If the baseball team is expected to struggle in 2010, it might be even tougher for the Diamond Dogs now that Lyle Allen will miss the season for academic reasons, according to a release by UGA sports communications.

A junior out of Cartersville, Allen hit .255 with five home runs last season, but was expected to take on a larger role this season after the departure of several Bulldogs, including first baseman Rich Poythress who was drafted in the second round, No. 51 overall.

Allen was more than likely next in line to fill in for Poythress at first base, being the most experienced at the position, but Georgia will have to now rely on senior Robbie O’Bryan, sophomore Chase Davidson or an incoming freshman.

The Diamond Dogs are currently completing the Dogs-Pups World Series at Foley Field, a scrimmage between the young Georgia players and the upperclassmen.

The season will officially begin Feb. 19 against Duke in Waco, Texas.