I’m a lifelong fan of the Ole Miss Rebels. I’ve cheered them on during the good years, the bad years, and even the ugly years. I’m definitely not a fair-weather fan, as no true Ole Miss fan can be, and I’m sure my Mississippi State fans can relate.
During my years at Ole Miss, the Rebels were on athletic probation. We weren’t a top 25 team, as we lost more than we won. Tailgating in the Grove and going to ballgames were fun, nonetheless, win or lose. There were no bowl berths those lean years, but it didn’t matter. Football at Ole Miss was fun times! In fact, my favorite memories from college revolved around football weekends.
Over the years, college football has evolved. It is now a training ground for professional football. It has become so commercialized with its big marketing campaigns, television contracts, and corporate-like conference management.
At Ole Miss, football became big business. When I was a student there a few years ago – please hold your sarcastic remarks – we would cop-a-squat in the Grove, throw up a folding table, and settle in for hours. These days, Grove real estate is a hot commodity, with companies staking claim to areas, red and blue garbage cans flagging reserved spots. And the crowds? There are at least 10 times the number of fans packed in the Grove each week of the football season (uh, except this one, of course).
These days, I enjoy watching my Rebels in the comfort of my own home with a few friends. There is no heat to bear, traffic, or the mile-long walk from the car to the Grove. There is my Mississippi-State-alum husband, who without a doubt is rooting for whatever team Ole Miss is playing that week. I don’t get too ruffled by it, after all, the Bulldogs have their own battle each week. Can we say, Karma, party of one? Kidding!
As a Mississippi girl, I cheer on the Bulldogs every week but one during the football season. Egg Bowl week. For the past 10 years, Mississippi State has dominated that annual meeting, and my sweet husband and I make it a point never to watch the game together. Let’s just say, he isn’t his best self during this particular game – win or lose.
Last year, with the whole leg-hiking spectacle, it was hard not to be disappointed in my Rebels. I’m okay with losing, but I’m not okay with losing than torching the dumpster in your wake. Let’s keep it classy, boys. Every player on that field is representing the state of Mississippi in front of the rest of the nation.
The rivalry between Ole Miss and Mississippi State has most definitely gotten nastier over the years. I don’t remember it as much during my time at Ole Miss, of course, we weren’t contenders by no means. The name calling, taunting, and basic ugliness is just not for me. I love my Rebels, but I love my friends and family more.
This year, both Ole Miss and Mississippi State both have new larger-than-life coaches. Both teams have learned new offenses, and both have struggled in some way or another. Ole Miss has plenty of struggles on defense, and Mississippi State has had struggles on offense.
The other night, Keith and I were discussing the possibilities of the game, and I predicted it would be the highest scoring Egg Bowl ever. It very well could be!
Currently, Ole Miss has a 3-4 record for the year, but I have to say, even those games we didn’t win – except Arkansas, that was just ugly – I’ve enjoyed watching until the end. This year’s team has made football fun for the fans again. And I didn’t realize how much I’ve missed it.
I expect the Egg Bowl to be no different.
So as we go through rivalry week in Mississippi, remember to be kind. And for my sweet, understanding neighbors – allow me to apologize in advance. That hollering is just the Fergusons watching the game in different rooms of the house.
