelen Culpepper. He hit for the cycle as part of his regional MVP run in Fayetteville."

NCAA.com: Kansas State could surprise people

The NCAA staff writes, "Coach Pete Hughes’ Wildcats love to push the action with an aggressive running game, ranking 10th in the nation in stolen bases. Center fielder Brendan Jones (38-for-40) is the biggest threat, and he has taken a huge step forward with the bat this year, helping him get on base more often to utilize his wheels — his OBP has climbed from .374 last year to .441 this year. But Culpepper (17 SB), second baseman Brady Day (16) and third baseman Danniel Rivera (10) are all very good runners as well, and even first baseman David Bishop (15), outfielders Nick English (10) and Chuck Ingram (9) are threats to run. That means Virginia’s pitching staff is going to have to be very diligent with runners on base, picking over liberally and varying their hold times, but it also means catcher Jacob Ference will see his arm tested. On the season, Ference has thrown out 11 of 50 basestealers (22 percent), so this feels like an advantage K-State might be able to exploit."

West Virginia vs. North Carolina:

Rodd Baxley, Fayateville Observer: UNC 7, West Virginia 2

Baxley writes, "The Tar Heels will win a super regional opener for the first time since 2018. Following some grind-it-out games against LSU, expect a hot start for UNC’s bats against the Mountaineers."

NCAA.com: Derek Clark to dominate Game 1 for West Virginia

The NCAA staff writes, "Clark is the ultimate 'pitchability lefty,' with an easy three-quarters arm action that produces good run on his 88-90 fastball, along with superb feel for his deceptive, tumbling changeup at 77-79 and his sharp slider at 77-80. And he’ll drop down to sidearm to throw a 74-76 sweeper just to give hitters one more thing to think about. At 5-foot-8, 170 pounds (or 5-9, 190, depending where you look), Clark isn’t built like a traditional innings-eater, but that just makes his accomplishments that much more special."

College World Series Odds:

The Tennessee Volunteers are favorites to win the 2024 College World Series, according to the BetMGM college baseball odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering sports betting promos in 2024.

Odds as of Thursday evening.

• Tennessee (+250)

• Texas A&M (+350)

• North Carolina (+800)

• Kentucky (+800)

• Virginia (+1200)

• Oregon State (+1400)

• Florida State (+1400)

• Georgia (+1400)

• Clemson (+1600)

• Florida (+2000)

• NC State (+2500)

• West Virginia (+3500)

• Kansas State (+5000)

• Oregon (+5000)

• Connecticut (+10000)

• Evansville (+12500)

Odds for Friday's Super Regional Games:

Evansville vs. Tennessee:

• Moneyline: Tennessee (-650); Evansville (+425)

UConn vs. Florida State:

• Moneyline: Florida State (-350); UConn (+240)

Kansas State vs. Virginia:

• Moneyline: Virginia (-275); Kansas State (+200)

West Virginia vs. North Carolina:

• Moneyline: North Carolina (-225); West Virginia (+165)

How to watch Friday's Super Regional Games:

Evansville at Tennessee: Game will start at 3 p.m. ET and will air on ESPN2.

UConn at Florida State: First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET. Game will air on ESPN.

Kansas State at Virginia: Game is set for 7 p.m. ET and will air on ESPNU.

West Virginia at North Carolina: Game will start at 6 p.m. ET and will air on ESPN2.

2024 NCAA baseball tournament: Bracket, schedule, results for CWS Super Regionals

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2024 College World Series Super Regionals: Predictions and odds