A few things unfolded this past weekend in Georgia's favor. Not only did they advance out of the Athens Regional with a perfect 3-0 record, but both UCLA and Georgia Tech, the two teams seeded higher than them, failed to advance out of their regional.
This makes Georgia the highest remaining seed left in the NCAA Tournament and one of the favorites to win it all.
Unfortunately the NCAA does not view Georgia's upcoming three-game Super Regional series against Mississippi State as a big draw because they gave them early start times for their first two games. Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks was furious with the NCAA, so he let out all the emotions he and Georgia fans were feeling on social media.
Nothing says “top remaining seed” like an 11am Saturday start for Game 1.
— Josh Brooks (@Brooks_UGA) June 2, 2026
Georgia vs Mississippi State game times make no sense
How is Georgia and Mississippi State not a prime time matchup? Out of all eight Super Regional matchups, Georgia and Mississippi State are one of just two that feature two nationally seeded teams.
On top of that, Vegas oddsmakers are high on both Georgia and Mississippi State to win the College World Series as well. Both teams are inside the top five best odds out of all the remaining teams, so even they think this will be a great series.
So what did the NCAA decide to do? They made game one an 11:00 am EST first pitch on Saturday, June 7. Game two isn't much better as it will be a Noon EST start on Sunday, June 8.
The good news is that if there is a game three they will have to make it later in the day as it will be played on Monday, June 9.
Both Georgia and Mississippi State deserve better than this. The fans across the country deserve better than this. But the NCAA doesn't seem to care about what anyone else thinks.
Georgia must survive a mental test to advance to the CWS
Georgia will have to overcome two mental hurdles if they are going to win this series and advance to the College World Series. The first is obvious as they will be without future MLB player Tre Phelps who is suspended for game one after being ejected during Georgia's win over Liberty on Sunday.
The second hurdle is the fact that they already beat Mississippi State four times this season. That could make them feel overly confident entering this series, but at this point they can't afford to overlook them.
In just a few short days Georgia will get to watch the Diamond Dawgs attempt to make the College World Series for the first time since 2008. They have had a few close calls since then, but this team feels like one of their best chances to make it there.
Unfortunately fans won't be able to watch this series unfold under the lights, but Georgia will be ready to go just like they have been all season.
Game one is scheduled for 11:00 am EST on Saturday, June 6 on ESPN.
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