Mizzou: Welcome To Oxford and Ole Miss

Welcome to our place, Tiger fans. We are very proud of our campus and traditions. This blog is a brief introduction to Oxford and Ole Miss.





To get started watch the video below on Oxford:



What about food?




Oxford has many unique locally owned restaurants. So drive past those chains on West Jackson Ave and make your way to the square. You can't go wrong with some down home southern cooking at Ajax on the square. Another good place is City Grocery, also on the square. For a list of places to eat, check out the Oxford Dining Guide.


Other links to look at on Oxford:

• New York times article: Journeys;36 Hours Oxford, Miss.
• Oxford Convention & Visitors Bureau: Itineraries to Consider
• Wikipedia: Oxford, Mississippi
• WikiTravel: Oxford, Mississippi

The Grove:



To reach tailgating heaven make your way to the Grove. There is no way to describe the Grove on a football Saturday. You have to experience it yourself. Once you do, you will understand how this is one of the top sporting experiences in the country.




A "must do" in the Grove is the Band Pep Rally one hour and twenty minutes prior to kickoff. Make your way to the Victorian building (Ventress Hall), stand just in front of the stage and get ready to see this:




It's ok to get goose bumbs, even if you are the opposing team.

CNN visited the Grove back in 2003 and filed this report:





The Alumni Association put together a video on the Grove. It's in two parts below:

Part I





Part II






If you would like to tailgate in the grove here are a few things to consider:

• The Grove opens midnight Friday and has a 15 minute unloading zone.
  
• No space is reserved and can be claimed on a first come basis
  
• Portable generators are not allowed.
  
• Open Flames are prohibited
  
• The team walks through the Grove two hours before kickoff.
  
• For more info visit: Tailgating in The Grove.
  

Hotty Toddy:

Hotty Toddy is an Ole Miss Cheer. Here is how it works:
Someone shouts "Are you ready" and the crowd yells:

Hell Yes, Damn Right

Hotty Toddy Gosh Almighty

Who the Hell are We?

Flim Flam, Bim Bam

Ole Miss, By Damn

For more information on Ole Miss Traditions visit the official Ole Miss website.

I hope everyone that makes it to Oxford this year has a great time while visiting the city and while tailgating. I just hope you have a miserable time at the game!

Alabama fans talk about this year's game

I asked Bama fans a few questions about Ole Miss and this year's game. Here are their responses:

(1)What are your predictions on our game?
BAMA 45 - OM 3--FearTheNicktator
i think finally we'll get over the hump and destroy ole miss like we're used to, instead of these embarrassing 3 point wins. --tidegrad
Bama by a field goal--CRIMSONWHITE
23-20 Bama (last second field goal again)--MobileBama
35-13--bamalewie
Bama by twelve--Elated Elephant
24-23 UA.--billylucky
Both teams should be better than last year - Bama by 4. I have to admit this game gives me a little more heartburn than Vandy for some reason - maybe it's Coach O figuring out that Schaeffer isn't really a very good QB.--bamaCPA
No proven quarterback + Schaffer at receiver(he kept it close last year) - Eli at quarterback = 'Bama by two touchdowns. I strongly believe that Ole Miss is two years away from a seven win season. Snead will help but not until another year...--uasenior07
Bama will win 28-10--MarshalTide
We drive over. We win. We drive home.--guyhart
Will be a tough game, tougher than most think, and could be a trap if we are looking ahead to UT. I don't think Saban allows that, and Bama wins late. 24-17--MetallibamA
A hard fought Bama victory--RabidBAMAfan
I think Bama wins a close one. Again.
I think we will win in a somewhat close game. If I had to say a margin of victory, I'd say 10 points. In other words, not as close as the 2005 or 2006 game, but not as big of a blowout as the 2004 game.--Chimes05
Unless Ole Miss can find a quarterback I'll take Bama. If a QB appears, another squeaker for the Tide.--bama61
I think like most BAMA-Ole Miss games, I think we will win. --TideDawg02
I think we win by 3-10 points. In the 20's....say 27-17 or 31-21 or something along those lines.--Summer of George
Bama wins 28-16--bspit8
(2)What are your strengths and weaknesses this year?
strengths: should have a potent offense, great passing game, and a surprisingly good running game. weaknesses: defensive front 7 and depth therein; special teams is a mystery. --tidegrad
Strenghts- offensive line, wideouts QB weaknesses d-line linebacker-- CRIMSONWHITE
strenghts are safeties and cb's on defense, wr's on offense. weaknesses are LB's on defense and back-up O-line on offense--MobileBama
ery strong returning offense/young and inexperienced defense--bamalewie
Strength - O-line & Receivers Weakness - Front Seven on Defense--Elated Elephant
Strength is the offense; weakness would be inexperience in the defensive front 7--MarshalTide
Strengths: Organized and focused coaching staff, Oline, QB, WR, DB's. Weaknesses: Dline and LB--MetallibamA
NOT coaching like in the past.--RabidBAMAfan
Strengths;the whole offense. Weakness; the Dline and linebackers--BamaHeel
The strength is the offense, that unit could really put up huge numbers this year. The weakness if obvious: defensive tackle. Our situation at defensive tackle could get very bad--Chimes05
I expect us to be a bit thin and undersized on the defensive line. Depth at linebacker is likely to be a problem too. On offense, we'll just have to see if the new staff has been able overcome the several previous years of poor coaching for the line.--bama61
Strength - Offense. We return 9 starters which includes the entire OL, WR's, TE's and QB. We will have a much more balanced attack and we have a number of RB's who are talented. Terry Grant looks to be the starter. Weakness will be the defensive front 7. We have talent there but not a lot of experience and depth. Hopefully that will develop over the season.--TideDawg02
Strengths - QB and WR super strengths.........OL and RB should be strengthsWeaknesses - DL and LB (other than Prince Hall), Safety--Summer of George
Strengths- OL, QB, WRWeaknesses- DL--bspit8
(3)What do you respect about Ole Miss?
very little honestly, there are some pretty girls there, as long as you're not looking up their nose at them. the town square in oxford is pretty nice, i saw wilco there one time. --tidegrad
Uniform colors--CRIMSONWHITE
tailgating traditions--MobileBama
The Ladies? and Archie, of course the tailgating--bamalewie
Tailgating, & old South traditions--Elated Elephant
I like your nickname (for lack of a better term) that most people use for you: "Ole Miss." Thinking about it, I can only come up with a few schools that (in my opinion) have a nickname other than their schools exact name that people seem to use most often (I'm not including initials like UA, USC, etc. or the schools real nickname, like Crimson Tide, Rebels, etc.) Most are in the SEC--I may be missing a few but here's what I came up with:Alabama (Bama)Mississippi (Ole Miss)Vanderbilt (Vandy)Auburn (The Barn)California (Cal)--GSTider1
Ole Miss generally plays Alabama really tough.--MarshalTide
Well, you aren't Mississippi State--MetallibamA
pretty much everything. I have always liked Ole Miss.--RabidBAMAfan
I respect that they are trying to get into the upper echelon of the SEC. Also, the campus I remember was very nice. Also, I hear the Grove is awesome for tailgating.--BamaHeel
Respect may be a strong word, but several things I like: the concessions at the game, the uniforms (some of the best), the cheap tickets, and -- not trying to talk trash here, just being honest -- the fact that we almost always walk away with a win when we face the Rebs.--Chimes05
My favorite thing about Ole Miss...the co-eds. Year in, year out, the best looking group in the SEC.--bama12n21
One of the finest and most enjoyable tailgating venues in college football in my opinion. The square after the game was fun too.--bama61
I respect that Ole Miss and Alabama are basically mire images of eachother. Both have passionate alumni groups, both dress up for games, both have beautiful old southern campuses. Both have had a great coach in their history--Summer of George
Hot women--bspit8
(4) What do you dislike most about Ole Miss?
i have never understood where the arrogance comes from. it's not a very good school, and is historically a terrible football program, but to talk to ole miss people you'd think they were harvard and notre dame rolled into one. plus, seriously mississippi is a pit. --tidegrad
Hoddy toddy out the ying yang--CRIMSONWHITE
not having a mascot--MobileBama
Most of the fans seem to hate Alabama--Elated Elephant
There's nothing I really dislike. Did Ole Miss do away with Johnny Reb? If they did, I wouldn't like that. That's a tradition.--MarshalTide
Hotty Snotty or whatever the hell it is. Seriously. Do you guys KNOW another flippin' cheer? It's like "Rocky Top", only requires less talent. Also, Archie Manning sired Peyton.--MetallibamA
The idiot's that done away with colonel reb. That sucks!--RabidBAMAfan
Don't know enough about you to dislike anything. Yet.--BamaHeel
A variety of the things: Vaught-Hemingway (sorry, it's not nice at all), the annoying announcer going "First and 10.... OLE MISS!," the clown on the motorcycle for the pre-game, all of the old white women wearing those "Bring Back Colonel Reb" lapel stickers, the confederate flags, the nothing-to-do town of Oxford, the backroads drive to Oxford, and most of all, the fact that many Ole Miss fans have the lowest accomplishment-to-ego ratio in the conference--Chimes05
The usual cadre of drunken and obnoxious morons the afflict all the schools in our conference if not all of Division I-A. Contrary to what some Ole Miss folks seem to think, you folks have at least your fair share if not more.--bama61
Having been to Oxford, the fans (nothing personal - some are good people). I will agree that Alabama fans are somewhat arrogant but our team has accomplished alot and we have are one of the most storied traditions in college football. Ole Miss has very little justification for being arrogant as they have not been a constant factor in the SEC for many years. As for what else I dislike, your stadium. The IPF is incredible, but the stadium is average and the one endzone needs to be closed in.--TideDawg02
Some of their folks sense of being better than everyone else when all stats show they are one of the 2 or 3 bottom schools academically in the conference and their football team hasn't won an SEC Title in 50 years.--Summer of George
(5) What is your most memorable Ole Miss v. Alabama game and why?
1999, my only trip to see a game in oxford, and if i never make another one, that's fine with me. boring town, terrible fans. --tidegrad
1969 Manning vs Hunter. Best game of the series.--CRIMSONWHITE
the game ELI beat the hell out of us. Why? b/c it was embarassing--MobileBama
A lightning storm in Bryant Denny in the 90's--bamalewie
'69 Hunter/Manning televison game--Elated Elephant
2 years ago when Bama won by a field goal. It was a good, defensive game.--MarshalTide
1969. Hunter. Archie. Enough said.--MetallibamA
can't remember the year, but Bama was down at halftime, and then we came out and kicked a knot in the rebs ass.--RabidBAMAfan
Most memorable may be last years' OT win for us.--BamaHeel
The 1969 game would probably take the cake (Archie v. Hunter), and the 1989 game would be a good one too; that was one of the weirdest games you'll ever see. The 2002 crushing of Eli was pretty sweet too.--Chimes05
1969, a night game at Legion Field, Archie Manning and Scott Hunter in the damnedest shoot out I ever saw. It was obvious early on that the last team to score would probably win. Breath taking game.--bama61
Haven't been around real long, but mine would be the year we went 3-8 but beat Ole Miss like a drum. For some reason that game gave me hope for the rest of the season (didn't work out too well).--Summer of George
Money's kick to win--bspit8
(6) What is your second favorite team in the SEC?
georgia--tidegrad, CRIMSONWHITE, Elated Elephant , MarshalTide, MetallibamA, Summer of George
don't have one--MobileBama
whoever's playing Aubarn and UGA--bamalewie
I really don't have one.....maybe Georgia, or Ole Miss. That's about the only two teams I can stomach in the conference.--RabidBAMAfan
Used to LSU but I don't like them now. Goofy coach and obnoxious fans. That leaves us with SC or Arky--BamaHeel
Ah, don't really have one in particular. Depending on the situation, I can pull for almost any team. Most of the time I generally pull for whoever would help Alabama the most, or the underdog.--Chimes05
LSU. I used to love going to the games in Baton Rouge. Nothing like the atmosphere at a night game and for years LSU played at no other time. The party before the game was astounding and it was the only stadium I've ever walked into that you get a buzz on just by breathing deep. Sadly, it's gotten somewhat hostile the past few years....--bama61
Miss State but that is because my wife is an MSU Alum. Otherwise I have always liked LSU and UF.--TideDawg02
(7) If you had to name a sister school (the one that is most like Bama) who would that be?
georgia--tidegrad, CRIMSONWHITE, bamalewie, bama61 ,bspit8
Oklahoma--MobileBama, Elated Elephant , MarshalTide, MetallibamA, RabidBAMAfan, TideDawg02
UGA or OU.--BamaHeel
Ole Miss and UGA.......probably Ole Miss.--Summer of George , bspit8
(8) Are you planning on coming to the game this year in Oxford?
depends on what time the game is. going to a wedding in memphis that evening, so i thought maybe i'd pop down there for it, but it's not looking like that's going to happen. --tidegrad
Yes and looking forward to it!--MobileBama
No, but I wish I were. On second thought, you can never tell, I might end up in Oxford this year.--RabidBAMAfan
Yes, got some good seats for the game. Haven't been over there in 20 years. Want to know how to get a hotel in OI would like to simply because I can usually find dirt cheap tickets to the game in Oxford, but from where I am at now, it is entirely too long of a drive.--BamaHeel
I would like to simply because I can usually find dirt cheap tickets to the game in Oxford, but from where I am at now, it is entirely too long of a drive.--Chimes05
No, since I'm slightly older than dirt, I don't make many of the road games anymore. --bama61
Yes. Went last time and had a blast, lots of fun and all the Ole Miss folks are great hosts. Should be a good game as well.--Summer of George
Went 2 years ago but not going back this year.--TideDawg02
Note:
I received a lot of extra comments. Here are some:
Good luck on your season. I used to really enjoy the Rebs back in the days of Johnny Vaught. How can you dislike a program that produces a quarterback with a name like Eagle Day or a bruising fullback named Charlie Flowers? Both of them real players too. Good luck on your season. I used to really enjoy the Rebs back in the days of Johnny Vaught. How can you dislike a program that produces a quarterback with a name like Eagle Day or a bruising fullback named Charlie Flowers? Both of them real players too.--bama61
anyway, thanks for your interest, sorry i didn't have better things to say about your school, but i just don't. good luck with your blog, though.--tidegrad
Good luck this year....and go tell everybody that Bama is on the way back.--Elated Elephant
Good luck to you guys this year--BamaHeel
I've read your blog with opinions from other schools and enjoy it. Neat little project.--Summer of George
To join in vist:
Bama Mag
Bama OnLine

Ole Miss v. Georgia: Ole Miss fans weign in

Here is what Ole Miss fans are saying about the Georgia game:

(1)What are your predictions on our game?

Ole Miss 24 Georgia 14--yobes

I think it will be a close game, but Ole Miss will pull it out in the end. With our offensive line returning four of five starters and UGA losing 6 of their front seven (I think), we should dominate the line of scrimmage. Also, we return our entire D-Line. Anyone who thinks that Patrick Willis was the reason it was close last season must not have seen the game stats after last year. PWilly had four tackles against UGA.--tizzownes

Ole Miss, 24-21--shaunp38

Its a sandwich game for the bulldogs with them traveling to Alabama and Tennessee the week before and after. They could easily overlook a home game with the Rebels.--steriossreb

UGA 20 OM 17--KAGReb

Ole Miss 17 UGA 23--Indiana Rebel

Close but the home team wins.--KennesawReb

(From LSU fan) UGA 30, Ole Miss 16--Flyman

This is one of my upset picks for this year.--ozzy2378

(2) Are you planning to make the trip to Athens?

Yes, but Athens is only 1½ hours away for me.--yobes

yes--KAGReb

Yes, I can't wait.--Indiana Rebel

Yes, i live in GA and have friends at uga--KennesawReb

I will be at the game (one of the few I've been able to attend since graduating 5 yrs ago). I will absolutely be there, a Rebel in a sea of Bulldogs.--ozzy2378

(3) What are your overall thoughts on the GA campus and stadium?

Stadium much nicer than Auburn. Campus very nice.--yobes

I think it's a great town, campus, and stadium. Athens is like Oxford but bigger.--tizzownes

I love it, beautiful scenery and a great atmosphere--shaunp38

My favorite place to visit in the SEC...great campus and my favorite stadium I have been to.--KAGReb

Parking sucks, the campus is really nice and the stadium is difficult to get into and out of. They stick visiting fans way up in the top corner of the upper deck.--Indiana Rebel

Large but nothing to write home about. Nothing stands out as unique or different. The downtown area is great...many good nights down their with my friends. (the victory bell is a cool tradition)--KennesawReb

(From LSU fan) Never been there, but I've always heard it was pretty nice.--Flyman

UGA folks are as close to Ole Miss folks as I've found anywhere. Their fans love us and our fans, from what I hear love playing them. Very friendly game day atmosphere.--ozzy2378

(4) What do you respect about GA?

Fan loyalty. Unlike the Clemson and South Carolina perception, I have always found Georgia fans hosptiable, even when they lose.--yobes

I like everything about UGA. They're just very much like Ole Miss.--tizzownes

They have a solid football program but also excel in smaller sports, winning titles in Gymnastics, equestrian, swimming (I think), tennis and having solid baseball teams.--shaunp83

Everything...Great athletics, academics, campus, and fans. I also really like Mark Richt.--KAGReb

Their ability to party before, during and after a football game. They also have pretty good athletes.--Indiana Rebel

Great coach on and off the field. Their defense is always fun to watch.--KennesawReb

(From LSU Fan)Mark Richt, first and foremost. He seems to be a class act who's desire is to run his program with integrity. As the face of the UGA football program, I believe he represents UGA very well. On the field, UGA never seems to let up. They play with heart from beginning to end, and they generally exude confidence. Tough team that will play hard, hit hard, and make you remember that you played the Bulldogs. Never an easy game. --Flyman

I hung out in the Grove last year with a bunch of Georgia fans before our game. They were all good guys. They loved the Walk of Champions when the players came through.--ranchreb

(5) What do you dislike most about GA?

A lot of Georgia fans are arrogant. See Jeff From Atlanta to Stewart Mandel **(See below)--yobes

nothing--tizzownes

Very little that I dislike about UGA.--shaunp38

That they can't seem to beat Florida!--Indiana Rebel

The fans...I live in Ga and they are almost all the same. Before they became a contender, no one really cared, but now every car and truck has a georgia sticker or tag. They all have an attitude that no one can beat them and most of them that run their mouth can't name 3 players on the team.--KennesawReb

(From LSU fan)Went to the LSU-UGA game in 2003, and after the game I ran into more jerks in red than I could have imagined. It wasn't true of every fan, but about half of the ones I talked to were some of the sorest losers I've ever seen. Before the game, great fans all around. After the game, a bunch of pissers. Other than this, however, there's not much negativity I can say about UGA.--FlyMan

Thing I don't respect is the neverending "coach speak" from their fans about how good they will be next year or the next year or next. I'm surrounded by it here in Albany, Ga. but I do root for them harder than any other team (born and raised on UGA football.)--ozzy2378

To join in to the discussion visit:

Ole Miss Spirit

Ole Miss Rivals

**For two years you've been dodging my question. When will Georgia coach Mark Richt start to feel the heat for never making the BCS title game, let alone bringing a national title to Athens? It seems like every year the Bulldogs are overhyped and every year they load the NFL, but it never translates to the BCS Championship Game. What gives?--Jeff, Atlanta
It's not that I've been dodging it -- I just can't believe anyone would ask that with a straight face. The last time I checked, Richt has produced four 10-win seasons and two SEC titles in a six-year span. That's two more titles, by the way, than Georgia had won in the previous 20 years. Perhaps you'd prefer to go back to Jim Donnan? Or Ray Goff?
Not that Jeff represents the average Georgia fan (I hope), but I lived in Atlanta for five years, and it always baffled me just how inflated a perception people have there of that program's place in the national landscape. Keep in mind, because of my age, I didn't start following college football until about the mid-'80s, so I missed the Herschel Walker glory years. To me, Georgia was just an average, top-20 type program for most of my life. But to listen to their fans, you'd think Georgia was a USC or Notre Dame. They've won two national titles in their entire history, the last one coming 27 years ago. BYU won one more recently.
I think part of the problem is that many old-school Georgia types still view arch-rival Florida as their measuring stick. Yes, it's true, the Dawgs used to beat up on the Gators regularly in the '70s and '80s, but that changed in a big way after Spurrier took over Florida. (The Gators have won 15 of the past 17 meetings). Times have changed, and both because of Spurrier's legacy there and because it's the flagship school in the most talent-rich state in the country, Florida is now one of the elite programs nationally; Georgia is still more of a regional power. Which is not to say the Dawgs shouldn't beat the Gators from time to time or make an occasional run at the national title, but to hold Richt or any other coach to a national-title-or-bust standard is just plain ludicrous.

Ole Miss v. Georgia: GA fans weigh in

Here is what the GA fans are saying about our upcoming game:

(1)What are your predictions on our game?

I predict we win the game because Ole Miss is in a complete program rebuilding mode and we are at home.--Otto Dawg

Prediction - a)Coach O will lose his temper ar some point in the game and embarrass all those MS folks who've talked bad about coonasses their whole lives--SidetrackSilvera

I'd say we win 28-14 or so. Home field advantage is big, and while the game was competitive last year, it was during the 6 game midyear funk we went through where we couldn't seem to find an offense. Ole Miss returns some good players, including the running back with four names, and the overall talent level seems to be going up. The problem seems to be a lot of the guys coming in are transfers and JCs that are out of eligibility by the time they really get accustomed to the system.--Marietta CPA

(2) What are your strengths and weaknesses this year?

Our strength on offense IMO is our running game and our OL is our weakness. Our WR's will be better than most expect.On D we need to replace a lot of linemen and LB's, but studs are waiting to shine. someone in the stands will be wearing something made by The Northface, croakies and wallabies--Otto Dawg

We should have a good offense. Given a less experienced offensive line than last year, I think we'll probably run more gimmicks - trick plays, bombs, etc. trying to keep defenses from just loading the box and blitzing. O line will be our biggest weakness as we return only two players with significant game experience. We'll have a good secondary and interior defensive line, but have big question marks at linebacker and defensive ends. Highly recruited players, and plenty to chose from at those positions, but nobody that is really proven.--Marietta CPA

(3) What do you respect about Ole Miss?

I respect Ole Miss for their hot women and I can honestly say there isn't much too dislike Ole Miss for except that it is stuck too close to Miss. State.--Otto Dawg

We loved the entire football experience. The Grove is awesome. We love to hear "Dixie" played and the Rebel Walk was neat. UGA is a close second, but the charm of Oxford and the eating places on the square are tops. Ajax and City Grocery were very good. We loved Abbeville's fish place. I miss the Confederate flags in the stands. It was an incredible sight to see thousands of them waved. Sigh! The good ole days! I cheer for the Dawgs first, but Ole Miss is second on my list. HOTTY TODDY!--dawgsig

Love the tradition and atmosphere - seems to be a good fan base, relatively knowledgeable, into the game without being overly obnoxious.--Marietta CPA

Hottest Chicks per capita of any SEC school ...super coodl place to see a game.....fun town w/ lots of great eats.....only bad side is it's stuck in the middle of no-where with the worst roads in the country.But it in the middle of no-where might what helps make its charm so cool.--FirstDownRusty

(4) What do you dislike most about Ole Miss?

your dropping of the new mascots that was supposed to have been voted on by your fans and alumni. They were pretty funny. --DAWGNATION,UGA

No offense, but I think your coach is somewhat of a nutjob. He doesn't seem to be a good fit for the Ole Miss job. Cutcliff was a great fit and I think he got shown the door a little too quickly given his success in his early years.--Marietta CPA

To join in the discussion visit:

The DawgChat.com

Welcome to Ole Miss:Big Ten fans

This blog is in response to the series : How we are perceived. In that series I asked all 11 Big Ten universities' fans their thoughts on Ole Miss. I thank the fans who took the time to answer a few questions. I was surprised at how open Big Ten fans were to talking about Ole Miss sports. This blog is a short glimpse of the Ole Miss today.

Dear Big Ten fans:

I enjoyed reading your thoughts on Ole Miss. Many of you were knowledgeable and informed on Ole Miss and our traditions. I was a bit disappointed in some of the comments, in particular the rebel flag and racist comments. I asked for your thoughts and it seems you were honest. I hope to shed a new light on Ole Miss for you. This blog is just a short glimpse of the Ole Miss today.

All universities have their scars and black eyes. Ole Miss is definitely among them. Ole Miss today is a much different place than it was even 20 years ago. I am amazed at how much it has changed even since I was there from 1992-1995. It seems many of you have old images stuck in your head regarding Ole Miss. I hope to enlighten you on changes that have accured over the last few decades.

First let me start off by saying that Ole Miss hasn't used the Rebel Flag in over 20 years and asked the fans not to bring the flags to football games 10 years ago. They issued a "stick ban" and now confiscate any type of flag in the stadium. Regardless, the majority of Ole Miss fans have happily agreed to the change.

Our previous mascot, Col Reb, has been retired. The University in 2003 retired the Col and is in the process of updating to a new and younger mascot. We've been waiting for 4 years now. Hopefully the University will let us have a mascot once again.

Where is the name "Ole Miss" from? The Ole Miss site states :" The University's nickname -- Ole Miss -- became part of University 100 years ago, in 1896, when it was selected in a contest held to identify a new student publication, the yearbook. It was suggested by the late Miss Elma Meek of Oxford. Each succeeding issue of the annual has been given this copyrighted identity."

Is there still racism in Mississippi? Yes. However, my personal opinion is that there is no more or no less racism present than in any other place. I live in Ohio now and I can see no difference between here and Oxford. Mississippi is 36% African American, compared to 15% in IL, 11.4% in OH, 8.3% in IN, 9.9% in PA and 5.6% in WI. IOPAA Simply put, Mississippi is two times more diverse than any state where a Big 10 university is located.

Here are some facts that I found on the University of Mississippi's website:

• Total enrollment on The University of Mississippi’s three campuses and The University of Mississippi Medical Center is almost 17,300. Sixty-five percent of all students are from Mississippi, and 18 percent are minorities. International students come from 68 nations. (Northwestern only has a black student population of less than 6 percent, Michigan 8.1 percent.)--The journal of blacks in higher education


• UM produced its 24th Rhodes Scholar in 1998. Since then, it has produced five Truman Scholars, seven Goldwater Scholars, a Marshall Scholar and five Fulbright Scholars. UM was named one of three 2004 Truman Foundation Honor Institutions in the nation.


• 1,286 students have participated in the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College since it opened in 1997 and the Barksdale Honors Scholarship has provided more than $1.3 million. Reader's Digest calls the Honors College one of the nation's three finest.


• The Lombardi Program on Measuring University Performance ranks UM among the nation's Top 50 public research universities.


• External funding for research, service and education projects on the Oxford and Jackson campuses topped $100 million each of the past six years. UM is home to more than 30 research centers.


• The American Academy of Forensic Scientists ranks the UM degree in forensic chemistry among the top five in the country.


• The University's endowment stands at $421.4 million, placing it among the nation's best endowed public institutions per capita.


• The School of Business Administration's insurance risk management program is ranked among the top five in the country.


• Sports Illustrated rates tailgating in the Grove as one of America's premier college events, placing it No. 3 on a list of 100 things to do before graduating.


• UM is home to the world's largest blues archive, Living Blues magazine (the country's longest-running magazine dedicated to blues music) and "Highway 61," a blues radio show produced weekly for Mississippi Public Broadcasting.


• University of Mississippi Medical Center surgeons performed the world's first lung transplant in man and transplanted the heart of a chimpanzee - man's closest genetic relation - into the chest of a dying man.


• One of the South's first universities to admit women, and the first to hire a female faculty member.

I invite y'all to take a trip to Oxford. Oxford is one of the most unique places you will ever visit. Here is a bit about Oxford from oxfordms.com: (I also suggest taking the time to watch the video of oxford found on this website.)

• Oxford has earned the distinction as a Designated Retirement Community by the state of Mississippi’s Hometown Retirement program and was named one of Money magazine’s top six retirement communities in July 2001. Oxford has also been highlighted by Where To Retire, Fortune, Travel 50 And Beyond, Men’s Journal, Modern Maturity, Time magazine and many other national and regional publications as being an ideal retirement destination. The Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation’s Retiree Attraction Program offers information and tours for interested retirees who want to learn more about the town. Visit www.retire.oxfordms.com to contact the Retiree Attraction Program Director or for additional information on retirement in Oxford.

The most well known sports related event at Ole Miss is tailgating in the Grove. The Grove has been named in numerous sports list as one of, if not, the best tailgating in college football. Take the time to read a few articles on the Grove experience. Then come on down, you will love it. :

• At Ole Miss, the Tailgaters Never Lose--New York Times


• Road Trip: University of Mississippi--Sports Illustrated


• CNN Video from 2003 on the Grove


• The Grove Part I & Part II

I hope this information has been helpful. I do hope that you take the time to visit Ole Miss and Oxford. Better yet, ask your athletic directors to schedule us in a future game.

Sincerely,

The Hotty Toddy Blog

Ole Miss: How we are perceived IV

This is the final part of the How we are perceived Big 10 blogs. In this blog I will look at how fans from Northwestern, Purdue and Wisconsin view Ole Miss sports.



Northwestern:


Northwestern and Ole Miss have never played in football. Oxford and Evaston are separated by 634 miles. It takes 10 hours to drive from Oxford to Evaston according to google maps.



(1) What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Ole Miss?

Many things. Not many are nice.--Gladeskat

Nothing IMMEDIATELY jumps to mind, since Ole Miss isn't as high profile as Alabama (Bear Bryant), Kentucky (basketball) or Florida (Spurrier, even though he's gone). But I guess the rebel grove is first on the list. I guess the Mannings are the most famous athletes/coaches that come to mind. --CleveCat

your racist Senators--NU64

Racism. "whited sepulchres". Archie Manning.--NCCat66

Two words - Michael Oher--DurhamCat

Orgeron is a mean drunk--CoralSpringsCat

The Egg Bowl and excellent tailgating are the first things that come to mind. Overall, I view Ole Miss as having a strong football tradition and loyal fans. I've read articles on tailgating in the Grove and the Walk of Champions and it is supposed to be great atmosphere.--AstroCat

the south, didn't they play Nebraska a couple years ago?--flagonthefield

Eli Manning. If he doesn't produce more this year, then "that wasted draft pick, Eli Manning".--VAcat



(2) What are your feelings about Ole Miss?

As you ask specifically about the University of Mississippi, let me add that I see that school as no better or worse than its peers. I have heard from friends who have attended games in Oxford that the campus is very nice and the gameday atmosphere is electric. As an alum of NU however, I'd prefer to see NU schedule games with representatives of conferences that adhere to higher standards of academic ethics. The ACC, Big East, PAC 10, and Big Ten all have difficulties balancing academics and revenue-producing athletics, but at least are trying to maintain an ethical standard.I see the SEC as a big circus tent run by a modern-day P.T. Barnum who puts on a great show and asks people to ignore the suffering behind the scenes that supports it. In this case, the suckers who were born every minute are the student-athletes in the SEC programs. PS: I too love the beagles!--AgingB...rRedux

have no problem with the "rebel" name, but Ole Miss is definitely associated with bigots. Trent Lott, for example. --CleveCat

Do people there know it is not 1850 anymore?--NCCat66

vague, nither good nor bad--flagonthefield

Old South, the good and bad of it.--VACat



(3) Would you like to play us in football or basketball in the future?

No.--CleveCat & NCCat66

I would not mind playing Ole Miss in football, but I don't see it happening. In the Chicago area there is not enough fan interest to justify scheduling a non-conf game against Ole Miss.--AstroCat

Vandy is a much better fit if we wanted to play the SEC --flagonthefield

Old South, the good and bad of it.--VACat



(4)What do you think about the SEC in general?

I think that many of us, not only at NU but throughout the Big Ten, perceive SEC schools to exploit poor to marginal students in revenue- producing sports to generate alumni support and build national profiles. Our perception is that these students are kept eligible in order to serve the school's interests, but have no real chance of graduating with meaningful degrees. As alumni of a school committed to ensuring that our teams are composed of true students-athletes, we find the practices of the SEC schools reprehensible and the success of their teams tainted. This is not to say that the schools do not have many wonderful students taught by top-echelon faculty, but that large numbers of SEC athletes have no business in college other than to play sports. --AgingB...rRedrux

Although every conference is crooked, the SEC is the most crooked. Even many SEC fans admit that. --CleveCat

Vanderbilt is a good school with a pretty campus and a great BB coach (who hails from Illinois and played at Purdue).--NCCat66

I have a very high opinion of SEC football, but I just do not have the time to follow all the conferences. Mostly, I focus on the Big Ten--AstroCat

pretty tough conference in more than one way--flagonthefield

SEC is purely about athletes and money. Vandy has the only student-athletes with the exception of a few at each school.--VACat



(5) Have you ever visited Oxford on game day? If yes, what was your experience? If no, what have you heard about our gameday experience?

Yes. Lots of tailgating, the rebel grove, and the SEC tradition of co-eds attending the game in their dresses and high heels. It was fun. The "18 MPH" speed limit on campus is pretty clever, too (it's a tribute to Archie Manning).--CleveCat

No. Nothing....I admire your intestinal fortitude. Good luck with your poll. If we are in error regarding Old Miss, you might want to pass along to us facts that would contradict our impressions of your school.--NCCat66

No, but heard it's a great gameday experience.--VACat

To join in the discussion visit:

Northwestern Rivals



Purdue:

Ole Miss and Purdue have played only one time in football and it was back in 1929. Oxford and West Lafayette are 577 miles apart. The drive from one to the other will take you around 9 hours.





(1) What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Ole Miss?

The Confederate flag--ecouch

Move the Egg Bowl back to Thanksgiving evening. Use to enjoy watching it--Chicago Joe

If it is outside the Big Ten I don't really care about it.--4thandshort

Who gives a crap?--SantoForHOF

Tailgating in the Grove, arguably the best looking coeds in the country--mrbreeze

The Grove. Hotty Toddy. Ultimate, premium, formal tailgating - women in sun dresses and heels, centerpieces, candelabras with average football.--Gerarad Francisco

The "rich" kids of Mississippi. That's the way everyone treats them there.--Whiskey and Coke

(2) What are your feelings about Ole Miss?

Racists, 100 years in the past. Hot chicks though--ecouch

The fact it was called the Egg Bowl always made me giggle. It was always interesting to see the uniforms and the stadium at night. About the only time us Yankees ever got Mississippi exposure.--ecouch

I like Ole Miss. Archie played there, and he's the father of Peyton, and we love Peyton here in Indiana--Mighty Argyll

If you've ever spent any significant time in the south, you'd know that the racist label attached to the rebel flag is not entirely accurate. It's a symbol of history and carries a certain machismo association with being a rebel, but you'll find plenty of people who display the old rebel flag with no intention or thought to promote racism. Most southerners are aware of the connotation, but some reject the newly-placed stigma attached to a symbol they grew up with. Not saying true racists won't fly the rebel flag because there is certainly that too, but it's mostly just viewed in the south as their history and heritage. If you talk to southerners about the confederacy, they mostly think of it as a failed attempt for independance rather than an excuse to keep slaves as we northerners tend to see it. Until recently, people weren't taught to be offended by such symbolism.--FiveWeight

Great southern university experience, mostly middle of the road in athletics, though they have struggled in football a bit lately. The football team had a couple of really good LBs that went to the NFL in '07--mrbreeze

Beautiful campus. If I knew now then what I know now, I would have applied to Ole Miss. Attractive coeds is an understatement.--Gerard Francisco

(3) Would you like to play us in football or basketball in the future?

No - football Sure - basketball. I don't see you guys coming this far north in football.--ecouch

don't see why not, I think the Purdue faithful should have to opportunity to experience the southern hospitality, as well as the SEC football atmosphere--mrbreeze

Football--Gerard Francisco

Absolutely! Especially in football. And I would very strongly consider a road trip to Oxford for a football game.--Mighty Argyll

(4)What do you think about the SEC in general?

Best football conference in the country.--ecouch

Great football conference - speed kills.--Gerard Francisco

Perennial power conference, always one of the top 3 conferences in the nation, and lately I'd say #1 conference in the country.--Mighty Argyll

Not much general football knowledge. While most know their own team well they don't know much about the rest of the country. They also refer to the past alot...especially Alabama fans. They think the south is a football haven...when the truth is most people are just as big of die hard baseball fans....which I am really impressed with (baseball support)--Wiskey and Coke

(5) Have you ever visited Oxford on game day? If yes, what was your experience? If no, what have you heard about our gameday experience?

No and No--ecouch

Twice, both times stayed over night in Olive Branch and drove down. Once had a great breakfast at one of the two places you could actually get it on saturday morning. My wife needed handicap parking, as we drove in the officials on the street waved us thru and pointed us in the direction we needed to go. I didn't even have time to roll down my window to ask. The stadium is not so big that your seats will be bad. It was a great experience overall.--mrbreeze

Awesome. The Grove blows away any setting in the Big 10 and I have been everywhere worth seeing (sorry IU and Minny). The team walk to the stadium through The Grove through Whiskey Alley is excellent. We had our tailgate party catered. The fans were really hospitable and friendly. My crew all concluded that we should have foregone U of I, Purdue, ND, Washington, etc. and gone to Ole Miss.--Gerard Francisco

To join in the discussion visit:

Purdue Scout
Purdue Rivals

Wisconsin:


Ole Miss and Wisconsin have never met in football. Oxford and Madison are 725 miles apart. It takes 11 hours to drive between them.

(1) What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Ole Miss?

I am from the South, my grandmother lives in South Carolina. I really understand the importance that the Civil War has in southern identity and nationality. BUT ... Colonel Reb, well that is a bit much. Sorry, but that is the first thing I think about. Second is that a girl I knew in High School who was pretty hot and smart went there.--gpshealy

Eli Manning and how the team has more or less sucked since he left.--shetownbucky

I'm an older badger: James Merideth.--tennesseebadger

That it's a poor state and the song "We're Going To Miss Ole Miss" by the Chad Mitchell Trio (circa 1964?)--bdgrinmifl

The rioting when James Meridith enrolled.The second thing that comes to my mind is back in the 1970s on a flight I met the recently fired Ole Miss fooball Sports Information Director. He lost his job because Steve Sloan had been hired as Football Coach and wanted his own people hired. How long did Sloan stay at Ole Miss?--Badger1964

When I think of Ole Miss- I think of Miss and the controversy surrounding the state flag. In fact I just googled it and read a very interesting history. A vote came before the citizens of Miss to vote for the current flag or a newly designed flag w/ 20 stars in a circle-one for each state admitted before Miss and one bigger one in the middle for Miss. Personally, I thought a choice should have been for the "Magnolia Flag", the official flag over Miss that flew 33 years from 1861 to 1894- I think that flag w/ its history would have won the vote. Anyway, the current one w/ the "Stars and Bars" won out.--Badger89

Brent Schaeffer - though I'm glad you have him now, at the time I was really hoping he would be a Badger.--agrostis

I think of that kid from the Michael Lewis book (Michael Oher??). I have a passing interest in Ole Miss now as I'm curious to see what type of player he becomes.--keepitontheground

I've heard it's a great time at Oxford. A good friend of mine who went there for grad school have talked about going to a game there, I'd like to see it for myself.--SouthernBucky

Football on Saturday is just an adjunct to the Debutante's Ball. Hairdressers in Oxford are the town's elite. The real rivalry is the coiffures and designer jeans worn by the coeds at Ole Miss vs Auburn.--Combad57

A cartoon from the sports pages on the Newark Star-Ledger on New Year's Day 1960 showing charicatures of the 8 teams playing in that day's bowl game (there were only 4 NYD games at that time). John Vought's team was taking on Paul Dietzel's LSU and the "Chinese Bandits" defense. Mississippi won, 21-0. Every time I hear the University of Mississippi mentioned in a football context that cartoon flashes in my mind. --OldBadger

Old South culture. Guys in ties and girls in makeup and dresses. --crazyatthecamp

My buddy from law school who went to Ole Miss. His little brother was a kicker for Ole Miss at the time. Also, John Grisham.--shantydaze

Tie: Eli Manning and the reputation of having hot babes--NYChez

Mostly the Mannings, although now it's that wildman Orgeron.--SpudsBadger

A good program school that has potential to become a solid SEC team on the field. By hit and miss I mean one year they're 9-3 and beating teams like Florida. The next season, they could be losing to Vanderbilt. Off the field, they seem to be a clean-run program. --ngosz

First thing that comes to mind about Ole Miss is missing out on McKnight--grayslayer3

The great Archie Manning and his overrated son Elie Manning.--Sports Fan24

Rebel Flag--tippiwoo

The Grove, the flag issue(agree with sportsfan on this), hot coeds with daddys 318 BMW from HS graduation, etc.--army1

Eli Manning and Deuce McCallister--nugbadger

(2) What are your feelings about Ole Miss?

I've heard that Ole' Miss is a fun time on Saturday afternoons in the fall. As far as their atheletic programs goes, outside of Eli Manning, I consider Ole Miss to be one of the "also ran's" of the SEC. Ole' Miss has a LONG way to go in order to catch up with the LSU's, Florida's, Auburn's, Tennessee's, etc. of the world. Would I like to schedule a home & home with the Rebels? Absolultely. I'd love to bring Badger fans down to Oxford and show SEC country how we roll!--CampKohl

Truthfully, when I think of the SEC, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Vanderbilt, and LSU come to mind before Ole Miss. Not sure why, but probably due to their history and or success. (I think of Vandy because I root for them to win every conference game )--shantydaze

As far as for Ole Miss, I never thought any feelings positive or negative. I don't want to sound condescending but I believe that may be a result of Ole Miss not having a lot of sucess through the years on the grid iron or the parquet flooring.--Badger89

Good school stuck in a stellar conference--grayslayer3

One of the weaker football teams in the SEC. --Badger1964

Indifferent. Have heard good things about the university from a co-worker. I've seen their sports teams play on TV several times, and they play a hard-nosed brand of football. Great baseball team. Basketball team could use some help. --ngosz

Good talent horrible coaching, Like you more than other SEC schools--nubadger

They are a mediocre SEC team. Kind of like Minnesota. In their best years, they could perhaps contend for a title. But in their down years, they are in the bottom 2 of the conference. --SpudsBadger

Pretty indifferent. Watching the Egg Bowl (think that's it) on Thanksgiving was always fun.--agrostis

The school that proportionately produces the most Stepford wives.--Combad57

I would agree though that it is a bit of an unfair stereotype. I know that Ventress Hall is very pretty. I always think of it as a pretty good school academically.--gpshealy

May not be the best academically but I'm sure a number of successful business people have their degree from Ole Miss. --SouthernBucky

Ole Miss is one of the last remaining schools that favors conservatism in the country. It is a polar opposite of many places, especially UW.--crazyatthecamp

First, I cringe at the expression "Ole Miss". Sorry, but I find that just a bit...um, precious. I always call the school Mississippi. Second, my feelings about the place are inextricably tied to James Meredith and the events of 1962; as with the cartoon mentioned above, that happened during my high school days, an impressionable age. Those things said, I recognize that Mississippi is a different place now, and that since John Vaught's day you've been underdogs more often than not within the SEC. So I often find myself pulling for your team to win against your top conference opponents. --OldBadger

Indifferent, just one of the SEC teams that doesn't get talked about much because they are middle-of-the-pack or worse lately. And I'd have to agree with gpshealy on the Colonel Reb thing.--shetownbucky

Old Miss is a reformed institution finding its way in the new south, a symbol of the old dixie doing good things for its state and and the old cotton belt. Regarding athletics, I was surprised at the shabby treatment of David Cutcliff. You'll have a new Athletic Director and football coach someday soon.--tennesseebadger

Ho-Hum academic institution as the "main state school". Stuck in an awful recruiting position in the SEC. --bdgrinmifl

Combads post sums it up. I live in the south and attending a fball game in the south vs the midwest is a night and day experience. Pressed Khakis, Polo shirts, Daddys little girl looking for her MRS degree and the Grove are what I think about. I still dont get why ANY africal american student would play at a school that fought so hard to keep the flag. Folks can call the Civil war whatever they want but to deny the slavery issue and its link to that war is wrong. DEAD wrong--buckyfever

Like all of the deep South to an old timer like me, the mention of it brings up early and, unfortunately, indelible images of black-and-white TV and non-violent "negro" protesters being mugged by officials with fire hoses and dogs and horses and clubs and the like. I think the reason these images won't go away is because TV was a new thing at the time that had captured everybody's imagination, I was young and innocent, and I just could not believe that human beings could do something as violent and hateful to others, and that this could happen in the U.S.A. Learning about it in hisotry books in grade school was one thing, having it happen in front of my eyes was something else. In short, I suffer from inappropriate prejudices built up long ago that I should put behind me. But they seem to be reinforced a little every time I see the state flag of Mississippi and run across people like the pathetic guy from the Citadel.--billbadger

Why do black parents encourage their children to go there?--Sports Fan24

Might be able to compete with the top SEC teams about once every 10 years, but tend to be a notch below the big boys (Florida, Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, LSU)--NYChez

As for Ole Miss I've always been a fan because my grade school/junior high Catholic school back in Beloit, WI. was nickednamed the Rebels and had Colonel Rebel as a mascot. I always sought out kindred spirits. And because I love underdogs and because Ole Miss has been an underdog when it comes to SEC sports, I loved them for that too.I am fairly young so I don't live everyday like its 1963. UW has had its share ugly incidents as well (Sterling Hall anyone?) so I don't begrudge Ole Miss' past problems either and leave them in the past. Both schools are changed places since the 1960s.--BadgerRepublic

(3) Would you like to play us in football or basketball in the future?

Yes to football. Basketball, I really don't know a thing about their BB program.--gpshealy

Basketball yes and football no.--shetownbucky

yes--tennesseebadger

Yes- especially football.--crazyatthecamp

Would love to play ya in both--grayslayer3

Absolutely. I think that would be a fun series for Ole Miss to visit Wisconsin, and vice versa...no matter what sport. Like an earlier post, OM is available in '08 and '09 - get something set up!!--ngosz

Yes, especially in football where I feel we need to increase scheduling schools from other BCS schools--shantydaze

Yes easy wins in both sports.--nubadger

I would like to see Wisconsin play Ole Miss in the future. However I would expect to hear the usual chorus that Wisconsin is playing a weak team from the SEC--Badger1964

Hell yes. Your coach is a recruiting expert, not a football expert. I've seen him more in Rivals magazines than big football games. Last year was a disaster.--agrostis

I wouldn't put Mississippi at the top of my list of potential opponents in either sport; I wish we'd play more often in the Mid-Atlantic area, since I live in Virginia. (Of course, those who live closer to Oxford may have a different view, lol.) However, any football game involving the Big Ten vs. SEC is a major event in my book (see below), so this would be an interesting, if unlikely, matchup.--OldBadger

Ole Miss would be a great SEC team to play, since I believe they will always have recruiting problems and less that stellar personnel. (two SEC schools drawing from a small population base, with less that average football tradition, and all the SEC and Texas school lurking around to steal your best athletes.)--bdgrinmifl

They are getting dangerous in basketball as is the whole SEC, thanks to an influx of Yankee coaches. Love to play 'em in both sports. It'd be Falconer vs Ambrose.--Combad57

Yes, that would certainly give me a reason to go there and check it out.--SouthernBucky

Yes and Yes- to play both teams in football and b-ball, why not, I still view Ole Miss as a pretty solid team.--Badger89

Considering Wisconsin's usual less than stellar NC opposition, I'd welcome playing Mississippi in football. In basketball we play a relatively strong NC schedule, but I certainly wouldn't mind a game. (But isn't Mississippi State the strong basketball school?)Only two SEC schools, Tennessee and Arkansas, play an adventurous NC football slate. I understand UT won't play a B10 school because of the chance of playing again in the Outback or CapOne on January 1. Maybe Arkansas would schedule a Big Ten team.--BigAppleBucky

Absolutely we'd like to play you. I'd have to believe that a few thousand Wisconsin fans would make the trip to Oxford.--NYChez

In a recent thread, I posted some possible opponents for our open dates in 08 & 09 and Ole Miss was one of the 5 or so BCS conference teams available. Our schedules need some upgrading, so if you have the Ole Miss AD's ear, Hotty Toddy, tell him to give Barry a call. Otherwise we'll probably end up with 1-AA teams.--SpudsBagder

I would play Ole Miss in football and basketball in a heartbeat. I've never been to Oxford but I hear a lot of good writers come from there and that gamedays there are special just like in Madison..It should be pointed out that many African-Americans who live in Wisconsin originally come from Mississippi, so our states share a connection.--BadgerRepublic

No, nothing to gain.--Sports Fan24

(4)What do you think about the SEC in general?

Good teams on the field.--gpshealy

Great teams but fans are too arrogant, close-minded (read think SEC is unbeatable, too fast, etc), and will always say their team lost the game rather than the opposing team won it.--shetownbucky

The SEC plays good football but no better than some other conferences. However its acadmeic standards are reputed to be lower than those other strong conference.--Badger1964

By far the craziest fans in the country. I think it's funny how schools trash others within the conference, but then stand up for them when it's bowl season or NCAA Tournament time. --ngosz

SEC is the best football conference in the country. Fans need to pressure their legislatures (Florida excluded) to fund academics more seriously. Tennessee and Old Miss are not regardeded the same way as Visrginia, North Carolina, or Wisconsin.--tennesseebadger

Horrible academics, Cocky Players, fast defensive lineman.--nubadger

Best football conference. Bottom dwellers still suck. Middle tier teams are stronger than other conferences most every year.--agrostis

like the SEC but the SURE EVERYONE CHEATS seems to be an acceptable mindset amongst fans. Tenn had what, 8% grad rates in the 2001 season and IMO, no one cares. I think the average alumn could care less and sees most of these kids as rentals/expendableBest conference year in and out but I think the b10 is as good year in and out. Wis is 2-2 in its last 4 games with AUx2, ark, uga) and 3 were VERY close and could have gone either way.B10 has a few bottom feeders but so does the SEC(vandy, miss state, Ole miss etc).--army1

The SEC is a great, intense football conference with many of the best programs in the country.--crazyatthecamp

SEC football is king right now, but that changes from year to year. They are always vying for the crown though.--SpudsBadger

I think of the SEC as the Big Ten's major off-field rival. By that I mean that we rarely see schools from those conferences playing each other during the regular season (the recent Indiana-Kentucky series was an exception, more an extension of basketball rather than football rivalry), but off the field the two conferences have the most clout. They have been 1-2 in attendance for decades; since Div. I-A was formed the Big Ten led all conferences from 1978-87, the SEC 1988-92, Big Ten 1993-97, SEC 1998-2006. In recent years both have averaged more than 70,000 per home game; no other conference has averaged 60,000. And those numbers are backed up by TV viewership, so that contracts with these two conferences are the most lucrative.On the field, the SEC has been better taking account of top to bottom quality of play. Teams such as Indiana have pulled down the Big Ten's overall strength. But it's been much more even among the top teams, especially as the Big Ten has gotten out of the "Big Two-Little Eight" era of the 1970s-80s. The annual bowl matchups between the two leagues are a highlight because of the paucity of in-season play. And in this decade, the record in those bowl games is even: Big Ten 11 wins, SEC 10. So, overall, I view the SEC as the top league in overall strength, and the main rival to the Big Ten.--OldBadger

Great athletics, not so good academics with Vandy being the exception to the rule.--Shantydaze

I think the SEC is the top football conference, even with our 3-1 bowl record. Probably not by much, and certainly not as much as their fans would believe, but I think it's the best. I think they have the best talent, particularly in the top 60% of the teams, but I think they're coaches are overrated.--bdgrinmifl

I think the SEC is a great football conference, and I would like to see more games scheduled with the Big 10 and Wisconsin. I think it would make the Big 10 a better conference.--billbadger

The SEC is always tough but the lovefest from the media and how it's the be-all, end-all of college football gets a bit much for me to bear.--SouthernBucky

SEC, very strong conference, probably #1 the last couple years but I always believe the Big 10 is right up there and sometimes #1 too. I believe SEC often gets the nod cuz they are so strong not just up top, but very balanced and solid toward the bottom too. Although I think the same for the Big-10 too and I think we prove it overall in bowl games. --Badger89

The SEC is probably the best athletic conference in the country.--Combad57

Best football conference, but not by as great a margin as SEC fans seem to think (# of NFL draft picks for SEC and Big Ten are about the same most years, plus SEC teams never play cold-weather games in Big Ten country).--NYChez

Great conference, but overhyped (not overrated).--Sports Fan24

(5) Have you ever visited Oxford on game day? If yes, what was your experience? If no, what have you heard about our gameday experience?

No, and haven't heard much about any of the gameday experience in SEC land except for people showing up on Wednesdays and Thursdays in their RVs and the people that go to the games in formal wear. I don't know if that applies to Ole Miss or not.--shetownbucky

No. Looks like a good time from the bits I've seen on TV.--SpudsBadger

Never been to or heard about Oxford--grayslayer3

Oxford is home to some great writers too--army1

I have not visited but want to some day. I understand it is much more laid back and personable than at UT.--tennesseebadger

Never heard much about Oxford Football Saturdays, but as a small town, I bet it's wild and fun.--bdgrinmifl

Been there but not on game day. The city didn't do much for me.--Sports Fan24

Have not visited Oxford. And I'd be interested if UW did play at Ole Miss.--ngosz

No have not been there, but sounds fun and would be cool to visit someday.--Badger89

Nope. But I would probably make the trip.--Combad57

I spent three months or so in Mississippi in the summer of 1969. Alas, it was mostly in Biloxi, where the highlight was a surprise visit from Camille and her 200 mph winds. I never got as far north as Oxford. I have read about the gameday there, which sounds like an unusual experience. I would think that a home-and-home series could provide culture shock to fans of both schools, lol.--OldBadger

No. I have heard there are a lot of incredible hotties present.--BobUW68

Yes. The Grove is the BEST tailgating experience I have witnessed anywhere. The women were all beautiful (albeit somewhat snooty) and the experience overall was pretty good. Every college football fan should tailgate in the Grove once in their lifetime. Also memorable was Barbara Bush giving the pregame address and hotty toddy!--crazyatthecamp

No, but being a college football fan, I would love to.--shantydaze

Have not visited, but heard it's the best gameday atmosphere in the SEC.--NYChez

To join in the discussion visit:

Wisconsin Scout

Wisconsin Rivals

Ole Miss: How we are perceived III

Part III of the series: How we are perceived. In this blog I will post comments from Ohio State, Minnesota & Penn State fans. Below each section there will be a link to the message board(s) to discuss further.

Ohio State

Ole Miss and Ohio State have never met on the football field. Oxford and Columbus are 665 miles apart. According to google maps it is a 10.5 hour drive.

(1) What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Ole Miss?

land of QB transfers (Tennessee, Texas)--DoubleE

I think of the movie Mississippi Buring and good ol' boys who aint takin to kind to dem colored folk (not that the Midwest is much better)--mattatech

The Mannings--24springs

Beautiful campus, beautiful women, cool town.--GOBUCKS07

Beautiful women with awesome southern belle accents and William Faulkner--DaveyBoy

Confederate battle flag--kodok

Archie Manning and his boy--GoBucks187TTUN

The Rebels nickname comes to mind most for me. For some reason it never had a racially negative connotation to me even though I think the Confederate flag does.--gleszekod

Michael Oher (Just read the book about his recruitment to Ole Miss).--ysubuck

The beautiful women, bar none they are top notch.--sm00r

What comes to mind about Mississippi is the brutality and hangings of blacks circa 30s/40s/50 etc.to me the whole south sucks canal water.--poecozynook

Eli Manning and the LB you had last year..he was the best LB in the country and deserved the Lombardi over our guy.--naplesbuckeye2002

Growing up in the north, watching college football on Saturday afternoon and being amazed at the cheerleaders and other beautiful ladies in Oxford!--Atlabuck

The Chucky Mullins tragedy - one of the few things I know.--mwcturf

(2) What are your feelings about Ole Miss?

below average football team--DoubleE

No feelings, other then I think their football teams needs to cheat more in order to receive proper SEC affiliation--mattatech

I presented research at a regional History Conference there in 2001. I enjoyed the campus very much, thought the people were hospitable, and I had a good experience there overall. (my Father-In-Law played basketball there in the 60's). --GOBUCKS07

I live in Alabama and have had the pleasure of going to visit Mississippi State for a ball game. The stadium was almost a mirror image of Indiana's. Not really a bad seat in the house. Small town atmosphere...refreshing for a change. MSU cheese is delicious...they are a AG school. I know alot more about the Bulldogs than I do Ole' Miss. I know the Egg Bowl is huge for you guys. I know you have a solid tradition. Archie and Eli Manning always come to mind. I have seen pictures of Oxford and the campus is awesome. I know Mississippi H.S. football plays Bama in an all-star game just like oHIO DOES WITH pa...YOU GUYS USUALLY HOLD YOUR OWN. Ole Miss is usually a team that is liked and respected and isn't considered villainous unless your a bulldog fan. --devildogbuckeye

I tend to like Ole Miss better than Mississippi State--24springs

Growing up in the north - only heard about racial issues.--mwcuturf

Having visited the state many times and always rooting for the underdogs, I like Ole Miss!--Atlabuck

I actually like them and hope they have a solid season from time to time.--OSUdawg10

very nice campus situated near but not in Memphis with good academics and a very "preppy" student body--DaveyBoy

Don't have any feelings about Ole Miss..Would like them to be competitive in the SEC...Hiring Coach O was a good step. Tough to keep kids in your state from Auburn, Alabama, LSU and other SEC schools.--naplesbuckeye2002

Ole Miss seems like a second tier team in the SEC in football. I usually root for them over the top dogs. --gleszekod

Small venue. Would like to see them more competative.--GoBucks187TTUN

have heard of the "Grove" and the tailgating first hand from an Ole Miss grad. (close friend) The women aren't to shabby either. I thought your program was headed in the right direction then you fire the coach as soon as Manning left. I liked David Cutcliff, appeared to be a class act and he has one losing season and they dump him.Cutcliff went 44-29 with a +60% winning percentage in that conference is a job well done in my opinion. Good luck with Big Ed O at the helm! I also am aware that Ole Miss has not won a conference championship since 1963 ... that's a lot of suffering. Good luck in '07. I miss Colonel Reb!--texbuck

took them about 140 years to realize they had lost the Civil War--kodok

I don't know that much about Ole Miss, but from what I can tell they seem to have a good fanbase and are usually around the middle of the SEC standings.--UAGoldenBuckeye

(3) Would you like to play us in football or basketball in the future?

I'd like Ohio State to play Ole Miss in football--ysubuck

yes in a 2 for 1 deal (2 in Cbus)--DoubleE

Yes, I would love a good home and home with you guys.--GOBUCKS07

Sure. I wouldn't mind any SEC team in a home and home series. No offense, but you your conference(minus Tennessee) seems afraid to travel outside the South.--OSUdawg10

If i was AD at tOSU i would play you, and I would hope we get to visit Oxford too.--mattatech

Not really - would rather play about 8 other SEC teams first.--DA-Bucks

I would welcome a football series with Ole Miss. I wouldn't want the Rebels to replace a Texas or USC, but I'd favor them over playing yet another team from Ohio. I wish we'd only play one Ohio team a year --24springs

I would love playing Ole Miss. They are a really sucky team yet you get credit for beating a team from the SEC powerhouse conference.Ole Miss has lost seven or more games for each of the past three seasons....including two losses to Wyoming.A great situation for some team like WVU to schedule a sucky team and than beat their chest about playing and beating an SEC team. --Roady

Indifferent about football, but would like to see a game vs. Andy Kennedy and the basketball team.--sm00r

I would like to play as many SEC teams as we could as our record agains the SEC is lackluster...Would like to get South Carolina and Florida 1st to finish business.--naplesbuckeye2002

I liked when we played NC St. a few years back. I can't see them being the marquee OOC game, but I would certainly like to play Ole Miss more than BG. --gleszekod

I don't really see the point. Ole Miss isn't really on par with a program like Ohio State. I would enjoy a possible trip to Oxford. I have family in Biloxi.--GoBucks187TTUN

football = yes....but only in Columbus as Vaught-Hemingway is just too small--DaveyBoy

Why not? Easy wins against BCS teams are more respectable than easy wins over Div II teams.--kodok

I think it would be an interesting match up and would enjoy it!--Atlabuck

I think it may be good, but highly unlikely. I do remember we played in Basketball a few years back at that Holiday Shootout in Puerto Rico. --UAGoldenBuckeye

(4)What do you think about the SEC in general?

vastly overrated--DoubleE

Good football conference. Usually competative with the rest. Kentucky basketball has a big following in the Dayton area.--GoBucks187TTUN

The SEC is the strongest conference in college football, but I question a lot of their recruiting strategies (see the Michael Oher recruitment above).--ysubuck

I'm temporarily stuck in psuedo-SEC country (Lexington, KY), so what was once a degree of respect, has quickly turned into a source of contention between my friends and I. It's mostly friendly banter, but I can't help believe in the "overated" label. That, in my opinion, however, makes college ball so great!--GoBucks07

IF the SEC lost the championship game this year (2007) then the media would not be sucking the knob off the conference. The SEC is the most dedicated, as evidence by their cheating, but hardly better then any other top conference. I have plenty of data if you can to argue it.--mattatech

I like the SEC but to say that it is so far better than other conferences is a stretch. They have had some good years with Auburn and LSU getting back into the limelight and with Florida and the occasional Georgia run here and there. Everything is cyclical..the balance will swing to the Big Tweleve or Big Ten again at some point. Historically this has happened and we can not deny the past.--naplesbuckeye2002

In general, football is religion in the south and a Saturday place of worship. As far as teams go I follow Tennessee--sm00r

think they're a solid conference with a ton of tradition. I get tired of the inflated reputation from ESPN and their fans. If they actually travelled north or west for a quality game I'd have more respect for them.--OSUdawg10

Love the rabid fan bases, and the talent is top notch--24springs

the SEC is an outstanding conference athletically....but very mediocre academically....outstanding fan support....demographic swings have been on the side of for 30 years as the Southeast has been exploding--DaveyBoy

Great football conference. Though not as great as SEC fans think. But I don't really respect the academic prowess of graduates of most of the SEC schools.--kodok

The SEC is a great football conference. Tend to think a little highly of themselves but I love their passion for college football. Can't look around a lot of the scandels though.--UAGoldenBuckeye

The SEC is strong, but gets talked about too much. Not much is made when the conference doesn't have a good year (06), but when they do have a good year, it is made out to be like it happens every year.--gleszekod

(5) Have you ever visited Oxford on game day? If yes, what was your experience? If no, what have you heard about our gameday experience?

no, havnt herd a thing about gameday in oxford--DoubleE

have never went to Oxford but would love to. I heard about the a portion of gameday that the football team walks through and it resembles a miny parade.--mattatech

Never been, though I hear the scenery is something else.....--24springs

yes....beautiful Saturday experience...I still could never bring myself to wear a blazer and a tie to a football game--DaveyBoy

I have not been to an Ole Miss game but I have heard The Grove is a fantastic tailgate spot. Families have been going to the same spot on gameday for generations, sounds like a very neat tradition. --UAGoldenBuckeye

I have never been to Oxford. I have heard nothing about their gameday experience.--GoBucks187TTUN

I recently heard the gameday experience in Oxford is outstanding.--gleszekod

No I haven't. Sorry to say, I haven't talked to anyone that's been to Oxford.--OSUdawg10

I witnessed Spring Practice once while I was there. I was impressed with the enthusiasm, and maintain a good level of respect for Ole Miss program. (Most folks there were absolutely crazy about Deuce McAllister at the time... good stuff). --GOBUCKS07

No, but I would want to see the women. Did I mentione they were beautiful?--sm00r

No but I dated a girl that went there. She told me about the Grove and the walk the players do to the stadium. I think every school has some type of walk. I know about the Fraternities dressing up and kissing the girls when they score. Kinda cool.--naplesbuckeye2002

I've been to Oxford, but not on gameday but have friends that went there and have told me about it. Yours is a trowback to the 50s & 60s and would greatly enjoy experiencing a game day there!--Atlabuck

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Penn State

Penn State and Ole Miss haven't played in basketball or football recently. Oxford is 1,008 miles from State College, PA. According to google maps it is a 16 hour drive between the two universities.

(1) What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Ole Miss?

Love the unis. Hot cheerleaders.--mhentz

Southern Belles and Faulkner--SgtCarter

Racism--GuavaLion & 70sixers

Hot coeds, tailgating at the Grove--VaNtyLion

Racism, Archie Manning, Hot Babes--WoodPeker

The Mannings. The Grove. James Meredith. --NitneLiun

The Grove, hot cheerleaders, the Rebel flag--NewEnglandLion

That rebel mascot and Archie Manning/Eli as well--Nashville Lion

Red, White and Blue Uni's. Manning Southern Football--nittanyjoe

With the confederate flag waving all over the place, it's hard not to think of the hundreds of years of racism and predudice. --JoeHomsey

Eli Manning (I'm a Giants fan)--Viennalion

Colonel Reb, the red, white, and blue uniforms that I really like, Coach O's Hummer commercial.--michnittlion

Rebel Flag, Archie Manning, blonde southern belles with bouffant hairdos--psuro

Fine looking women, then William Faulkner, and then fine looking women.--Cosmos

Billy Brewer (didn't think you'd hear that on a PSU board, didja?)--Tulane

The Grove and Southern Bells--Brian LB-U

(2) What are your feelings about Ole Miss?

I wonder why they've never been able to build a successful football program. You'd think they could put together a winning season at least once in a while--mhentz

Tradition. Didn't they have the Stars&Bars on their helmet years ago? Arche Manning may have been their greatest player ever.--SgtCarter

I have no idea why black kids would go there.--70sixers

Pretty much indifferent...don't dislike or really like. I would much rather see them win than most of the rest of the SEC especially against Auburn, Florida, TN--Nashville Lion

They seem to be living in another century. The fans especially seem stuck in the antebellum South. It looks pretty at first, but as soon as you begin to know what it all represents, it creates a strong resentment.--JoeHomsey

Really don't have a lot of feelings one way or the other except I pull for 'em every time they play Mississippi State.--Brian LB-U

Nuetral as far as SEC schools go (and that's good).--Cosmos

Generally think of them as a bottom tier SEC school who might pull off an upset from time to time, but never seems to be in the hunt for a championship (basketball or football).--Viennalion

I love the rebel flag, colors, mascot. I wish they had more success.--LineMountain

Ole Miss -- great campus, great coeds, great alumni, average academics.--Tulane

None. Except get rid of the Rebel Flag.--psuro

Once upon a time a dominant program in the SEC but still have the ability to contend every couple of years. Still don't understand why Cutcliffe was let go. I have nothing against their desire to display the Confederate flag.--NewEnglandLion

I have seen two Ole Miss games live ... the inauguaral Motor City Bowl back at the Silverdome vs. Marshall and one in Oxford vs Memphis in 2002. Not a good impression. Waving the confederate flag and actually celebrating that made your fans seem to be stuck in the 19th Century. For all the talk about states rights and fighting Yankee opression, the old CSA sought to protect a dehuamnizing racist culture and people are right for being resentful at its celebration.--michnittlion

Tell your admin to bring back Colonel Reb --Dog of Sam

(3) Would you like to play us in football or basketball in the future?

nope. Nothing personal, mind you.--mhentz

Best conference top to bottom, but not because of "southern speed". Most years, the best 3 or 4 teams in the SEC are no better than most other conferences, and the bowl results prove it.--VaNtyLion

Need to play in football. Start pressuring your AD.--Cosmos

Sure, why not...would be fun to do a one (home) and one (away) with Ole Miss--Nashville Lion

Absolutely. I'm sure Ole Miss fans would love tailgating at PSU and PSU fans would love tailgating at Ole Miss. I guess hoops would be fine too. Wouldn't really be a headliner though.--NewEnglandLion

Hoops-psuro

Football -- would love it--Tulane

Football sure. BB-Ole Miss is better but would still play them.--SgtCarter

Sure, no offense, but if we play an SEC team home-and-home, I'd prefer a strong opponent. Not that Ole Miss couldn't become one, but they aren't there now. On a side note, it's very tough for Ole Miss to rise to the very top tier of the SEC, but Cutliffe really had them close. Firing him one year after Ole Miss was 1 play (against LSU) away from going 8-0(!!!) in the SEC is arguably the dumbest fire a school has made in recent history.--michnittlion

Would like to play you guys in football. The SEC fans and media hype talk a lot about SEC superiority, BUT as far as I can see, Ole Miss is at the bottom of a two tier conference.--JoeHomsey

FB: Yes, but it won't happen. You guys will never come north to play a ranked opponent. I'm surprised you even went as far north as Mizzou last year. BB: Sure, why not?--NitneLiun

Sure always enjoy playing teams we have never played or don't play regularly, especially from areas we don't have much exposure--Viennalion

(4)What do you think about the SEC in general?

No doubt it's a tough league to play in but it's nowhere near as dominating as SEC fans like to believe. Great fanbases and gameday atmospheres, BTW. It's a shame how it's almost impossible to get SEC teams to play outside the southeast region. We play Alabama from time to time and they'll be back on PSU's schedule in a few years, but nobody else in the SEC will even return our calls. We've had series's with Tenn and Kentucky but those were ages ago. We'd love to play Tennessee again, Fla, LSU, Auburn, UGA, etc. It'd be great for college football if the SEC ventured to play north of the Mason Dixon line from time to time.--mhentz

Great conference, but get tired of hearing about southern speed. SEC schools won't get my full respect until they start traveling north for out of conference games.--NitneLiun

Like it and respect the conference from an athletic standpoint.--Brian LB-U

The top conference more often than not but their hype machine would have us think they have the best conference every year without exception which is untrue.--SgtCarter

SEC - very good conference, but as another poster said, SEC fans are a little overconfident--Tulane

The SEC represents everything that's wrong with college football.--Cosmos

Tough conference year in and year out in football and have some of the best gameday venues in the nation.--NewEnglandLion

Loved our series with Bama. SEC fans are rabid - After the Florida route of OSU, I think everyone is going to forget that we beat Tennessee and Wisky beat Auburn in bowl games. --nittanyjoe

Cheat. And can't tackle PSU running backs.--psuro

See (2). Grove and the player walk are great traditions. Dressing up for a football game seems bizarre. Mississippi as a whole: just a completely different world from what I've known growing up and living in the North, and one I'm not very comfortable with.--michnittlion

Very strong sports teams, but question whether everything recruiting-wise (and otherwise) is above the table. Although priorities seem to be out of whack all over college sports, the SEC seems to be the poster child for this epidemic.--Viennalion

The SEC, in football, is overated. That comes about because of a firm belief of their own fans, and a propaganda oriented media network that has infiltrated the national sports media. The fact are this. SEC teams refuse to go outside their geographic area in OCC games. Troy St, Southern Mississippi and the Sun Belt teams should not even count toward the win/loss record. When SEC teams begin playing OSU, Michigan, Penn State, Wisconsin, Southern Cal in OCC games and do so on a regular basis, then the SEC fans can talk. --JoeHomsey

I think the Big Ten and SEC are the two strongest football conferences. I get a little tired of the elitist attitude from SEC fans...the whole thought that they think they have so much more tradition than other conferences. I also get tired of the whole "we have more speed in the south" crap.--Nashville Lion

(5) Have you ever visited Oxford on game day? If yes, what was your experience? If no, what have you heard about our gameday experience?

Nope.....Honestly? nothing.--mhentz

I'd love to visit Oxford for a football weekend, but haven't gotten the chance.--VaNtyLion

No, I've heard that it is a great gameday experience (The Grove, player walk, hot women everywhere)--Woodpecker

I haven't been there but know many who have. They have all said what a great experience it was, especially the Grove and hot, promiscuous women.--NitneLiun

Never been but would like to see it!--Cosmos

I have partied in the Grove more than 10 times (grew up in Jackson...only Penn Stater in a 500 mile radius, no doubt).--Tulane

Never have but based on what I've heard I would like to. I've heard the stories about the Grove, the Southern belles, I'm guessing it would be a very memorable experience. My first trip to a SEC stadium will be Bama when we play them in '10 but Ole Miss would be one of the next one's I'd like to visit.--NewEnglandLion

Never went there...and doubtful I ever will. Atlanta was bad(I lived there for 6 years). Oxford and Mississippi in general remind me of the worst of American History.--JoeHomsey

Never been to Mississippi.--Viennalion

Hell No. Too many stories of racism!--70sixers

No, but I hear the Grove is one of the great institutions in all of CFB.--Brian LB-U

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Minnesota

Recently we played Minnesota at Minnesota in baseball. Other than that we haven't had much contact. Oxford to Minneapolis is 912 miles. Google maps says it takes 14.5 hours to drive between the two.

(1) What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Ole Miss?

Eli Manning--101stGopher

The Grove--soneillumn

The Confederate flag/ Confederate general and negative stereotypes that come with it. It may be small of me, but it's a little hard for me to overlook. Take that from someone who has relatives from Mississippi( Clarksdale, etc.), and ones who have attended Ole Miss. Was that always your mascot, or did it come later? Just curious.--STPGopherfan

Isn't that where they red-shirt Ms. America's ? Hot co-eds.--norman dale

(2) What are your feelings about Ole Miss?

I really don't have any. Ole Miss is a bottom-rung SEC team. Sort of the SEC equivalent of Indiana... Every once in awhile they have a decent season, but they can't sustain anything...--101stGopher

Very similar to Minnesota--both have gone a long time without a conference championship. They've had good teams but have not gone to the next level.--soneillum

Neutral. I don't really get to watch Ole Miss much to form an opinion. I see much more of Southern Miss(thanks to ESPN).--STPGopherfan

A school steeped in tradition's of the Old South.--norman dale

Never been there. Wouldnt mind playing you. May make a nice late Oct. trip. Mississippi high school ball may well be as good as any from coast to coast.--bob-39

(3) Would you like to play us in football or basketball in the future?

Not really since a win doesn't mean a lot but the risk of losing is high enough that it is a lose/lose for us.--101stGopher

Yes, both. Looking forward to improving the N/C schedule.--sonellium

It would be interesting to play you in both.--STPGopherfan

Would love a home and home in football --norman dale

(4)What do you think about the SEC in general?

Great football conference--101stGopher

Surely Everyone's Cheating. Seriously, though, the best conference in the country--soneillum

Overall I think the SEC is a strong athletic conference. Most partial to Alabama though. I had a coach who played there that I liked and respected.--STPgopherfan

Great athletics. Average academics.--norman dale

(5) Have you ever visited Oxford on game day? If yes, what was your experience? If no, what have you heard about our gameday experience?

Never been. I did go to the egg-bowl one year on Thanksgiving but it was at MSU. I heard that gameday is crazy there--101stGopher

No, I've heard it is among the best (at least tailgating-wise).--soneillumn

No. Not much. I've heard much more about games in Tuscaloosa(sp?) Knoxville, Gainesville, Athens, and Fayetteville.--STPgopherfan

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