Vanderbilt (57-11) and Michigan (49-20) will play a best-of-three series in Omaha, Neb., starting Monday night (6 p.m. CT, ESPN), with the NCAA baseball championship on the line. Here’s a look at how five USA TODAY Sports Network journalists covering the event are picking the outcome:

Adam Sparks, Tennessean

Analysis: Vanderbilt touts more talent. But Michigan is on a magical run, and don’t forget it beat No. 1 overall seed UCLA in a best-of-three series to get to Omaha. The scariest game for the Commodores might be the first one because they’ll have to beat lefty Tommy Henry, a second-round draft pick. If Vanderbilt can hit its way into Michigan’s bullpen, it will win the national title.

Champion: Vanderbilt, in three games

Joe Rexrode, Tennessean

Analysis: It’s the best team against the team playing the best. Vanderbilt should win because it has the scariest lineup in the sport, a commanding closer in Tyler Brown and three starters – Drake Fellows, Kumar Rocker, Mason Hickman – who have all turned in gems in Omaha. But Michigan isn’t just an underdog riding a wave. Tim Corbin understudy Erik Bakich has a terrific rotation led by lefty Tommy Henry. And the Wolverines are hitting everything, especially when it matters. This should be good.

Champion: Vanderbilt, in three games

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Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press

Analysis: I’m not picking against Vanderbilt. This is perhaps Tim Corbin’s best team, and Michigan’s margin for error will be significantly slimmer than previous games. The Wolverines are on their way, but they’re not deep enough yet to beat a team like the Commodores on the biggest stage.

Champion: Vanderbilt, in two games

Shawn Windsor, Detroit Free Press

Analysis: Might as well continue the story. Might as well book the Wolverines to knock off another higher seeded foe. Vanderbilt’s lineup is stacked; it has arguably the sport’s best pitcher and a bevy of pros. It won’t matter.

Champion:  Michigan, in three games

Wayne McGahee III, Tallahassee (Fla.) Democrat

Analysis: Michigan and Vanderbilt have a lot in common. Both teams swept through their sides of the College World Series brackets by getting three quality starts and manufacturing runs by being aggressive on the base paths. Expect this to be a close series that comes down to one or two runs in close situations.

Champion: Vanderbilt, in two games

Built for Omaha: Vanderbilt built for winning close games and may have to vs Michigan

Family gathering: Tim Corbin: Without Michigan’s Erik Bakich, there isn’t Vanderbilt baseball