There is a lot to be excited about with the Georgia Bulldogs set to open conference play this weekend against Tennessee. The Dawgs finished their out-of-conference schedule with a 15-3 record, ranking eighth nationally according to D1Baseball.com. The team has power throughout the lineup, but the question looming over Foley Field is how the Bulldogs will fare against the cutthroat SEC. To answer that question, there are several things to know.
Georgia Is Untested on the Road
Something that might have caught your eye when reviewing Georgia’s schedule is that the Bulldogs did not leave their hometown until March. Georgia has enjoyed a rather tranquil beginning to the season, playing 17 of its first 18 games in the comfort of its own ballpark. Their lone away game required little travel, played about an hour up the road in Kennesaw.
The Dawgs won comfortably and are thus undefeated in road games this year. But having not left the state all season, one wonders whether they will have consistent success outside of Athens. Georgia has crucial road series with Texas A&M and Mississippi State on the horizon.
Is the team ready for such intense environments? Will the pitching staff manage the noise and emotions of opposing crowds? It is not an indictment to have such success at home, but it does leave questions when the circumstances change.
The Dawgs Are Still Reliant on the Long Ball
It has become something of a cliche over the past two seasons under Wes Johnson, but the Dawgs love the home run. Through 18 games, Georgia has hit 61 home runs — a number that almost seems unbelievable at first glance.
Twelve different players on the roster have already hit a home run this season, including two who have already reached double digits: Daniel Jackson and Brennan Hudson. It is remarkable how much, or how little, work outfielders will have to do against this stacked lineup.
However, there is a flip side. As mentioned above, nearly all of Georgia’s games have been played at Foley Field, a stadium with dimensions that favor power hitters. Johnson has also recruited hitters suited to the park.
What happens when the home run-reliant Dawgs visit a park where their blasts turn into routine fly balls?
Joey Volchko Is Carrying a Heavy Weight
When Georgia brought in the impressive right-hander out of Stanford, a lot of expectations were placed on the preseason All-American. So far, that confidence has been well founded.
Volchko holds a 4-0 record with a 3.00 ERA. He has struck out three times as many batters as he has walked and has been a threatening presence as the opening-day starter.
But Kenny Ishikawa has been sidelined due to injury, and the bullpen has posted some large numbers. Dylan Vigue was just named SEC co-pitcher of the week, but when the postseason arrives, Volchko may need to deliver consistently strong outings to keep the Dawgs moving forward.
A heavy weight to carry indeed.
The Stars Are Bright, Deep in the Heart of Georgia
As much time as has been spent discussing concerns with this team, it goes without saying the Bulldogs are loaded with star power.
Jackson was recently named ESPN’s player to watch. Tre Phelps came one hit short of tying the school record hit streak, and his Golden Spikes campaign remains alive. Ryan Lujo and Rylan Black have both emerged as dangerous power-and-speed threats. Kolby Branch adds even more punch to the lineup with his powerful bat in the nine hole.
The reason for concern is simple: this team has the tools to go all the way. The talent is undeniable and the goal is clear — a trip to Omaha.
They certainly have the potential. Now the question is whether they can surpass the past two years and finish the job. We’ll see.
