back to reality

Remember the good old days? Way back on March 15, Ole Miss was 18-1 and Mississippi State was 18-2. Sizzling was the word. Then Southeastern Conference play began – and the sizzling starts were doused. Gut checks are now in order. Both the Rebels and Bulldogs host conference series this weekend, and it’s time to get busy. UM is 23-6 overall and 4-5 in the SEC, fifth in the West, with East leader Vanderbilt coming to Oxford-University Stadium. State is 24-8 and 3-6, sixth in the West, with ever-dangerous Florida up next at Dudy Noble Field. Yes, the going gets tougher in the SEC, and it shows in the numbers. Ole Miss, batting .285 overall, is at .220 in SEC games. The Rebels’ staff ERA is 3.94 in SEC play, 2.77 overall. State has had similar struggles. The Dogs are batting .298 overall, .244 vs. the SEC. Overall staff ERA: .255. Against the SEC: 3.91. P.S. Tyler Aldridge’s Delta State-record 28-game hit streak ended last Friday, but he hasn’t had a chance to start a new one. Weather has kept the Statesmen, 24-4-1 and ranked No. 1 in one NCAA Division II poll, off the field ever since. They’ll play — they hope — Gulf South Conference newcomer Shorter this weekend in Cleveland. Aldridge — they hope — will get a shot at improving his .426 average.