Looking back to 2010 (a week's worth): Zach Mettenberger, St. John's/Paul Hewitt, spring football, NCAA tourneys, Jason Heyward, preps, and plenty more

Tuesday, March 23 2010

           St. John’s asks if it can interview Georgia Tech men’s basketball coach Paul Hewitt, whose Yellow Jackets were just eliminated in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

           Mercer falls 15-8 to Georgia Tech in baseball at Claude Smith Field.

           Georgia quarterback Zach Mettenberger is expected to be suspended for one game after a March 7 arrest for underage possession of alcohol, disorderly conduct, obstruction, and two counts of having false ID. Mettenberger’s competition is Aaron Murray and Logan Gray.

           The NFL approved a new overtime rule for the playoffs. The team that gets the ball first can win with a first-possession touchdown. Otherwise, the other team gets the ball.

 Wednesday, March 24, 2010

            Georgia State is in the market for a women’s basketball coach after the resignation Monday of Lea Henry, who went 245-222 with the Panthers after a 55-55 run at Mercer.

Thursday, March 25

            Paul Hewitt visits with St. John’s, in his home state, but decides to stay at Georgia Tech even as media reports had him as the favorite to replace the fired Norm Roberts.

            Down the road, Auburn gave Tony Barbee a six-year deal as he took over the men’s team, which will open the new Auburn Arena in his first year.

Friday, March 26

            Rookie Jason Heyward will get the start on opening day for the Braves in right field.

            There are big expectations on wideout Marlon Brown, a sophomore who came to UGA with some comparisons to A.J. Green.

            Tennessee gets a tip-in with 32 seconds left to upset Ohio State and reach the Elite Eight of the men’s NCAA Tournament.

Saturday, March 27

            Mercer swept Jacksonville 9-3 and 8-7 in A-Sun baseball, and Georgia broke a seven-game losing streak with a 7-4 win over Mississippi State.

            Taylor Jernigan and Lee Gerdes have a two-shot lead over Gay McMichael and Phil Hardin entering the final round of the Cherry Blossom tournament at Bowden.

            Butler makes many happy with a 63-56 win over Kansas State to earned a Final Four trip, with the weekend in its home city of Indianapolis.

            Brittney Griner led Baylor to add win over Tennessee in the NCAA women’s tournament, with 27 points and 10 blocks.

            Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn said transfer QB Cam Newton is learning the offense, but is currently behind the competition to replace starter Chris Todd.

Sunday, March 28

            Georgia College dumped No. 7 USC Aiken 14-12 to take the Peach Belt series, behind three-hit games from Sean Harrell, Matt Pitts, and Benton Yaun.

            Stratford grad and Warner Robins native Russell Branyan is put on the disabled list by Cleveland, thus losing the first base job to Matt LaPorta.

            Taylor Jernigan and Lee Gerdes shot a 9-under to beat Shaw Blackmon and Sandy Burgess for the Cherry Blossom championship.

            Duke returns to the Final Four for the first time in six years with a 78-71 win over Baylor, while Michigan State is back for the sixth time in 12 years.

Monday, March 29, 2010

            Caleb King and Washaun Ealey are battling it out to start at tailback for Georgia.

            Tech running back Daniel Drummond has been suspended for 10 games for an NCAA rules violation, but info is minimal. Former Central standout Correy Earls was moved to receiver.

Tuesday, March 30

            Georgia defensive backs are adjusting to coach Scott Lakatos.

            After giving up play-calling in 2006, UGA head coach Mark Richt plans to be more involved in the offensive game plan.

St. John’s hires Steve Lavin as men’s basketball coach.