Florida State is in contention to be a top-eight seed in the NCAA Tournament. On3’s Jonathan Wagner currently has the Seminoles there in his Field of 64 projections, potentially not having to leave Tallahassee on the road to Omaha. Something Link Jarrett knows is important but the job is not quite done.
Jarrett says to be a top-eight seed, teams must play well from start to finish. Florida State certainly looks the part right now, sporting a 34-9 overall record while in second place in the ACC Coastal standings. But there are still a few tough games remaining on the schedule and to fully earn being in the top eight, closing well is important.
“You aren’t going to be a top-eight seed if you don’t start the season well,” Jarrett said. “You can get buried early in the season. Start to finish, you have to play the game properly and play well. Hopefully, you can stay healthy… So, if you come out of the gates on point and have things organized to where the guys understand what they’re getting into. You manage the weekends, you manage some tough midweek games… You have to do that start to finish.
“We’re on that track. We’re not finished, you have to finish.”
Three ACC series remain, with NC State being the first as they come to town beginning Friday. The ACC Tournament is on the calendar as an opportunity to only strengthen the resume. Quality wins down the stretch will matter just as much as those earlier in the season.
Jarrett knows the importance of trying to earn the right to play at home too. Back when he was at Notre Dame, he went through some tough regionals and Super Regionals to get to Omaha, most recently when Tennessee was the No. 1 team in the country.
“To be one of those seeds is important,” Jarrett said. “It gives you a chance to be at home for a regional and hopefully you’re at home for a Super Regional. Your goal is getting to Omaha and the best way to get to Omaha is to play those postseason series here.”
Florida State’s last Super Regional appearance was also the last time they made the College World Series in Omaha. The drought is something Jarrett is looking to end quite soon. No better way to put the program in a better position than closing the season strongly and earning a top-eight seed.
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