Preston Guilmet will start the first game of Arizona's 2008 season.

A.E. Araiza / arizona daily star 2007

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The UA baseball team opens its season today against Georgia with a three-game series.

It could feel a month late for players and fans as this is the first season new NCAA rules about starting date go into effect.

Opening day is a month later in an attempt to level the playing field between warm-weather and cold-weather cities. Some schools have long argued that teams in the Sunbelt and West Coast had an unfair advantage in preparing for and spreading out their 56-game season.

Today's opponent, Georgia, finished 23-33 last season and 11-19 in the Southeastern Conference. The Bulldogs are 2-0 all time against Arizona.

Three things you need to know about the Wildcats as they open today:

● They're a preseason favorite. Arizona travels to Athens, Ga., as the preseason No. 1 team by Collegiate Baseball and No. 2 by Baseball America. Arizona was named the top team in the Pac-10 Conference followed by Arizona State in a vote of the league's coaches.

Five players have been tabbed for preseason All-American honors by four different groups.

Pitcher Ryan Perry and left-handed pitcher Daniel Schlereth received preseason pitching honors for their work in the bullpen.

The Wildcats are led offensively by senior first baseman C.J. Ziegler (Canyon de Oro High School), the Cats leading hitter. Both Ziegler and center fielder T.J. Steele (CDO), who hit seven homers last year, also were recognized.

● Pitcher Preston Guilmet is one of the best in the country.

Last year's Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year is a contender for the 2008 Golden Spikes Award.

The right-hander will open the season on the mound today and is a preseason All American.

Last year, he had a 12-2 record and a 1.87 ERA.

● They get off to a good start. The opening series has been rewarding for the Wildcats. Dating back to 1995, UA has won its opening weekend series 13 straight years, most recently sweeping Gonzaga on the road last season. Andy Lopez is 16-2 on opening weekend in his seven years as head coach.