Mike Bianco: All-SEC matchups do not lessen College World Series experience
OMAHA, Neb. — When eight teams make their way through the Regionals and Super Regionals to get to Omaha and the College World Series there is usually some unique and never seen matchups that take place. So far that is not the case for Ole Miss.
Two games into Ole Miss’ College World Series journey they have matched up with two very familiar opponents in Auburn and Arkansas. The Rebels took care of the Tigers in Saturday’s opening game of Bracket 2 and now face the Razorbacks in Monday’s winner’s bracket game.
Much has been made about the SEC making up half the field in Omaha this year with three of the teams on the same side of the bracket. That has increased the chances of same-conference matchups, which Ole Miss has become the benefactor of.
Despite not getting an inter-conference showdown yet with a new opponent not yet faced this season, the College World Series experience has not been lessened by it.
“I think it’s neat from a pride standpoint,” said Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco. “I think that belonging to the Southeastern Conference and seeing half the field from not just the conference but our division. The West side. But as far as the experience, no it hasn’t been dampened by it. I would think it does more as a pride thing.”
Ole Miss and Auburn met for the fourth time this season on Saturday and Monday’s game will mark the fourth time the Rebels and Arkansas have met in 2022 also.
There is the chance for Ole Miss to play out of conference still this week and it could be No. 2 National Seed Standford.
A Standford win over Auburn in Monday’s elimination game would mean the Rebels could see the Cardinals in either Tuesday’s second elimination game of the bracket or in Wednesday’s championship game of Bracket 2.
Regardless, the players are also not too bothered by having to play yet another SEC foe as they try and work their way to this weekend’s National Championship series.
“I think I’m indifferent,” said Peyton Chatagnier. “I think it’s really cool to play SEC teams. I also think SEC teams are really good, so it’s kind of tough. But it is cool for the conference to be able to play each other and have so many guys still in it.”
Ole Miss and Arkansas meet at 6 p.m. CT on Monday with a berth into Wednesday’s bracket finals at stake and the chance to evade the loser’s bracket this week. Game will air on ESPN.
