I’m not a Mississippi State or Ole Miss grad, but I’m thrilled that Mississippians are #1 and #3 in a poll that doesn’t involve something bad like obesity, diabetes, heart disease or ear mites. Yup, two of our schools are atop the College Football world. And we’re playing with and beating the big boys.
It has been a big win even off the field. The recent publicity has shown people around the country that we aren’t a bunch of cross-burning, knuckle-dragging, illiterate losers. (Well a couple of us are, but that’s everywhere.) They’re meeting many of our colorful and talented residents. College GameDay has been here so often they qualify for in-state tuition. You can’t buy publicity like that. But you want to know what I really love?
Mississippi State and Ole Miss are proving that you don’t have to be the richest or biggest to succeed.
They’re showing that talent and hard work do matter. Mississippi has deep, rich fertile soil when it comes to potential. What we sometimes lack is believe we can do amazing things. Congratulations to Coach Dan Mullen and Hugh Freeze for creating that belief. Success begins between the ears.
Now I hope it spreads to beyond sports. I crave being #1 in polls like “Education,” “Health,” “Jobs,” and “Wealth,” too. Because winning is like bacon — it makes everything better.
I know, it sounds like a dream. But where were Mississippi State and Ole Miss just a few short years ago? Anything is possible in football and life. You just have to believe.
I am a Mississippian born and raised in Starkville, who attended both Mississippi State and Ole Miss who happens to be living and working in Tuscaloosa, AL. I love your cartoon sketches. I joke my co-workers with them. You’re awesome!!!!