SEC Bat Speed Too Much for Ohio State

Georgia destroyed the Big 10 Champs 24-8 to win Game 1 of the Tallahassee Regional. Georgia batters went 23 of 45 on the day with 7 HRs against only six strikeouts. Highlights include:

• Rich Poythress went 4 of 4 with three homers (including a grand slam), a double and seven RBI.
  
• Matt Cerione hit 5 of 6 with two home runs (including his own grand slam) and five RBI.
  
• Joey Lewis went 4 of 6 with two home runs and four RBI.

Perno used a batting order in this game I wasn't familiar with. He went with:

1. Cone - OF
2. Verdin - OF
3. Cerione - OF (typically hits 2nd or 3rd)
4. Poythress - 1B (typically hits 3rd)
5. Massanari - DH (typically hits 4th)
6. May - 3B (typically hits 3rd, 6th or 7th)
7. Lewis - C (typically hits 5th or 6th)
8. Hyams - SS
9. Demperio - 2B

Georgia has been getting nothing out of the bottom of the order for weeks. Shuffling the top of the line up around for speed so that we could push some power further down worked well. Due to lefty vs. righty match-ups we won't use this card every night, but I loved it.

Assuming the Noles take care of The Marist Fighting Mrs. Niles Crane's tonight, we'll face the FSU Clown College at 4:00 pm on ESPNU.


Go Dawgs. Not sure how much posting I'll be doing over the next few days. Quinton is without Internet due to logistical issues, and I'll be in Tally for the game tomorrow.

See Also:
-- FSU Circus School - FSU.edu

PWD

SEC Bat Speed Too Much for Ohio State

Georgia destroyed the Big 10 Champs 24-8 to win Game 1 of the Tallahassee Regional. Georgia batters went 23 of 45 on the day with 7 HRs against only six strikeouts. Highlights include:

• Rich Poythress went 4 of 4 with three homers (including a grand slam), a double and seven RBI.
  
• Matt Cerione hit 5 of 6 with two home runs (including his own grand slam) and five RBI.
  
• Joey Lewis went 4 of 6 with two home runs and four RBI.

Perno used a batting order in this game I wasn't familiar with. He went with:

1. Cone - OF
2. Verdin - OF
3. Cerione - OF (typically hits 2nd or 3rd)
4. Poythress - 1B (typically hits 3rd)
5. Massanari - DH (typically hits 4th)
6. May - 3B (typically hits 3rd, 6th or 7th)
7. Lewis - C (typically hits 5th or 6th)
8. Hyams - SS
9. Demperio - 2B

Georgia has been getting nothing out of the bottom of the order for weeks. Shuffling the top of the line up around for speed so that we could push some power further down worked well. Due to lefty vs. righty match-ups we won't use this card every night, but I loved it.

Assuming the Noles take care of The Marist Fighting Mrs. Niles Crane's tonight, we'll face the FSU Clown College at 4:00 pm on ESPNU.


Go Dawgs. Not sure how much posting I'll be doing over the next few days. Quinton is without Internet due to logistical issues, and I'll be in Tally for the game tomorrow.

See Also:
-- FSU Circus School - FSU.edu

PWD

More Dancing Fever

In case you missed it on other sites, Knowshon Moreno won the UpperDeck Rookie End zone TD Celebration Contest. His winning move is at the 1:35 or so mark of the video after the jump.

I loved Moreno's move, but I wish they had video for this one from Mark Sanchez:

...[Sanchez] hurried over to the end zone and went right to work. He even incorporated [Shon] Greene to help him perform an end zone “football birth” for the competition. With Greene lying flat on his back with a towel strewn over his legs, Sanchez served as delivery doctor and - calling out QB-like signals - pulled a football from between Greene’s legs. The crowd went wild, right up until Sanchez spiked the newly born baby football!

Comedy.

ht - TheZoneBlitz

PWD

More Dancing Fever

In case you missed it on other sites, Knowshon Moreno won the UpperDeck Rookie End zone TD Celebration Contest. His winning move is at the 1:35 or so mark of the video after the jump.

I loved Moreno's move, but I wish they had video for this one from Mark Sanchez:

...[Sanchez] hurried over to the end zone and went right to work. He even incorporated [Shon] Greene to help him perform an end zone “football birth” for the competition. With Greene lying flat on his back with a towel strewn over his legs, Sanchez served as delivery doctor and - calling out QB-like signals - pulled a football from between Greene’s legs. The crowd went wild, right up until Sanchez spiked the newly born baby football!

Comedy.

ht - TheZoneBlitz

PWD

Brian Harman Putts Dawgs Into Final Four

In as dramatic a golf match as possible, senior Brian Harman (pictured) hit a four foot put on the 18th hole of this morning's match play quarterfinals to propel the Dawgs past Oklahoma State and into this afternoon's NCAA semis.  Harman and Rickie Fowler of Oklahoma State were all square after 17 and the teams were tied at 2 matches a piece.  The hole, and hence the match, came down to Harman's four foot putt and Fowler's ten footer.  Fowler narrowly missed, leaving Harman a short, pressure putt for the match.  He smoothly lined up and dropped it.  Dawgs win.

Such a result looked unimaginable yesterday after the Dawgs posted a horrendous day.  After being tied for the team lead, they shot +12 yesterday. Terrible, but it was good enough for the very last spot to qualify for match play between the top eight teams.  Oklahoma State was the team score leader and led the field by 13 strokes.  Under last year's format, they probably would have won because team score was all that mattered.  Thankfully, it isn't last year.  The top eight advanced to match play today.

The Dawgs hit the course again this afternoon for a match play semifinal with the winner of the Arkansas and Washington.  You can watch live video here.  Live stats are here, but they have been having problems with their technology.

UPDATE: All the excitement of the the morning must have exhausted them because the Dawgs fell to Arkansas this afternoon in match play.  Anytime you're a top four national finisher, it's hard to complain.  By the way, Arkansas golfer David Lingmerth had a hole-in-one during today's match.  

Quinton

Brian Harman Putts Dawgs Into Final Four

In as dramatic a golf match as possible, senior Brian Harman (pictured) hit a four foot put on the 18th hole of this morning's match play quarterfinals to propel the Dawgs past Oklahoma State and into this afternoon's NCAA semis.  Harman and Rickie Fowler of Oklahoma State were all square after 17 and the teams were tied at 2 matches a piece.  The hole, and hence the match, came down to Harman's four foot putt and Fowler's ten footer.  Fowler narrowly missed, leaving Harman a short, pressure putt for the match.  He smoothly lined up and dropped it.  Dawgs win.

Such a result looked unimaginable yesterday after the Dawgs posted a horrendous day.  After being tied for the team lead, they shot +12 yesterday. Terrible, but it was good enough for the very last spot to qualify for match play between the top eight teams.  Oklahoma State was the team score leader and led the field by 13 strokes.  Under last year's format, they probably would have won because team score was all that mattered.  Thankfully, it isn't last year.  The top eight advanced to match play today.

The Dawgs hit the course again this afternoon for a match play semifinal with the winner of the Arkansas and Washington.  You can watch live video here.  Live stats are here, but they have been having problems with their technology.

UPDATE: All the excitement of the the morning must have exhausted them because the Dawgs fell to Arkansas this afternoon in match play.  Anytime you're a top four national finisher, it's hard to complain.  By the way, Arkansas golfer David Lingmerth had a hole-in-one during today's match.  

Quinton

UGA vs. UNC in the Georgia Dome?

ht - Dean Legge at DawgPost

The Charlotte News Observer reports that North Carolina State and Tennessee will face each other in the 2012 season opening Chick-Fil-A College Kickoff game.  The article goes on to say that UNC is working with the Atlanta Sports Council to get into the game in 2010.  Per the article:

UNC is negotiating a deal to face its own SEC opponent in the 2010 Kickoff game.  UNC has three possible opponents for the game -- LSU, Georgia or Ole Miss.

UNC's problem is the same as Georgia's in 2010.  They need six home games.  If they play a game in the Georgia Dome, they will only have five without pushing an existing non-conference road game to a later year.  The News Observer says UNC is working with Rutgers and South Carolina to move a road game while UGA would need to work with Colorado on the same problem.

LSU and Ole Miss both have existing commitments on their books for the 2010 opener.  However, both would be easier to move.  LSU has a game at Tulane, and Ole Miss has a home game against Jacksonville State.

The scenario to get UGA might be as simple as Colorado moving our game there from Oct. 2, 2010 to Sept. 15, 2012.  That would involve the Dawgs likely dropping the incredibly unappealing (to me) series with Louisville and opening a road date. And the Buffs moving their game at Fresno State around.  (See how many dominoes have to fall to get us into the Dome?)

ESPN works with the schools to navigate these problems.

At the rate at which UNC is recruiting and improving, they should be a big boy opponent in 2010.  If Jevon Snead bolts Ole Miss after this season, I anticipate the Rebels having more of a rebuilding year next season.  If I were the ATL Sports Council, my preference would be 1) LSU 2) UGA and 3) Miss.

PWD

UGA vs. UNC in the Georgia Dome?

ht - Dean Legge at DawgPost

The Charlotte News Observer reports that North Carolina State and Tennessee will face each other in the 2012 season opening Chick-Fil-A College Kickoff game.  The article goes on to say that UNC is working with the Atlanta Sports Council to get into the game in 2010.  Per the article:

UNC is negotiating a deal to face its own SEC opponent in the 2010 Kickoff game.  UNC has three possible opponents for the game -- LSU, Georgia or Ole Miss.

UNC's problem is the same as Georgia's in 2010.  They need six home games.  If they play a game in the Georgia Dome, they will only have five without pushing an existing non-conference road game to a later year.  The News Observer says UNC is working with Rutgers and South Carolina to move a road game while UGA would need to work with Colorado on the same problem.

LSU and Ole Miss both have existing commitments on their books for the 2010 opener.  However, both would be easier to move.  LSU has a game at Tulane, and Ole Miss has a home game against Jacksonville State.

The scenario to get UGA might be as simple as Colorado moving our game there from Oct. 2, 2010 to Sept. 15, 2012.  That would involve the Dawgs likely dropping the incredibly unappealing (to me) series with Louisville and opening a road date. And the Buffs moving their game at Fresno State around.  (See how many dominoes have to fall to get us into the Dome?)

ESPN works with the schools to navigate these problems.

At the rate at which UNC is recruiting and improving, they should be a big boy opponent in 2010.  If Jevon Snead bolts Ole Miss after this season, I anticipate the Rebels having more of a rebuilding year next season.  If I were the ATL Sports Council, my preference would be 1) LSU 2) UGA and 3) Miss.

PWD

Dawgs vs. Ohio State at Noon on ESPNU

Just a reminder that NCAA Baseball Regional action starts today.

PWD

Dawgs vs. Ohio State at Noon on ESPNU

Just a reminder that NCAA Baseball Regional action starts today.

PWD

Mark Fox Era to Launch on Auburn Football Weekend

Andy Katz of ESPN.com is reporting that Georgia will host New Orleans next season with an added twist:

New Orleans coach Joe Pasternack is hoping for some good karma in his opening game at Georgia. Billy Humphrey, who sat out last season at UNO, has a chance to go back to his former school and shine.

To add to Katz's info, the game will be the Home Opener for the Dawgs on Friday, Nov. 13th, the day before the Georgia vs. Auburn football game in Athens. Kudos to Coach Fox for leveraging the football schedule to give us the best possible opportunity for a quality crowd during his big debut.

The confirmed 2009-2010 schedule includes:

Georgia Tech - Home
New Orleans - Home
Illinois - Neutral (Gwinnett Arena)
Virginia Tech - Away
Missouri - Away
St. John's - Away (Big East / SEC Challenge)

For what it's worth, I'm also glad to see Billy Humphrey coming back to Athens one last time. Billy's not a bad kid per se, he just did something incredibly stupid (DUI) after he was already on thin ice for being around the wrong kid (Mike Mercer) at the wrong time. I look forward to giving the guy a round of applause. Hopefully, we beat them senseless, but I'm clapping for the kid regardless.

PWD

Mark Fox Era to Launch on Auburn Football Weekend

Andy Katz of ESPN.com is reporting that Georgia will host New Orleans next season with an added twist:

New Orleans coach Joe Pasternack is hoping for some good karma in his opening game at Georgia. Billy Humphrey, who sat out last season at UNO, has a chance to go back to his former school and shine.

To add to Katz's info, the game will be the Home Opener for the Dawgs on Friday, Nov. 13th, the day before the Georgia vs. Auburn football game in Athens. Kudos to Coach Fox for leveraging the football schedule to give us the best possible opportunity for a quality crowd during his big debut.

The confirmed 2009-2010 schedule includes:

Georgia Tech - Home
New Orleans - Home
Illinois - Neutral (Gwinnett Arena)
Virginia Tech - Away
Missouri - Away
St. John's - Away (Big East / SEC Challenge)

For what it's worth, I'm also glad to see Billy Humphrey coming back to Athens one last time. Billy's not a bad kid per se, he just did something incredibly stupid (DUI) after he was already on thin ice for being around the wrong kid (Mike Mercer) at the wrong time. I look forward to giving the guy a round of applause. Hopefully, we beat them senseless, but I'm clapping for the kid regardless.

PWD

Gordon Beckham Jumps Closer to Majors

Gordo's on a vacation far away
Go to Charlotte and get promoted
So many hits that I wanna see
You know Sox like their bats a little bit bolder
Huge Dawgly Baseball News...Gordon Beckham was promoted last night from AA Birmingham to AAA Charlotte. He's racing through the White Sox organization. The South Side Sox blog has the info (btw -- he's talking about a different Josh Fields in his article):

The White Sox top pick of the '08 draft -- a guy you've probably heard of, Gordon Beckham's his name -- was promoted to AAA following Wednesday's Annual Rickwood Classic game. Beckham was hitting .299/.366/.497 for the Barons, and .350/.380 (approx.) /.575 in his last 10 games since returning from an abdominal strain. At the time of his promotion his 17 doubles ranked second in the Southern League despite the time missed with the ab injury.

...the White Sox have three positions they could concievably use him at on the big club; 3B, 2B, SS (in decending order of likelihood).

See Also:
-- Beckham moves closer - SouthTown Star
-- Barons Lose Game and Top Prospect - Birmingham News
-- Beckham Moved to Triple-A - Chicago Sun-Times
-- Gordo Ends Career at Foley with Homer to 'Your Love' - YouTube
-- The Outfield "Your Love" - Gordon's Theme

PWD

Gordon Beckham Jumps Closer to Majors

Gordo's on a vacation far away
Go to Charlotte and get promoted
So many hits that I wanna see
You know Sox like their bats a little bit bolder
Huge Dawgly Baseball News...Gordon Beckham was promoted last night from AA Birmingham to AAA Charlotte. He's racing through the White Sox organization. The South Side Sox blog has the info (btw -- he's talking about a different Josh Fields in his article):

The White Sox top pick of the '08 draft -- a guy you've probably heard of, Gordon Beckham's his name -- was promoted to AAA following Wednesday's Annual Rickwood Classic game. Beckham was hitting .299/.366/.497 for the Barons, and .350/.380 (approx.) /.575 in his last 10 games since returning from an abdominal strain. At the time of his promotion his 17 doubles ranked second in the Southern League despite the time missed with the ab injury.

...the White Sox have three positions they could concievably use him at on the big club; 3B, 2B, SS (in decending order of likelihood).

See Also:
-- Beckham moves closer - SouthTown Star
-- Barons Lose Game and Top Prospect - Birmingham News
-- Beckham Moved to Triple-A - Chicago Sun-Times
-- Gordo Ends Career at Foley with Homer to 'Your Love' - YouTube
-- The Outfield "Your Love" - Gordon's Theme

PWD

Go Gamecocks?

The State, South Carolina's largest newspaper, salutes the Gamecocks. If the measuring stick is "Didn't Fail Totally," they win.

They'll probably frame this for the SC Athletic Office and place it right next to the 45 Pre-Season National Champions Trophies. I wonder if the Athletic Director gets a ring for this that says .500 on it?

PWD

ht - sullydawg

Go Gamecocks?

The State, South Carolina's largest newspaper, salutes the Gamecocks. If the measuring stick is "Didn't Fail Totally," they win.

They'll probably frame this for the SC Athletic Office and place it right next to the 45 Pre-Season National Champions Trophies. I wonder if the Athletic Director gets a ring for this that says .500 on it?

PWD

ht - sullydawg

SEC Coaches Meeting Headlines

Sorted by Topic....

Coaches Poll goes secret:
-- Coaches go anonymous - Hale
-- Coaches Poll makes bad move - Barnhart
-- Heavy price for secret ballots - Pat Forde
-- Spurrier against secret ballots - TheState

Commish Slive's on BCS / Kiffin:
-- Slive gets his point across - ESPN
-- SEC Coaches will never play nice - AJC
-- I just don't get Kiffin - Blutarsky
-- Spurrier still has game - Finebaum
-- Slive to Congress: Mind your own Business - OS

Recruiting Rules:
-- SEC may end oversigning - Chris Low
-- SEC may change recruiting rules - Mobile Press Register
-- Too many signees? - AL.com
-- Richt and Meyer Unlikely Allies - AJC
-- Cap on Oversigning would Change recruiting - Cecil Hurt
-- Commish lays down the law - Tuscaloosa News

Other Stuff:
-- Richt (finally) Goes Silent on Jacksonville - AJC
-- Being Dean of SEC Coaches "weird" for Richt - ABH

My quick take on all of that....the secret ballot is ridiculous. Transparency and disclosure is a better policy in everything not involving national security and comments about your wife's butt size.

The over signing rules will hurt SEC schools. If we're talking about an NCAA rule that's one thing. Talking about an SEC rule is ridiculous. Instead why don't we just tighten the criteria for dumping a kid that's not "good enough?" That would stop Houston Nutt and Nick Saban from abusing the current system. The rural South is still in the stone age academically, and Mike Slive can't fix that. So limiting the recruiting base voluntarily seems idiotic.

And as for Richt on Jax...that's what he should've said to begin with. You can't lose a game 6 out of 8 times and complain about things like the average temperature. It makes you look small, petty and weak. And by the way....I checked...last year it was 3 degrees COOLER in Jacksonville than it was in Athens at Kickoff, and we lost by 39 points.

Prioritize fixing what's broken. Not what annoys you. It's a great rule of thumb.

PWD

SEC Coaches Meeting Headlines

Sorted by Topic....

Coaches Poll goes secret:
-- Coaches go anonymous - Hale
-- Coaches Poll makes bad move - Barnhart
-- Heavy price for secret ballots - Pat Forde
-- Spurrier against secret ballots - TheState

Commish Slive's on BCS / Kiffin:
-- Slive gets his point across - ESPN
-- SEC Coaches will never play nice - AJC
-- I just don't get Kiffin - Blutarsky
-- Spurrier still has game - Finebaum
-- Slive to Congress: Mind your own Business - OS

Recruiting Rules:
-- SEC may end oversigning - Chris Low
-- SEC may change recruiting rules - Mobile Press Register
-- Too many signees? - AL.com
-- Richt and Meyer Unlikely Allies - AJC
-- Cap on Oversigning would Change recruiting - Cecil Hurt
-- Commish lays down the law - Tuscaloosa News

Other Stuff:
-- Richt (finally) Goes Silent on Jacksonville - AJC
-- Being Dean of SEC Coaches "weird" for Richt - ABH

My quick take on all of that....the secret ballot is ridiculous. Transparency and disclosure is a better policy in everything not involving national security and comments about your wife's butt size.

The over signing rules will hurt SEC schools. If we're talking about an NCAA rule that's one thing. Talking about an SEC rule is ridiculous. Instead why don't we just tighten the criteria for dumping a kid that's not "good enough?" That would stop Houston Nutt and Nick Saban from abusing the current system. The rural South is still in the stone age academically, and Mike Slive can't fix that. So limiting the recruiting base voluntarily seems idiotic.

And as for Richt on Jax...that's what he should've said to begin with. You can't lose a game 6 out of 8 times and complain about things like the average temperature. It makes you look small, petty and weak. And by the way....I checked...last year it was 3 degrees COOLER in Jacksonville than it was in Athens at Kickoff, and we lost by 39 points.

Prioritize fixing what's broken. Not what annoys you. It's a great rule of thumb.

PWD

I wonder if Gene Chizik feels like Jan Brady?

"It's always 'Marsha, Marsha, Marsha.'" - Jan Brady

Do a Google News search for "SEC Media Days" and sort by date. Virtually every headline involves Lane Kiffin. His gaffes, his miscues, his apologies, his non-apologies, his confrontations, new rules to shut him up, etc. It's a bit much.

Even Gene Chizik -- who hasn't traded any barbs with Kiffin yet -- got asked about Kiffin by the Birmingham and Tuscaloosa papers. As Kiffin's mouth sucks all the media's attention, Chizik avoids his 5-19 record from being the #1 question of the weekend.

Of all the articles on the subject of MouthGate, The State in Columbia does the best job of covering the issue. Particularly of Spurrier in person responding to one of Kiffin's latest dumbass remarks.

What a freak show. I liked Orson Swindle's comparison a few days ago. He said Ed Orgeron is evolving into some sort of cajun-fried Dick Cheney to Kiffin's GWB.

On the flip side, Tony Barnhart is sort of giving Kiffin the benefit of the doubt for now.

PWD

I wonder if Gene Chizik feels like Jan Brady?

"It's always 'Marsha, Marsha, Marsha.'" - Jan Brady

Do a Google News search for "SEC Media Days" and sort by date. Virtually every headline involves Lane Kiffin. His gaffes, his miscues, his apologies, his non-apologies, his confrontations, new rules to shut him up, etc. It's a bit much.

Even Gene Chizik -- who hasn't traded any barbs with Kiffin yet -- got asked about Kiffin by the Birmingham and Tuscaloosa papers. As Kiffin's mouth sucks all the media's attention, Chizik avoids his 5-19 record from being the #1 question of the weekend.

Of all the articles on the subject of MouthGate, The State in Columbia does the best job of covering the issue. Particularly of Spurrier in person responding to one of Kiffin's latest dumbass remarks.

What a freak show. I liked Orson Swindle's comparison a few days ago. He said Ed Orgeron is evolving into some sort of cajun-fried Dick Cheney to Kiffin's GWB.

On the flip side, Tony Barnhart is sort of giving Kiffin the benefit of the doubt for now.

PWD

Dance Off

From the 2009 Big East Tourney it's USF vs. UConn. This is the byproduct of a five hour rain delay and the inherent comedy of college baseball.



Speaking of College Baseball...here are some articles about UGA's Regional:

-- Ohio State feels "slapped" by #3 seed - Columbus Dispatch
-- FSU disappointed about not getting national seed - Tally Democrat
-- Dawgs sticking with new pitching rotation - ABH
-- Ohio State a tough foe - ABH
-- Buckeyes vs. UGA - UWeekly
-- FSU's rotation in the regional - Tally Democrat

PWD

Dance Off

From the 2009 Big East Tourney it's USF vs. UConn. This is the byproduct of a five hour rain delay and the inherent comedy of college baseball.



Speaking of College Baseball...here are some articles about UGA's Regional:

-- Ohio State feels "slapped" by #3 seed - Columbus Dispatch
-- FSU disappointed about not getting national seed - Tally Democrat
-- Dawgs sticking with new pitching rotation - ABH
-- Ohio State a tough foe - ABH
-- Buckeyes vs. UGA - UWeekly
-- FSU's rotation in the regional - Tally Democrat

PWD

Happy Memorial Day Part 2

Petty Officer 3rd class Justin Griffin and Petty Officer 2nd class Josh Muniz in Iraq. This was sent to me by the guy on the left's brother.


PWD

Happy Memorial Day Part 2

Petty Officer 3rd class Justin Griffin and Petty Officer 2nd class Josh Muniz in Iraq. This was sent to me by the guy on the left's brother.


PWD

UGA placed in the Tallahassee Regional as 2 seed

This will be tough to recreate given the schedule.
The NCAA just announced the bracket for the 2009 NCAA Baseball Tournament (as of 1:00 pm the bracket had typos affecting the right side of the page). Georgia has been shipped off to the Tallahassee regional. The teams slotted in our region include:

1. Florida State
2. Georgia
3. Ohio State
4. Marist

The Tallahassee Regional is bracketed with Oklahoma for the Super Regional. UGA vs. Ohio State airs at 12:00 pm on Friday on ESPNU.

By comparison, the Georgia Tech regional includes:

1. Georgia Tech
2. Elon
3. Southern Miss
4. Georgia State

They are bracketed against the Gainesville Regional for the Supers. UGA lands in the second toughest regional behind the UC-Irvine bloodbath, and Tech gets a pillow fight. On the bright side, Tech won't advance far. That's just how Coach Danny Hall rolls.

PWD

UGA placed in the Tallahassee Regional as 2 seed

This will be tough to recreate given the schedule.
The NCAA just announced the bracket for the 2009 NCAA Baseball Tournament (as of 1:00 pm the bracket had typos affecting the right side of the page). Georgia has been shipped off to the Tallahassee regional. The teams slotted in our region include:

1. Florida State
2. Georgia
3. Ohio State
4. Marist

The Tallahassee Regional is bracketed with Oklahoma for the Super Regional. UGA vs. Ohio State airs at 12:00 pm on Friday on ESPNU.

By comparison, the Georgia Tech regional includes:

1. Georgia Tech
2. Elon
3. Southern Miss
4. Georgia State

They are bracketed against the Gainesville Regional for the Supers. UGA lands in the second toughest regional behind the UC-Irvine bloodbath, and Tech gets a pillow fight. On the bright side, Tech won't advance far. That's just how Coach Danny Hall rolls.

PWD

Happy Memorial Day

The gentlemen pictured is NCIS agent, John Berkeley. This photo originally ran on the blog in December 2007. At the time, Berkeley was spending his days working with a Marine Riverine unit that patrols the Euphrates River as it cuts through Al Anbar province in Iraq. He flew the flag on behalf of US Marine Captain R. Brett Grayson (Deputy SJA, 2d MAW (Fwd)) the sole member of the Al Anbar Bulldog Club.

I don't have an update on any of those guys, but I thought the photo was appropriate for Memorial Day.

That is Haditha Dam captured in the background. Click to enlarge for a kick butt wallpaper.

ht - FootballHuddle.net

PWD

(Photo run in 2007 with permission from Captain Grayson)

Happy Memorial Day

The gentlemen pictured is NCIS agent, John Berkeley. This photo originally ran on the blog in December 2007. At the time, Berkeley was spending his days working with a Marine Riverine unit that patrols the Euphrates River as it cuts through Al Anbar province in Iraq. He flew the flag on behalf of US Marine Captain R. Brett Grayson (Deputy SJA, 2d MAW (Fwd)) the sole member of the Al Anbar Bulldog Club.

I don't have an update on any of those guys, but I thought the photo was appropriate for Memorial Day.

That is Haditha Dam captured in the background. Click to enlarge for a kick butt wallpaper.

ht - FootballHuddle.net

PWD

(Photo run in 2007 with permission from Captain Grayson)

UGA Softball to face Washington in Women's CWS

The Lady Dogs Softball team (#6 seed) will face the #3 seed Washington Huskies in the first round of the Women's College World Series. The game in Oklahoma City will be played on Thursday at 1:00 pm ET. (ESPN HD)

More later.

PWD

UGA Softball to face Washington in Women's CWS

The Lady Dogs Softball team (#6 seed) will face the #3 seed Washington Huskies in the first round of the Women's College World Series. The game in Oklahoma City will be played on Thursday at 1:00 pm ET. (ESPN HD)

More later.

PWD

College Baseball 2009 Regional Host Sites Announced

The NCAA just released the regional host sites for the 2009 College Baseball Tournament. All records current through Saturday, May 23rd):

SEC:
LSU (45-16), Baton Rouge, La.
Florida (39-20), Gainesville, Fla.
Mississippi (40-17), Oxford, Miss.

ACC:
North Carolina (42-16), Chapel Hill, N.C.
Georgia Tech (35-17-1), Atlanta
Clemson (40-19), Clemson, S.C.
Florida St. (42-15), Tallahassee, Fla.

Big 12:
Oklahoma (41-18), Norman, Okla.
Texas (40-13-1)Austin, Texas

Big East:
Louisville (44-15), Louisville, Ky.

Big West:
UC Irvine (42-13), Irvine, Calif.
Cal State Fullerton (41-14), Fullerton, Calif.

Conference USA:
Rice (39-15), Houston
East Carolina (42-17), Greenville, N.C.

Mountain West:
TCU (36-16), Fort Worth, Texas

Pac-10 Teams:
Arizona State (43-12), Tempe, Ariz.

By virtue of being awarded a regional, all 16 host institutions have also been selected to the 64-team field.

The remaining at-large teams, top-eight national seeds, first-round regional pairings and site assignments will be announced at 12:30 p.m. ET, Monday, May 25 on ESPN. The selection committee will set the entire 64-team bracket through both the super regionals and the first round of the Men's College World Series, and will not reseed the field after play begins.

I think UGA is likely going to the Atlanta Regional. If GT is named a national seed, they might ship us elsewhere. Regardless, I think we'll be in an ACC site for the regional.

See Also:
-- Conference RPI - WarrenNolan.com
-- Overall RPI - WarrenNolan.com

PWD

College Baseball 2009 Regional Host Sites Announced

The NCAA just released the regional host sites for the 2009 College Baseball Tournament. All records current through Saturday, May 23rd):

SEC:
LSU (45-16), Baton Rouge, La.
Florida (39-20), Gainesville, Fla.
Mississippi (40-17), Oxford, Miss.

ACC:
North Carolina (42-16), Chapel Hill, N.C.
Georgia Tech (35-17-1), Atlanta
Clemson (40-19), Clemson, S.C.
Florida St. (42-15), Tallahassee, Fla.

Big 12:
Oklahoma (41-18), Norman, Okla.
Texas (40-13-1)Austin, Texas

Big East:
Louisville (44-15), Louisville, Ky.

Big West:
UC Irvine (42-13), Irvine, Calif.
Cal State Fullerton (41-14), Fullerton, Calif.

Conference USA:
Rice (39-15), Houston
East Carolina (42-17), Greenville, N.C.

Mountain West:
TCU (36-16), Fort Worth, Texas

Pac-10 Teams:
Arizona State (43-12), Tempe, Ariz.

By virtue of being awarded a regional, all 16 host institutions have also been selected to the 64-team field.

The remaining at-large teams, top-eight national seeds, first-round regional pairings and site assignments will be announced at 12:30 p.m. ET, Monday, May 25 on ESPN. The selection committee will set the entire 64-team bracket through both the super regionals and the first round of the Men's College World Series, and will not reseed the field after play begins.

I think UGA is likely going to the Atlanta Regional. If GT is named a national seed, they might ship us elsewhere. Regardless, I think we'll be in an ACC site for the regional.

See Also:
-- Conference RPI - WarrenNolan.com
-- Overall RPI - WarrenNolan.com

PWD

ESPN.com Profiles Mark Fox

It's not incredibly common for a program at UGA's current place in the basketball pecking order to get a 1,500 word profile on its coach. Particularly from ESPN and particularly in May. So it's eye catching that Mark Schlabach sat down with Mark Fox to discuss the Georgia basketball program.

In the article, Fox emphasizes the positive aspects of our history. He focuses on guys like Dominique, Damien, Jarvis, Shandon, Jumaine and Litterial. He also talks about Stegeman as an asset instead of an anchor, and he discusses recruiting the talent rich Atlanta market. It's a great read.

Thus far, Mark Fox has said and done everything right. Will that translate to wins? I don't know. But I do know that belittling our tradition, reinforcing negative stereotypes about our facilities, focusing only on defense while ignoring offense, and complaining about fan support doesn't work. So this is a nice change from the prior administration. The contrast couldn't be more vivid.

SEC Hoops News:
-- Gators Star to play in Greece next year - ESPN

PWD

ESPN.com Profiles Mark Fox

It's not incredibly common for a program at UGA's current place in the basketball pecking order to get a 1,500 word profile on its coach. Particularly from ESPN and particularly in May. So it's eye catching that Mark Schlabach sat down with Mark Fox to discuss the Georgia basketball program.

In the article, Fox emphasizes the positive aspects of our history. He focuses on guys like Dominique, Damien, Jarvis, Shandon, Jumaine and Litterial. He also talks about Stegeman as an asset instead of an anchor, and he discusses recruiting the talent rich Atlanta market. It's a great read.

Thus far, Mark Fox has said and done everything right. Will that translate to wins? I don't know. But I do know that belittling our tradition, reinforcing negative stereotypes about our facilities, focusing only on defense while ignoring offense, and complaining about fan support doesn't work. So this is a nice change from the prior administration. The contrast couldn't be more vivid.

SEC Hoops News:
-- Gators Star to play in Greece next year - ESPN

PWD

Dawgs drop 1st game to LSU. Links to 2nd game

I'm not going to do a recap of the 16-0 loss because I'm listening to the second game. Short answer...it was a fiasco.

The second game is not being televised tonight. It's on SECSports.com; however, they are having all sorts of technical problems. Here are the links to the audio and stats. Here's the link to the video.

UPDATE: Tonight's game is capped at 7 innings by the SEC regardless of score.

UPDATE 2: Game over. It was a 7 inning game, and we lost 3-2. The weather just didn't do us any favors. Neither did the Game 1 ground crew which sent our guys out to pitch on a slippery mound and waited until we were down 7-0 to put drying compound on the mound. Not an excuse. Just a terrible break. The weather in this one was the opposite of the SEC B-ball Tourney weather when the tornado saved us. And for the record, Perno did the right thing down 13-0 in Game 1 by putting outfielders in to pitch in the 5th. There's a 7th inning mercy rule in the Tourney, and he played it right.

I think we'll be in the Atlanta/GT regional.

PWD

Dawgs drop 1st game to LSU. Links to 2nd game

I'm not going to do a recap of the 16-0 loss because I'm listening to the second game. Short answer...it was a fiasco.

The second game is not being televised tonight. It's on SECSports.com; however, they are having all sorts of technical problems. Here are the links to the audio and stats. Here's the link to the video.

UPDATE: Tonight's game is capped at 7 innings by the SEC regardless of score.

UPDATE 2: Game over. It was a 7 inning game, and we lost 3-2. The weather just didn't do us any favors. Neither did the Game 1 ground crew which sent our guys out to pitch on a slippery mound and waited until we were down 7-0 to put drying compound on the mound. Not an excuse. Just a terrible break. The weather in this one was the opposite of the SEC B-ball Tourney weather when the tornado saved us. And for the record, Perno did the right thing down 13-0 in Game 1 by putting outfielders in to pitch in the 5th. There's a 7th inning mercy rule in the Tourney, and he played it right.

I think we'll be in the Atlanta/GT regional.

PWD

Diamond Dawgs Face LSU Today

LSU eliminated South Carolina last night in game 10 of the SEC Baseball Tournament.  Georgia and the Tigers will play at 2:30 PM EST this afternoon.  If we lose, the rematch is slated for 9:30.  The Dawgs send Alex McRee to the bump in the early game, although Perno hasn't sounded confident in McRee for a couple of weeks.  Jeff Walters will go in game two, if necessary, instead of Cecil Tanner who's been exiled to the pen.   LSU has struggled against lefties, but McRee walks so many guys, they may only need a few clutch hits to run him.

The good news is that our pen should be rested and ready while LSU's staff is low on bullets.  Dean Weaver pitched two innings Thursday, but should be OK to go.  Everyone else has at least two days rest.  LSU threw their ace, Louis Coleman, last night and their other ace, Anthony Ranaudo, Thursday.  We want nothing to do with either of those guys and we shouldn't see them.  Their freshman closer, Matty Ott, has pitched at least an inning both Thursday and Friday. 

The bad news is that LSU still has a bunch of big, brawny bats no matter what the dominant hand of the pitcher and Georgia hasn't been particularly reliable in these situations.  Cough ... cough ... Fresno.   Every time I think we're in control, a downward spiral results.  

The first game will be on Fox Sports and the second game looks like it will be available only over the internet.  We only need one.  Go Dawgs.

Quinton

Diamond Dawgs Face LSU Today

LSU eliminated South Carolina last night in game 10 of the SEC Baseball Tournament.  Georgia and the Tigers will play at 2:30 PM EST this afternoon.  If we lose, the rematch is slated for 9:30.  The Dawgs send Alex McRee to the bump in the early game, although Perno hasn't sounded confident in McRee for a couple of weeks.  Jeff Walters will go in game two, if necessary, instead of Cecil Tanner who's been exiled to the pen.   LSU has struggled against lefties, but McRee walks so many guys, they may only need a few clutch hits to run him.

The good news is that our pen should be rested and ready while LSU's staff is low on bullets.  Dean Weaver pitched two innings Thursday, but should be OK to go.  Everyone else has at least two days rest.  LSU threw their ace, Louis Coleman, last night and their other ace, Anthony Ranaudo, Thursday.  We want nothing to do with either of those guys and we shouldn't see them.  Their freshman closer, Matty Ott, has pitched at least an inning both Thursday and Friday. 

The bad news is that LSU still has a bunch of big, brawny bats no matter what the dominant hand of the pitcher and Georgia hasn't been particularly reliable in these situations.  Cough ... cough ... Fresno.   Every time I think we're in control, a downward spiral results.  

The first game will be on Fox Sports and the second game looks like it will be available only over the internet.  We only need one.  Go Dawgs.

Quinton

ESPN / SEC TV Deal News

In case you missed the official announcement (as I did), ESPNU and Comcast have reached an agreement whereby ESPNU will be carried for free on Comcast's digital level packages. Comcast is also adding NFL Network, and it will finally carry games from ESPN360 via it's internet service.

Additionally, Comcast / Charter Sports Southeast (CSS) and ESPN have reached a deal whereby Comcast will televise what amounts to excess inventory SEC sports. According to TodaysTHV.com:

Comcast / Charter Sports Southeast (CSS), the regional sports channel focusing on college sports in the southeast, announced today it has reached a five-year agreement with ESPN to televise live Southeastern Conference (SEC) content including a minimum of six football games, twenty men's basketball games, and sixteen women's basketball games as well as fifty SEC Olympic sports each year.

No word on whether or not ESPNU HD will be added by Comcast. Given Comcast's pathetic inventory of HD programming, I'm not optimistic.

UPDATE: Georgia will request more noon home games per Adams and Damon's comments to the UGA Athletics Board meeting. We're also expecting more night games on the road. Damn. Just damn.

PWD

ESPN / SEC TV Deal News

In case you missed the official announcement (as I did), ESPNU and Comcast have reached an agreement whereby ESPNU will be carried for free on Comcast's digital level packages. Comcast is also adding NFL Network, and it will finally carry games from ESPN360 via it's internet service.

Additionally, Comcast / Charter Sports Southeast (CSS) and ESPN have reached a deal whereby Comcast will televise what amounts to excess inventory SEC sports. According to TodaysTHV.com:

Comcast / Charter Sports Southeast (CSS), the regional sports channel focusing on college sports in the southeast, announced today it has reached a five-year agreement with ESPN to televise live Southeastern Conference (SEC) content including a minimum of six football games, twenty men's basketball games, and sixteen women's basketball games as well as fifty SEC Olympic sports each year.

No word on whether or not ESPNU HD will be added by Comcast. Given Comcast's pathetic inventory of HD programming, I'm not optimistic.

UPDATE: Georgia will request more noon home games per Adams and Damon's comments to the UGA Athletics Board meeting. We're also expecting more night games on the road. Damn. Just damn.

PWD

Dawgs Win Thriller in Hoover

This season the Diamond Dawgs have been crippled by intermittent nagging problems with their defense, base running, pitching, and hitting. Some games it's been just one thing and other games (like the losing streak pre-SEC Tourney) it's been everything.

Last night against Arkansas, they played spectacular ball with only two brain farts. Sure...the third base coach needs an intervention after Colby May got snagged in the second inning needlessly rounding third, and the dropped tag on the stolen base in the 9th contributed to the game going into extra innings. But otherwise....they played about as flawlessly as a college team can play winning 2-1 in the 10th inning vs. an Arkansas team that was equally magnificent defensively and on the mound.

Georgia gets a day of rest today. Their next game is at 2:30 pm on FSN. They will face the winner of the LSU vs. South Carolina game. If Georgia loses against at 2:30 pm, they get a rematch at 9:00 pm for the opportunity to play on Sunday for the SEC Tournament Title. Sunday's game is one and done regardless of the number of losses either team has going into the title game.

On Friday, we need LSU vs. SC to go into as many innings as possible. The more arms they can wear out before Saturday the better.

As for the Ladies...
In Softball news, the Lady Dogs beat Ohio State in the Athens Super Regional 6-4. They have two chances today to beat Ohio State and advance to their first ever Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City. Game 2 is at 4:30 pm and Game 3 (if necessary is at 6:30 if necessary). Both games will be televised on ESPN2.

PWD

Dawgs Win Thriller in Hoover

This season the Diamond Dawgs have been crippled by intermittent nagging problems with their defense, base running, pitching, and hitting. Some games it's been just one thing and other games (like the losing streak pre-SEC Tourney) it's been everything.

Last night against Arkansas, they played spectacular ball with only two brain farts. Sure...the third base coach needs an intervention after Colby May got snagged in the second inning needlessly rounding third, and the dropped tag on the stolen base in the 9th contributed to the game going into extra innings. But otherwise....they played about as flawlessly as a college team can play winning 2-1 in the 10th inning vs. an Arkansas team that was equally magnificent defensively and on the mound.

Georgia gets a day of rest today. Their next game is at 2:30 pm on FSN. They will face the winner of the LSU vs. South Carolina game. If Georgia loses against at 2:30 pm, they get a rematch at 9:00 pm for the opportunity to play on Sunday for the SEC Tournament Title. Sunday's game is one and done regardless of the number of losses either team has going into the title game.

On Friday, we need LSU vs. SC to go into as many innings as possible. The more arms they can wear out before Saturday the better.

As for the Ladies...
In Softball news, the Lady Dogs beat Ohio State in the Athens Super Regional 6-4. They have two chances today to beat Ohio State and advance to their first ever Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City. Game 2 is at 4:30 pm and Game 3 (if necessary is at 6:30 if necessary). Both games will be televised on ESPN2.

PWD

SEC Baseball Tourney Enters Day Two

Georgia broke out of its slump yesterday with a 6-3 win over Ole Miss. During the regular season, the SEC Co-Champ Rebels took two of three from the Dawgs. However, Georgia wouldn't be denied as Matt Cerione hit a grand slam and drove in an additional RBI to seal it for the Dawgs. Justin Grimm also pitched his tail off in the win.

Today, Georgia faces Arkansas at approximately 6:00 pm ET on CSS. The winner gets Friday off which is critical for resting pitchers and getting ready for two potential games on Saturday.

See Also:
-- I knew it the whole time - DawgSports

PWD

SEC Baseball Tourney Enters Day Two

Georgia broke out of its slump yesterday with a 6-3 win over Ole Miss. During the regular season, the SEC Co-Champ Rebels took two of three from the Dawgs. However, Georgia wouldn't be denied as Matt Cerione hit a grand slam and drove in an additional RBI to seal it for the Dawgs. Justin Grimm also pitched his tail off in the win.

Today, Georgia faces Arkansas at approximately 6:00 pm ET on CSS. The winner gets Friday off which is critical for resting pitchers and getting ready for two potential games on Saturday.

See Also:
-- I knew it the whole time - DawgSports

PWD

Excuse me?

David Ching has a post up on the ABH site about the national perspective of the Georgia program. He asked national college football writers several weeks ago:

"Florida and LSU have each won national championships since the last time Georgia won the SEC. Is there something missing at Georgia and what must the Bulldogs do to pull even with those programs again?"

Tony Barnhart wrote his response to Ching's question back in April. He basically said, "Absolutely nothing" is missing. When you look at the stats from Barnhart and realize that Georgia leads the SEC in overall and is tied for first in SEC regular season wins since 2001, it's hard to disagree.

We're close as a program. We just aren't there yet.

This week, Ching got one last response to his original question from a national writer. The response was, "Georgia is a program that probably lies out of the top 10 on an annual basis." The columnist goes on to explain why we're not as good as UF, LSU or Bama. Here's my replies (his answers are in bold):

National Columnist: "Georgia is a program that probably lies out of the top 10 on an annual basis."
PWD Retort: Richt has won more games over the past 8 years than any SEC school. Meyer has 2 Top 10 finishes in his four years at UF. During those 4 years, Richt has 3 top 10 finishes. So his point is basically wrong and ill-informed.

NC: "The Dawgs always seem to be missing something. The last couple of years it was the offensive line. This year, heck, it might be quarterback, or secondary."
PWD: Well...that's true. But aren't most schools "missing something" when they aren't winning a national title? Last year, the biggest problem was the injuries to Sturdivant, Owens, Ellerbe and every able bodied DE on the team. That and tackling like the team was endorsed by Charmin. If you're "not missing something" and still not winning national titles (See: Southern Cal) isn't that a bigger issue than "missing something?"

NC: That doesn't make [UGA] a bad program but it has to realize what it is -- not Alabama, not LSU, not Florida.
PWD: Bama? Seriously? Bama? Bama lost to UL-Monroe two years ago, and they're likely going to be on a 3 game losing streak come Sept. 6th. Bama is building something exciting, but Saban hasn't built what Richt has built. Not yet anyway.

NC: This might sound weird but LSU and Florida and Alabama probably have more talented recruiting bases.
PWD: Louisiana and Georgia have comparable recruiting bases based on NFL rosters, recruiting rankings, whatever. This map shows 2007 NFL Rosters by State. Our state was the #4 producer of NFL talent on 2007 rosters. Louisiana, Ohio and Pennslyvania are in a near tie for 5th place. The State of Alabama has almost half as many NFL players as Georgia on active rosters.

The problem GA faces is that Atlanta is a more transient community and there are fewer life long Dawg fans in the state. Alabama's talent base is grossly inferior from a numbers standpoint, but there are more people growing up longing to play for the Tide. Florida obviously has a deeper in state pool. No argument there.

NC: And if there is a five-star player in Alabama, he usually isn't going to Georgia."
PWD: Definitely true. Garner's Alabama connections have been near totally useless. We rarely have more than two scholarship players from Alabama at a time. Currently, we have two.

What are your thoughts? What are we missing?

PWD

Excuse me?

David Ching has a post up on the ABH site about the national perspective of the Georgia program. He asked national college football writers several weeks ago:

"Florida and LSU have each won national championships since the last time Georgia won the SEC. Is there something missing at Georgia and what must the Bulldogs do to pull even with those programs again?"

Tony Barnhart wrote his response to Ching's question back in April. He basically said, "Absolutely nothing" is missing. When you look at the stats from Barnhart and realize that Georgia leads the SEC in overall and is tied for first in SEC regular season wins since 2001, it's hard to disagree.

We're close as a program. We just aren't there yet.

This week, Ching got one last response to his original question from a national writer. The response was, "Georgia is a program that probably lies out of the top 10 on an annual basis." The columnist goes on to explain why we're not as good as UF, LSU or Bama. Here's my replies (his answers are in bold):

National Columnist: "Georgia is a program that probably lies out of the top 10 on an annual basis."
PWD Retort: Richt has won more games over the past 8 years than any SEC school. Meyer has 2 Top 10 finishes in his four years at UF. During those 4 years, Richt has 3 top 10 finishes. So his point is basically wrong and ill-informed.

NC: "The Dawgs always seem to be missing something. The last couple of years it was the offensive line. This year, heck, it might be quarterback, or secondary."
PWD: Well...that's true. But aren't most schools "missing something" when they aren't winning a national title? Last year, the biggest problem was the injuries to Sturdivant, Owens, Ellerbe and every able bodied DE on the team. That and tackling like the team was endorsed by Charmin. If you're "not missing something" and still not winning national titles (See: Southern Cal) isn't that a bigger issue than "missing something?"

NC: That doesn't make [UGA] a bad program but it has to realize what it is -- not Alabama, not LSU, not Florida.
PWD: Bama? Seriously? Bama? Bama lost to UL-Monroe two years ago, and they're likely going to be on a 3 game losing streak come Sept. 6th. Bama is building something exciting, but Saban hasn't built what Richt has built. Not yet anyway.

NC: This might sound weird but LSU and Florida and Alabama probably have more talented recruiting bases.
PWD: Louisiana and Georgia have comparable recruiting bases based on NFL rosters, recruiting rankings, whatever. This map shows 2007 NFL Rosters by State. Our state was the #4 producer of NFL talent on 2007 rosters. Louisiana, Ohio and Pennslyvania are in a near tie for 5th place. The State of Alabama has almost half as many NFL players as Georgia on active rosters.

The problem GA faces is that Atlanta is a more transient community and there are fewer life long Dawg fans in the state. Alabama's talent base is grossly inferior from a numbers standpoint, but there are more people growing up longing to play for the Tide. Florida obviously has a deeper in state pool. No argument there.

NC: And if there is a five-star player in Alabama, he usually isn't going to Georgia."
PWD: Definitely true. Garner's Alabama connections have been near totally useless. We rarely have more than two scholarship players from Alabama at a time. Currently, we have two.

What are your thoughts? What are we missing?

PWD

Girls Tennis Fights On

The girls tennis team is fighting it out with Duke today for a spot in Tuesday's NCAA finals.  They gutted out a clutch 4-3 win over South Carolina yesterday.  The bracket sets up good for them.  Northwestern, who was the big favorite all year, lost to Cal yesterday.  The Wildcats beat UGA in the indoor finals, but we won't get them again.  If UGA wins today, they get the winner of Cal and Notre Dame.  I think the girls have a good shot at the championship.  You can follow the action here.  If you have a good computer and the right downloads, that site has some really quality video feeds.

On the mens side, UGA fell yesterday to Texas, 4-2.  It was an odd match to say the least.  The Dogs won the doubles point Saturday before a large weather system moved through College Station, canceling play.  Play resumed Sunday morning, but the Dawgs weren't ready to play and lost four courts in singles play.  The Dawgs are usually hard to beat after winning the doubles point because of our singles play, but UT did it.  Overall, it was a fine year for mens tennis.  As we've mentioned before, they lost a couple of really good players from last year's squad and couldn't replace them through recruiting internationally.  Now we'll wait to see what Jamie Hunt and Nate Schnugg do, but we should have another solid team next year assuming they stay.  

Quinton

Girls Tennis Fights On

The girls tennis team is fighting it out with Duke today for a spot in Tuesday's NCAA finals.  They gutted out a clutch 4-3 win over South Carolina yesterday.  The bracket sets up good for them.  Northwestern, who was the big favorite all year, lost to Cal yesterday.  The Wildcats beat UGA in the indoor finals, but we won't get them again.  If UGA wins today, they get the winner of Cal and Notre Dame.  I think the girls have a good shot at the championship.  You can follow the action here.  If you have a good computer and the right downloads, that site has some really quality video feeds.

On the mens side, UGA fell yesterday to Texas, 4-2.  It was an odd match to say the least.  The Dogs won the doubles point Saturday before a large weather system moved through College Station, canceling play.  Play resumed Sunday morning, but the Dawgs weren't ready to play and lost four courts in singles play.  The Dawgs are usually hard to beat after winning the doubles point because of our singles play, but UT did it.  Overall, it was a fine year for mens tennis.  As we've mentioned before, they lost a couple of really good players from last year's squad and couldn't replace them through recruiting internationally.  Now we'll wait to see what Jamie Hunt and Nate Schnugg do, but we should have another solid team next year assuming they stay.  

Quinton

UGA Softball to Host Ohio State in Super Regional

The Georgia Softball team will host the Ohio State Buckeyes on Thursday and Friday in the Super Regional. The games are scheduled for:

Game 1: Thursday at 7:00 pm (ESPN2)
Game 2: Friday at 4:30 pm (ESPN2)
Game 3: Friday at 6:30 pm (ESPN2) If necessary

Tickets are available via GeorgiaDogs.com, and they start at $5 for students and $7 for adults. More on the game is available via the UGA press release below:

ATHENS, Ga. – The No. 6 national-seed Georgia Bulldogs (42-10) will play host to the No. 11 national-seed Ohio State Buckeyes (47-9) in a best-of-three game series this Thursday and Friday at the UGA Softball Stadium.

The Bulldogs, in their eighth consecutive NCAA Softball Championship, will be making their third Super Regional appearance but will be hosting a Super Regional for the first time. Georgia's previous two Super Regionals came in 2005 and 2008 in Los Angeles against UCLA. Georgia earned its spot in this year's Athens Super Regional by winning the Chapel Hill Regional with a perfect 3-0 mark that included a win over Radford and a pair of wins over host North Carolina.

The Buckeyes, in their sixth trip to the NCAA Softball Championships, will be playing in their first Super Regional. Ohio State advanced to Athens after hosting and winning the Columbus Regional where it went a perfect 3-0 with wins over Canisius, BYU and Kentucky.

A total of 64 teams were selected to the 28th-Annual NCAA Division I Softball NCAA Championship with just 16 advancing to the Super Regional round of play. The eight Super Regional winners will advance to the NCAA Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City May 28-June 3. Both the Bulldogs and Buckeyes will be vying to make their first-ever trip to the WCWS.

PWD

UGA Softball to Host Ohio State in Super Regional

The Georgia Softball team will host the Ohio State Buckeyes on Thursday and Friday in the Super Regional. The games are scheduled for:

Game 1: Thursday at 7:00 pm (ESPN2)
Game 2: Friday at 4:30 pm (ESPN2)
Game 3: Friday at 6:30 pm (ESPN2) If necessary

Tickets are available via GeorgiaDogs.com, and they start at $5 for students and $7 for adults. More on the game is available via the UGA press release below:

ATHENS, Ga. – The No. 6 national-seed Georgia Bulldogs (42-10) will play host to the No. 11 national-seed Ohio State Buckeyes (47-9) in a best-of-three game series this Thursday and Friday at the UGA Softball Stadium.

The Bulldogs, in their eighth consecutive NCAA Softball Championship, will be making their third Super Regional appearance but will be hosting a Super Regional for the first time. Georgia's previous two Super Regionals came in 2005 and 2008 in Los Angeles against UCLA. Georgia earned its spot in this year's Athens Super Regional by winning the Chapel Hill Regional with a perfect 3-0 mark that included a win over Radford and a pair of wins over host North Carolina.

The Buckeyes, in their sixth trip to the NCAA Softball Championships, will be playing in their first Super Regional. Ohio State advanced to Athens after hosting and winning the Columbus Regional where it went a perfect 3-0 with wins over Canisius, BYU and Kentucky.

A total of 64 teams were selected to the 28th-Annual NCAA Division I Softball NCAA Championship with just 16 advancing to the Super Regional round of play. The eight Super Regional winners will advance to the NCAA Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City May 28-June 3. Both the Bulldogs and Buckeyes will be vying to make their first-ever trip to the WCWS.

PWD

Evans: "I’m not an excuse guy.”

Me either.

I like that he didn't say anyone else was, but I like more that he didn't blame our woes on the location. It helps to remember that UGA went 2-3 while Damon was a football player at Georgia from '88-92.

It's also nice that he acknowledged that Mark Richt isn't the only constituent on this issue. And that our fans wouldn't be raising so much hell about this issue if we hadn't been spanked 49-10.

PWD

Evans: "I’m not an excuse guy.”

Me either.

I like that he didn't say anyone else was, but I like more that he didn't blame our woes on the location. It helps to remember that UGA went 2-3 while Damon was a football player at Georgia from '88-92.

It's also nice that he acknowledged that Mark Richt isn't the only constituent on this issue. And that our fans wouldn't be raising so much hell about this issue if we hadn't been spanked 49-10.

PWD

What Happened?

On April 21, Georgia was 32-8 and had just beaten Kennesaw State in Athens  The next day, the team left for a road game at Jacksonville State.  If you just look at the numbers, one would think that the bus to Jacksonville crashed.  The Diamond Dawgs are 3-12 since that trip.  32-8, then 3-12.  The latest disaster was a series sweep at South Carolina by a combined score of 20-7.  We were never really in any of those games.

It used to be that the team couldn't function well in all three phases of the game at one time.  Now, the team can't function in any phase at any time during conference play.  The only bright spot has been the emergence of Justin Grimm.  Grimm has looked strong in his Sunday starts and Saturday's game in Columbia.  But Grimm can't hit for himself and no one else can seem to get anything going.  Our biggest run producing game in the final two sets of conference play was four runs Friday night.  Four runs with the hitters in our lineup should be a given every time we play.  

Everything has just fallen apart.  At this point, a single win in this week's SEC tournament would be monumental and that's so sad.  Tournament play starts Wednesday at 2:30 when Grimm and the Dawgs face Ole Miss. 

Quinton

What Happened?

On April 21, Georgia was 32-8 and had just beaten Kennesaw State in Athens  The next day, the team left for a road game at Jacksonville State.  If you just look at the numbers, one would think that the bus to Jacksonville crashed.  The Diamond Dawgs are 3-12 since that trip.  32-8, then 3-12.  The latest disaster was a series sweep at South Carolina by a combined score of 20-7.  We were never really in any of those games.

It used to be that the team couldn't function well in all three phases of the game at one time.  Now, the team can't function in any phase at any time during conference play.  The only bright spot has been the emergence of Justin Grimm.  Grimm has looked strong in his Sunday starts and Saturday's game in Columbia.  But Grimm can't hit for himself and no one else can seem to get anything going.  Our biggest run producing game in the final two sets of conference play was four runs Friday night.  Four runs with the hitters in our lineup should be a given every time we play.  

Everything has just fallen apart.  At this point, a single win in this week's SEC tournament would be monumental and that's so sad.  Tournament play starts Wednesday at 2:30 when Grimm and the Dawgs face Ole Miss. 

Quinton

Mixed News for Men's Basketball

The Nashville Tennessean reports that Mark Fox has landed Tennessee State sophomore guard Gerald Robinson, Jr. as a transfer. Robinson will have two years of eligibility remaining after he sits out the upcoming 2009-2010 season. He also considered transferring to Alabama, Memphis and Marquette.

As I mentioned two weeks ago, this can definitely play at the SEC level.

On the negative side, Chris Barnes, rising junior power forward, was arrested for minor traffic violations on Friday at 6:20 pm. The State of Georgia beefed up its rules around driving without proper ID, tags, registration and/or insurance last July in an effort to run illegal aliens out of the state. I'm not sure how/if the law changes were involved here. But it's a MINOR traffic issue, and I would hope that the athletic department doesn't overreact on this one. He wasn't drinking or doing anyone harm. He just didn't have his papers in order. It's an act of stupidity (that I have committed). It's not an act of danger or recklessness.

PWD

Mixed News for Men's Basketball

The Nashville Tennessean reports that Mark Fox has landed Tennessee State sophomore guard Gerald Robinson, Jr. as a transfer. Robinson will have two years of eligibility remaining after he sits out the upcoming 2009-2010 season. He also considered transferring to Alabama, Memphis and Marquette.

As I mentioned two weeks ago, this can definitely play at the SEC level.

On the negative side, Chris Barnes, rising junior power forward, was arrested for minor traffic violations on Friday at 6:20 pm. The State of Georgia beefed up its rules around driving without proper ID, tags, registration and/or insurance last July in an effort to run illegal aliens out of the state. I'm not sure how/if the law changes were involved here. But it's a MINOR traffic issue, and I would hope that the athletic department doesn't overreact on this one. He wasn't drinking or doing anyone harm. He just didn't have his papers in order. It's an act of stupidity (that I have committed). It's not an act of danger or recklessness.

PWD