The Lineup: Ranked SEC, Pac-12 matchups, Duke’s chance at a statement

This week’s lineup is dominated by ranked series across the SEC and Pac-12. Meanwhile, Duke has a legitimate chance to take hold of the ACC. Can South Alabama challenge Louisiana’s win streak?

JOIN THIS WEEK’S PICK’EM CHALLENGE HERE

1. No. 23 Boston @ No. 22 South Carolina

Where: Columbia, S.C. 
When: March 14, 5 p.m. ET
What’s it on: SEC Network+

What do we want to see: Whether it is Alana Vawter, Sage Mardjetko, Allison Boaz or Kasey Richard, this will be a good pitching matchup. This is Boston’s last chance at a marque non-conference win and to prove to everyone that the Terriers are a legitimate postseason contender. On the other side, South Carolina needs to get back in the win column after a frustrating weekend in College Station.

2. No. 17 Alabama @ No. 6 Georgia

Where: Athens, Ga. 
When: March 15-17
What’s it on: Fri: SEC Network+, Sat-Sun: SEC Network

What do we want to see: The Tide got off to a good start this week with a win at Florida State. We still want to see the Alabama offense explode in a big-time matchup. Three games in Athens against a deep Bulldog staff gives the Tide a chance to prove they can do it.

3. No. 8 Washington @ No. 21 Arizona 

Where: Tuscon, Ariz. 
When: March 15-17
What’s it on: Pac-12 Networks

What do we want to see: Both these teams dropped a game that many didn’t expect them too. Washington hasn’t been as sharp as it was to start the season but can take a series against a quality opponent. Arizona’s shorthanded pitching staff showed some cracks on its road trip, but can they bounce back against Washington?

4. No. 11 Missouri @ No. 9 Tennessee

Where: Knoxville, Tenn. 
When: March 15-17
What’s it on: SEC Network+

What do we want to see: Missouri’s pitching staff against Tennessee’s lineup is the matchup to watch here. The Lady Vols still don’t feel to have hit their peak offensively and Missouri has limited scoring all season long. Which strength comes out on top?

5. No. 3 Duke @ Florida State

Where: Tallahassee, Fla. 
When: March 15-17
What’s it on: ACC Network Extra

What do we want to see: Despite the slow start, the ACC is Florida State’s until proven otherwise. Duke can prove otherwise this weekend. The Blue Devils have been a top team all year long and continue to prove it. If Jala Wright, Cassidy Curd and Lillie Walker pitcher well against Florida State’s high-powered offense, Duke has a good chance to get it done.

6. No. 5 Stanford @ No. 19 Cal

Where: Berkeley, Calif. 
When: March 15-17
What’s it on: Pac-12 Networks

What do we want to see: Cal had a tough weekend in Oregon and return home to host Stanford. We’d like to see the Bears have a good plan at the plate. We’ve seen them not be scared to use small ball when needed and can test a Stanford defense that has had issues this season. How much will NiJaree Canady be used? Stanford dropped a game to Sacramento State on Wednesday and needed to use her to even try to keep that game tied. What does a weekend rotation look like for the Cardinal?

7. No. 13 Texas A&M @ No. 18 Mississippi State

Where: Starkville, Ms. 
When: March 15-17
What’s it on: SEC Network+

What do we want to see: One of these teams will start the season with a pair of SEC series wins. We want to see if Texas A&M can find a more consistent offense against better pitching staffs such as Mississippi State. Emiley Kennedy has pitched a ton of high-stress innings already and a big offensive output would help her.

8. Louisiana @ South Alabama

Where: Mobile, Ala.
When: March 15-17
What’s it on: ESPN+

What do we want to see: For many, South Alabama might be the pick in this series. Olivia Lackie tends to always give the Jaguars a chance. However, not only has Louisiana won 81 straight Sun Belt series, Louisiana is 11-0 against South Alabama the past three years and never lost to Lackie. Will that continue? Or does Lackie have an extra gear this weekend?

9. Michigan @ Louisville 

Where: Louisville, Ky. 
When: March 16, 6 p.m. ET
What’s it on: ACC Network Extra

What do we want to see: These two Power Five teams feel on the outside looking in for postseason outlooks. Michigan can pitch well but still wants consistent run support. Can the Wolverines steal a quality non-conference game before Big Ten play?

10. Grand Canyon @ Seattle

Where: Seattle, Wash. 
When: March 15-16
What’s it on: ESPN+

What do we want to see: This is a big series in terms of seeding tor the WAC. It is also GCU’s furthest trip from home so far this season and are coming off a large loss to Arizona State. Can the Lopes cement themselves as the conference favorite or can Seattle right the ship in conference play?