Everyone knew the Sun Devils could hit, but I saw an incredible defensive team play the last two nights. The Devils are especially spectacular in the middle infield, as they turned five double plays in two games, with every one of them having a high degree of difficulty.

Their biggest flaw is pitching depth. Head coach Pat Murphy essentially rides three great starters and a closer and rarely uses anyone else. The good news is that CWS games are more spread out than regional and super regional games, allowing those four pitchers more time to rest and more innings to work.

ASU has to be considered the favorite in their side of the bracket, and don't be surprised if they get a second chance to turn in a decent dogpile.

Quotes...

"Today was a probably a little more difficult than I thought, coming back after last night's game. After they put that four-run inning together, there wasn't much left in our tank." -- Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco

"Many people that follow us wouldn't believe that we would end up here. Not because of talent but because of misfortunes and the crazy things that have happened this year." -- Bianco

"They are good. People always talk about their offense, so you expect that coming in. One of the things they do just as well is play defense. They didn't open any doors for us. It seemed like when they had to make a play, they made a diving play in the outfield or a double play in the infield." -- Bianco on ASU

"From the standpoint of pure defense. From the standpoint of three guys who love it out on the mound and give you a chance to go deep in the game, and a closer who's in a cage by himself. And from a standpoint of how many offensive weapons we have, yeah. But I look back at some teams that had a little more experience and toughness. I don't know about this team yet. Who knows?" -- Pat Murphy on whether this is his best ASU team

"Did you notice there wasn't really a dogpile? Nobody going crazy. I wonder why? I think we were just so focused." -- Murphy

"Our pitchers just don't give up. We have some pretty stubborn guys out there, including myself. And when the cards are down, we get more stubborn and want to stay out there and keep working through it." -- Satow

"Let me say something about Mississippi -- three years in a row to a super regional. This guy's [Bianco] done a great job. I don't know that I like him, but that's stupid coaching stuff. He's done a hell of a job." -- Murphy

"I went two years ago and didn't even play, and it was the best experience of my entire life." -- Josh Satow

"It gives the players the opportunity to look at all their hard work and say it was worth it. If you haven't been to Omaha, you're missing out. It's the best." -- Murphy