2023 WCWS preview: Softball analysis, picks, who can stop OU - ESPN

The Women's College World Series is here, and seven teams are looking to end Oklahoma's reign atop the college softball world.

The two-time defending champion Sooners are seeking to become only the second team to three-peat at the WCWS. Oklahoma, which used a thrilling comeback in Saturday's super regional, is riding the longest winning streak in Division I history thanks to an offense that leads the country in scoring and a pitching staff ranked No. 1 in ERA.

As red-hot as the Sooners are, a championship in Oklahoma City is not guaranteed. Since seeding began in 2005, only seven No. 1 seeds (including Oklahoma's 2021 and 2022 squads) won the national championship.

Standing in their way is a field that includes No. 3 Florida State, No. 4 Tennessee, No. 5 Alabama, No. 6 Oklahoma State, No. 7 Washington, No. 9 Stanford and No. 15 Utah.

Florida State (2018), Alabama (2012) and Washington (2009) are the only other schools among the final eight-team field that have hoisted the championship trophy.

Our experts break down the biggest challenge facing Oklahoma's chances at making history, the matchups they're looking forward to watching and who the ultimate difference-maker could be over the next week.

More softball coverage:Complete WCWS schedule

Jenny Dalton-Hill: We saw multiple pitching changes with high-caliber pitchers effectively attack the Sooners this season. Clemson used multiple pitchers in the supers and came close to beating them. One pitch away from a victory. Oklahoma had hiccups defensively in those pressure situations. While Oklahoma's lineup is completely stacked with reserves on the bench, finding a way to make the Sooners uncomfortable is the only way to beat them.

Amanda Scarborough: The game-planning of