Huskers Picked Eighth in Big 12 Preseason Poll

Irving, Texas - The Nebraska baseball team was picked eighth in the Big 12's preseason coaches poll released Tuesday morning by the league office. The Huskers return six position starters, in addition to seven pitchers who had at least 10 appearances, from last year's team that finished 27-27 overall.

Nebraska has 20 returning lettermen on the 2011 roster, its second-highest total in the past 11 years. The incoming recruiting class was ranked 15th nationally by Collegiate Baseball.

Oklahoma has been named the preseason favorite to win the 2010 Big 12 regular-season title. The Sooners are coming off a College World Series appearance and edged Texas for the top spot by two points. OU received six first-place votes to UT's four, while they were followed by Texas A&M, Baylor and Kansas State in the top five slots.

The Huskers will open the 2011 season this Friday afternoon at Texas State at 3 p.m. Nebraska will play four games in San Marcos, as it also meets Air Force (Saturday, 11 a.m.), Washington (Saturday, 7 p.m.) and Missouri State (Sunday, 11 a.m.).

All games of the 2011 Nebraska baseball season can be heard on Husker Sports Network affiliates and online at Huskers.com.

2011 Big 12 CONFERENCE Baseball Preseason Coaches' Poll

Rank             Team (First-place votes)         Points
   1.                Oklahoma (6)                                78        
   2.                Texas (4)                                      76
   3.                Texas A&M                                   63
   4.                Baylor                                          57
   5.                Kansas State                                  49
   6.                Oklahoma State                             37
   7.                Texas Tech                                   31
   8.                Nebraska                                      22
   9.                Kansas                                         20
10.                Missouri                                       17

Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams.