The Gophers learned Monday that they will play Cal State Fullerton in the 64-team NCAA baseball tournament. But many Minnesota sports fans might be more interested in how another team fares.
Vikings fans might recall that last month former Southern Miss standout Brett Favre informed that school's baseball team that if it made it back to the College World Series the quarterback would return for the 2010 season.
"I was a kid again when ya'll played Texas in the College World Series," Favre told the Golden Eagles, according to a post on the university website. "The team physician with the Vikings was at my house when I was deciding on [shoulder] surgery. He walked in with my agent, Bus [Cook], and he spoke to me. I put my arm out and said you have to wait because Southern Miss is playing in the College World Series."
Well, Southern Miss has taken a first step toward getting back to Omaha. The third-seeded Golden Eagles, who won the Conference USA title, will play second-seeded Creighton to open the tournament on Friday afternoon in Auburn. Auburn, the top-seed, will play host to Jacksonville State in the second game that day.
The first regional runs from June 4-7 and is double elimination. It is followed by a best-of-three Super Regional series and then the World Series.
Of course if Southern Miss doesn't make it, Vikings fans shouldn't be too concerned. Favre's decision to undergo ankle surgery last month provided the best indicator yet that he plans to return for a 20th NFL season.
