With the decade winding down in just a matter of weeks, we’ve done
our part in bringing you the best of the decade for several categories
in college baseball. It doesn’t stop now, though. In our latest best of
the decade feature, we take an inside look at the most surprising upsets this decade.

10. Southwest Missouri State (Missouri State) wins Lincoln Regional and Columbus Super Regional to advance to Omaha

The
2003 season had its fair share of postseason surprises, especially in
Lincoln, Neb. Missouri State defeated Nebraska 4-2 in the second game
of the regional. It also played the Huskers in the regional title game.
The Huskers won the first game 9-5 before the Bears shocked the nation
by winning the regional finale in dominant fashion, 7-0. The Bears then
hit the road and took care of Ohio State in super regional action. This
still stands as Missouri State’s only CWS appearance.

9. Ohio State wins Auburn Regional with win over host Auburn

This
shocker setup the Missouri State/Ohio State super regional matchup. The
Buckeyes put together a solid Big Ten resume, but few thought they were
capable of hitting the road and upsetting nationally seeded Auburn.
Perhaps some should’ve had some faith. The Buckeyes didn’t disappoint,
beating the Tigers twice to advance to a super regional. Sure, this
team fell short of reaching the CWS. But beating the No. 4 national
seed was very impressive. It definitely was one of the great surprises
this decade.

8. San Jose State wins Houston Super Regional over Houston

The
stars absolutely aligned for coach Sam Piraro and the Spartans in ’00.
The Spartans compiled a solid WAC record, but weren’t expected to make
too much noise as the No. 3 seed at the Waco Regional. The Spartans
received some help with host Baylor getting upset by Southwest Texas
(now Texas State) in opening round action. They also took care of
Florida in the regional title game. The Spartans then stayed in the
state of Texas and took two of three from No. 5 national seed Houston
to advance to the CWS. It is SJSU’s only Omaha appearance.

7. Louisiana-Lafayette wins Columbia Super Regional over South Carolina

San
Jose State wasn’t the only team that pulled off an amazing upset that
season. Louisiana-Lafayette joined the party, too. ULL put together a
solid overall and Sun Belt record, but still was the No. 2 seed in the
Lafayette, La., Regional. Perhaps that served as motivation, as the
Ragin’ Cajuns made easy work of East Carolina and hit the road to play
top national seed South Carolina in the Columbia Super Regional. The
Cajuns dropped the first game of the series, but won the final two
games to advance to Omaha. ULL’s upset shattered a great season by
South Carolina pitcher Kip Bouknight.