Brad Logan

2009-07-27T18:42:00.000-07:00

2009-07-01T21:33:00.000-07:00

Spring Preview 2009

SEC Spring Football Previews

By Pete Fiutak

East

Florida Spring Practice Begins: March 25 Game: April 18

The early spring buzz ...

If nothing else, the defending national champion is getting annoyed by Lane Kiffin and Tennessee. The cheating accusations and innuendos have been the biggest issue around the Gator program, but none of that really matters going into this season. The recruiting season also turned out to be a bit rougher than expected, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The team is so loaded, so young, and so stocked that there aren’t many places for newcomers to be able to step in and shine right away.
The big spring question is ... Is the team going to get cocky or complacent? Any thoughts of that all but ended when Tim Tebow and Brandon Spikes chose to come back for another year. By all accounts, the players are just as focused this off-season as they were last season on it. The key will be to maintain the focus throughout the season. Last year the schedule was among the best in the country. This year … not so much. There’s a nasty showdown at LSU, and the Georgia game is always interesting, but the Gators will be double-digit favorites against everyone else.
The most important position to watch is ... Offensive tackle. It’s Florida. The receiver situation will turn out to be fine even after losing Percy Harvin and Louis Murphy. The biggest issue is on the offensive line, with things possibly so sketchy that Matt Patchan, a defensive lineman who started out on the offensive side, will have to move back. Tackle is a problem after losing Phil Trautwein and Jason Watkins, and things got even worse when spot starter Carl Johnson, who was penciled in to start at left tackle, got arrested after violating a restraining order.
Spring attitude... Win the national title or the season will be a failure. When you’ve had the career Tebow has had, and when you’ve won the national championship in two of the last three years, there’s only one way to define a season. Of course, winning the SEC title is step one, and that’s never a bad goal to shoot for, but with everyone back on defense, and that means everyone, including all the backups, and with Tebow back, anything less than a BCS championship for what will be the preseason No. 1 team would be aiming too low.

Georgia Spring Practice Begins: March 16 Game: April 11

The early spring buzz ...

Is anyone able to play? It’s not quite fair to Florida, Georgia Tech, and Alabama to suggest that Georgia would’ve lived up to its preseason No. 1 ranking had everyone been healthy, but it’s an easy, and fair, excuse. The team is still loaded with various banged up players still trying to get back on the field. Several players who aren’t out will be going half-speed or will be limited as they try to get past their own injuries. For a team that needs to find some answers at some key positions, this might be a lost spring session at times considering the full team, or close to it, won’t be back in the mix until fall.
The big spring question is ... Is the offensive line going to be up-to-snuff? This is one of a few mega-questions the team will have going into the season. Can Joe Cox be almost as good as Matt Stafford? Are last year’s backup running backs as good as the hype? Is there anyone on the defensive front who can consistently rush the passer? But all of those pale in comparison to the offensive line issue. The team did a great job of patching things together enough to be solid last year, but the front five struggled against the better teams and was never consistent. Star OT Trinton Sturdivant is coming back after suffering a torn up knee to provide a star for a veteran line that had to start two freshmen and three sophomores during key stretches. It should be better.
The most important position to watch is ... Quarterback. There isn’t a number one overall draft pick like Stafford might be, but there are some excellent prospects to push Cox for the job. Cox, a senior, is a good veteran who should be able to step in and be solid right away, but he’s not spectacular. Logan Gray is spectacular, but he might end up playing receiver. Cox will have to take the offense by the horns right away this off-season and make it his.
Spring attitude... Be the underdog. Georgia never seems to do all that well when it’s the favorite. When it’s lurking just under the radar, at least relative to the big-time SEC team or teams of the moment, it tends to find ways to get to the conference title game. The Dawgs are good enough to have just as strong a season as last year, even with a brutal opening day game at Oklahoma State, and with the SEC road games at Arkansas, Tennessee and Vanderbilt, there’s no reason to not think that this might be a sleeper team ready to surprise.

Kentucky Spring Practice Begins: April 1 Game: April 25

The early spring buzz ... The program’s success of the last few years isn’t a fluke and it’s not going to stop any time soon. At least that’s the hope. The talent level has been upgraded in a big way, and there’s enough good players sticking around to give the team a nice base to work with. Trevard Lindley might be the best corner in college football, and could be the second defensive back taken in the 2010 NFL Draft (with USC’s Taylor Mays going first). End Jeremy Jarmon could’ve gone pro early but he’s back to be the star of a line that lost Myron Pryor and Ventrell Jenkins. The Cats might not be good enough to challenge for the SEC title, but they’ll be good enough to pull off a big upset or two on the way to another bowl game.
The big spring question is ... Can anyone throw the ball? In the offensively-challenged SEC last year, with few teams that could throw the forward pass with any sort of consistency, UK stood out in a bad way finishing 105th in the nation in passing efficiency. Averaging fewer than 300 yards per game isn’t going to cut it, but that was expected after so many huge personnel losses last season. This year, the spotlight will be on …
The most important position to watch is ... Quarterback. Randall Cobb was arguably the team’s offensive MVP last season; UK wouldn’t have gone bowling if he hadn’t become a major playmaker. However, his future is at receiver in an all-around sort of way. He’ll see some time under center here and there, run the ball a bit, and be the team’s most dangerous target, but Mike Hartline, the starter at the beginning of last year, will be the No. 1 guy going into the season. That could change. Hartline will be asked to throw more and carry more of the offense, and if he can’t get the job done then it’ll be Cobb to the rescue for stretches until the star freshmen are ready. Ryan Mossakowski and Morgan Newton might see time sooner than later.
Spring attitude... Be ready to roll on September 12th. Yeah, of course everyone wants to be ready to rumble for the season opener, but most teams take it easy in September with time to work the kinks out and prepare for October. Kentucky’s season hits the ground running with the rivalry game with Louisville right away followed up by Florida and Alabama. All three of those games are in Lexington, and they’re followed up by road trips to South Carolina and Auburn. Just survive; go 3-2 and the season should be solid.

South Carolina Spring Practice Begins: March 3 Game: April 11

The early spring buzz ... There’s a lot of work to do, but there’s also a lot of excitement. Things haven’t exactly gone as planned for Steve Spurrier since taking over with mediocre season after mediocre season. This year could be just as tough if some of the gaping holes aren’t quickly patched, but there are some great pieces to build around. At least the program isn’t standing still. There are a few new coaches in place, a good group of new recruits are expected to push for time, and Spurrier is still pushing. He’s not going to take it easy with this team.
The big spring question is ... Is Stephen Garcia finally going to settle the quarterback situation? He was the most talented quarterback on the roster last year, but he was suspended early on for off-the-field problems and never appeared comfortable when he got his chances bottoming out with a 9-of-18, 79-yard, three interception game against Iowa in the Outback Bowl to close things out. Chris Smelley transferred to Alabama to play baseball, Tommy Beecher is done, and now it’s all Garcia … for now. He has to play up to his skills right away to end all thoughts of Spurrier being Spurrier when it comes to shuffling his quarterbacks. Redshirt freshmen Reid McCollum and Aramis Hillary are the two main contenders for the No. 2 spot.
The most important position to watch is ... The entire offensive line. The secondary is a close second, especially at corner, but the O line needs the most help. The threat of being yanked by the Ball Coach wasn’t the only reason the quarterbacks were a bit skittish. They were getting blasted all year long with no pass protection from a front five that also did nothing for the ground game. New offensive line coach Eric Wolford has lots of work to do needing to replace Jamon Meredith at left guard and Justin Sorensen at right tackle, but he has center Garrett Anderson to build around.
Spring attitude... Start fast. This team could be all about momentum, and it needs something positive to happen early on. The Gamecocks need to erase memories of yet another sour end to a season by playing well on the road against NC State and Georgia in the first two games or the pressure will be on for a home game against Ole Miss on a late September Thursday night. The schedule is hardly easy with a brutal finishing kick with road games at Tennessee and Arkansas before finishing up with Florida and Clemson.

Tennessee Spring Practice Begins: March 10 Game: April 18

The early spring buzz ... Lane Kiffin isn’t playing nice with others. The new young Tennessee head coach isn’t exactly endearing himself to the rest of the SEC, at least to Florida fans, by accusing the Gator coaching staff of questionable recruiting practices. It has made for good copy and lots of message board talk, and now Kiffin has to back it up. He has put together a whale of a coaching staff, at least a whale of a coaching staff that can recruit, and he’s bringing in the type of changes that all new head coaches do. Spring ball will be about efficiency and effort. Kiffin and his staff have to figure out who fits what they want to do.
The big spring question is ... What’s the first thing the new coaching staff has to do? Work on the lines. Having an assistant like Ed Orgeron, one of the finest line coaches in football, for either side, will help immeasurably. Demonte Bolden and Robert Ayers will be missed from the defensive front, while there will be some scrambling to find offensive tackles who can play. Chris Scott is back on the left side if needed, but he’s more of a guard. Coming up with a steady pass rush, and consistent pass protection, will likely be job one.
The most important position to watch is ... Quarterback. Put them all in a hat and pick one out. Jonathan Crompton didn’t get the offense moving, but he’ll be the first option because of his pro style passing skills and experience. That doesn’t mean B.J. Coleman and Nick Stephens won’t get every shot to win the job. After averaging a paltry 146 passing yards per game, and finishing 107 in the nation in passing efficiency, any production would be an improvement.
Spring attitude... Win and win now. For all the problems on offense, Tennessee still finished 5-7 with three losses (UCLA, Auburn and Wyoming) that would’ve been easy wins with even a little bit of production. The defense might not be quite as strong, but the offense can’t help but be better. With the Florida game coming up on September 19, and all the bad blood that will be brewing, the Vols have two games against Western Kentucky and UCLA to get ready.

Vanderbilt Spring Practice Begins: March 13 Game: March 31

The early spring buzz ... Vandy didn’t just get over the hump and got to a bowl game; it won. It might have been a tale of two seasons last year, with a hot start followed up by an ice-cold second half, and now the coaching staff is trying for a little more consistency. That could be a problem as some of last year’s weaknesses (like the offensive line) will now be strengths, and vice versa. Now the program has to show a little staying power and be a regular in the post-season, but that’ll be easier said than done in an improved SEC.
The big spring question is ... Will there be any semblance of an offense? The Commodores won on defense last season as the offense finished last in the SEC and 117th in the country averaging 123 yards per game. The running game was bad, the passing attack worse, and it was almost impossible to generate points without the defense helping to make it happen.
The most important position to watch is ... Defensive back. The quarterback battle will take center stage with Music City Bowl starter Larry Smith pushing to keep the job over the athletic Mackenzi Adams, but the secondary problems are more important. The Commodores had one of the best secondaries in the nation last season, and now they’ll have to go on without D.J. Moore, Reshard Langford, and nickelback Darlron Spead. Ryan Hamilton could be a special free safety and Myron Lewis is a big, talented corner, but this will be a major area of concern after the pass defense finished 15th in the nation.
Spring attitude... Stay hungry. When push came to shove last year, the Commodores came up with the late win needed over Kentucky to get to a bowl, and then the defense took over to beat Boston College. Everyone will have Vandy picked to finish sixth, or possibly fifth, but that’s nothing new. There are just enough winnable games to get to five wins, but it’ll take a few upsets to get back to a bowl game. As long as the team has the same ball-hawking tendencies on defense, and if the offense can start to produce a little bit, six wins is a very attainable goal.

West

Alabama Spring Practice Begins: March 10 Game: March 28

The early spring buzz ... The timetable might have been moved up on the Nick Saban era after last year’s tremendous campaign, but there’s so much rebuilding to be done that it might be one more season before the Tide gets in the national title mix again. Everything came together in a perfect storm last year, helped by a down year in the SEC, and now it might be tough to get near the same level until all the tremendous talent starts to shine through. Veteran teams stay on an even keel and don’t make a slew of major mistakes, but this year’s team has so much turnover on offense that it might be tough to pull out the tight games needed to win the SEC West again. However, LSU has to come to Tuscaloosa and the toughest road game is at Ole Miss.
The big spring question is ... Just how quickly will the superstar recruits of the last two years shine through? Julio Jones showed right away what he could do, and now there are even more superstar prospects ready to roll. Saban isn’t shy about playing the best players, so it’ll be interesting to see if D.J. Fluker really is ready to step in on the offensive line. Will Eddie Lacy provide a bolt of lightning in the backfield? Can Nico Johnson be a playmaker right away in the linebacking corps? They’ll all get a chance to show what they can do later this summer, so spring will be vital for others to secure jobs.
The most important position to watch is ... Quarterback. The offensive line is the team’s biggest issue with three key starters gone, but there are replacements ready to step in. Replacing John Parker Wilson will be more difficult. The Tide will have players with more talent and bigger upside who can step in, but Wilson was the steady veteran who kept the offense moving with his efficient play. Junior Greg McElroy was the backup last season and is the No. 1 going into the spring, but there’s never room to get comfortable on Saban’s team. Star Jackson has the potential to steal the job with a big off-season, while true freshman A.J. McCarron will get a look this fall.
Spring attitude... Do it again. With nine starters returning on defense, a home game against LSU, win no Florida or Georgia from the East, and with Auburn still rebuilding, there’s no reason to expect anything less than a run for the SEC West title. This isn’t going to be as good a team as last year’s, but it’ll be strong enough to potentially be 10-2 and in the title game again. The expectations and the potential are coming together at the same time.

Arkansas Spring Practice Begins: March 24 Game: April 18

The early spring buzz ... The Hogs ended the season on a high note with the win over LSU, and now the attitude of the players and everyone around the program seems to be sky-high in the off-season. At least that’s what the coaching staff is saying, and why not? Last year’s team had to undergo a major overhaul in both style and personnel, and while it was a 5-7 disappointment, three of the last four losses were by a total of six points. A few more close wins and Arkansas is back among the living in the SEC world. This year’s team should be far better than last year’s, so the expectations are sky-high.
The big spring question is ... Can the defense actually play? The Hogs had to go with two freshmen on the defensive front, a redshirt freshman (Jerry Franklin) at middle linebacker, and sophomores at corners. Nine starters from last year’s group that had major problems at linebacker and finished last in the SEC in total defense, scoring defense, and run defense. The key this spring will be to find a few sure-thing playmakers and leaders all across the board. Who’s going to step up and be a star?
The most important position to watch is ... Running back. The quarterback situation will get all the attention with Michigan transfer Ryan Mallett almost certain to be the main man, even though the job is supposed to be open. The key to the team will be in the backfield where the very small, very talented Michael Smith will have to recover from a bad hamstring injury. USC transfer Broderick Green, if he’s eligible to go, will get plenty of attention, while Ronnie Wingo and Knile Davis are key recruits who are expected to play key roles. Dennis Johnson, the team’s second leading rusher last year, will also be in the mix.
Spring attitude... It’s still going to take a little while before Bobby Petrino gets everyone in place he wants, but the growing pains of last year should pay off this season. As well as the Dick brothers played at quarterback, Mallett should be an upgrade, the running backs have speed and quickness, and the lines can’t play any worse. If the Hogs could be so competitive last season with so many issues, it shouldn’t take too much to shoot for a winning season. However, the schedule is too tough to ask for anything more than seven wins.

Auburn Spring Practice Begins: March 24 Game: April 18

The early spring buzz ... For the all the drama and all the controversy after the hiring of Gene Chizik, things have calmed down in a big way after loading up with a good group of assistants. The jury is still out on Chizik, but he came up with a coup getting Gus Malzahn on board to steer the offense. The Tigers are a recruiting class or two away from having the right players to crank out the big numbers Malzahn’s offense is expected to. He didn’t get a chance to show what he could do when he was with Houston Nutt at Arkansas a few years ago, but he’ll get free reign on his second stint in the SEC.
The big spring question is ... Can Chizik actually coach? While he has said and done most of the right things since being hired, and Iowa State appeared to be upset to see him go, the guy has done a fat load of jack squat as a head coach. He’ll be given a year to try to generate the excitement to make the program hot again, but he had better be rocking and rolling in 2010. He’ll be on a short leash if this year is a disaster.
The most important position to watch is ... Quarterback, specifically Kodi Burns. He can run, but he couldn’t throw with a mere two touchdown passes and seven interceptions. To be fair, he had an awful receiving corps to work with and the coaching situation was a mess, but for a player who’s supposed to be the main man for the attack, he needs to prove he can do what Malzahn needs. If not, there will be some scrambling to find the right guy.
Spring attitude... Rebuild. You don’t can a coach as successful as Tommy Tuberville (or let him “resign”) without thinking you want to win and win now. That might be a problem with Alabama growing into an unstoppable juggernaut. That doesn’t mean Auburn is going to go away, but the Tide has a who’s who of four-star recruits hanging around and there’s a growing talent gap. Auburn is allowed to throw around the “no one believes us” line, because it’ll be true. A bowl game is the first step, and next year the team can focus on trying to slay the elephant.

LSU Spring Practice Begins: March 12 Game: April 18

The early spring buzz ... Last year was just a stepping stone to get back to form. After winning the 2007 national title, there was an inevitable drop-off with so much personnel turnover in key places. But Les Miles and the coaching staff were able to reload with elite prospects over the last few years and they’ll all be expected to contribute early on. With the quarterback situation a bit more settled, John Chavis coming in from Tennessee to take over the defensive coordinator job, and with some surprising decisions by OT Ciron Black and WR Brandon LaFell to come back for their final seasons, the team is loaded again.
The big spring question is ... Just how good is Jordan Jefferson? If you listen quietly, Jarrett Lee just threw another pick six. He’s still around, but Andrew Hatch transferred to Harvard, where he started out his career meaning Jefferson is likely the only real option the coaching staff will feel mildly comfortable with. There’s true freshman Russell Shepard ready to hit the field this spring, but his future, at least if he wants to go to the NFL, might be at receiver. Jefferson is the guy for the time being, especially after a strong second half of the year. Now he has to make more plays and prove that he’s not under center because he’s not Lee.
The most important position to watch is ... Defensive linemen. LSU has been a factory for high-level stars for the defensive front, but anyone would have concerns after losing Tyson Jackson, Ricky-Jean Francois, Marlon Favorite, and Kirston Pittman. Al Woods appears to be the next great Tiger tackle if he can keep his size in check, and Drake Nevis is a promising inside presence, but there will be an overall drop-off even though last year’s line was a disappointment.
Spring attitude... LSU 38 – Georgia Tech 3. After losing three of the final four games, and needing an epic fourth quarter to get by Troy in the one win, LSU limped into the Chick-fil-A Bowl. With time to prepare, the defense stopped the Yellow Jacket attack while the offense found its mojo with a strong performance. Will that be the type of game that propels the program to a high level again? It should’ve provided the confidence boost needed for a relatively young team.

Ole Miss Spring Practice Begins: March 26 Game: April 18

The early spring buzz ... Get ready to jump on the bandwagon. After closing out the season with a six-game winning streak, and being the one team able to beat Florida, and with the 47-34 Cotton Bowl win over Texas Tech, Ole Miss is the team everyone’s going to be in love with. And with good reason. Former head coach Ed Orgeron spent so much time stockpiling talent that he and his staff failed to do much with it. In came Houston Nutt to reap the rewards, and now he’s getting top players of his own with a strong recruiting class coming in. There might not be quite enough in the bag to win the SEC title, but there Rebels are going to be in the mix with a favorable enough schedule to win the West (more on that in a moment).
The big spring question is ... Is the secondary good enough to slow anyone down? The final stats were a bit skewed after finishing the season against Texas Tech, but it’s not like the Rebels faced a who’s who of passing games throughout the regular season yet they still finished last in the SEC in pass defense. Considering the pass rush was the best in the SEC, and among the best in the nation, giving up 222 yards per game was inexcusable. The quarterbacks will be pressured again, and now the secondary has to come through.
The most important position to watch is ... Left tackle. Michael Oher wasn’t always perfect, but he did a fantastic job of protecting QB Jevan Snead from the SEC’s top speed rushers. While Snead’s mobility should help the cause, there’s still a gaping hole on the left side to deal with. 6-4, 337-pound Alex Washington was the understudy last season at left tackle, while 6-7, 310-pound Bradley Sowell will move over from the right side to battle for the job.
Spring attitude... Win the West. The schedule is as dreamy as can be asked for in the SEC with no Florida or Georgia and with Alabama and LSU coming to Oxford. How’s this for an SEC road schedule? South Carolina, Vanderbilt, Auburn, and Mississippi State. If Ole Miss is the real deal, it should win three of those. Keeping expectations in check hasn’t been easy at a place that cans coaches with a quick trigger, but there’s reason to shoot for big things.

Mississippi State Spring Practice Begins: March 24 Game: April 18

The early spring buzz ... It’s time to figure out how to score. After years of being great defensively and, to put it nicely, challenged offensively, Mississippi State had had enough. In comes Dan Mullen after helping guide Florida to the national title, and while the former Gator offensive coordinator won’t have Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin to play around with, they should pay immediate dividends for a team that was 115th in the nation last year in scoring and 113th in total offense. At least that’s the hope, but it might take a recruiting class or two for Mullen to do all the things he’d like to, which begs the question …
The big spring question is ... … is anyone there to run his version of the spread. While he says he’ll adapt to the players and not force square pegs into round holes, anything Mullen tries to do should be an improvement. RB Anthony Dixon is the star of the show, but he needs help around him. QB Tyson Lee is a tough little playmaker who’ll do what he can do get the offense rolling, but he’ll need more time from a line that was a nightmare throughout last season. Also …
The most important position to watch is ... Wide receiver. To be fair to the passing game, the quarterbacks never had time to work. MSU was 114th in the nation in sacks allowed, but the receivers didn’t exactly help the cause with any big plays. Leading receiver Brandon McRae is a 6-4, 200-pound target who needs to come back healthy after breaking his leg late in the year. He’s out until fall, meaning JUCO transfer Leon Berry will get a shot to show his stuff while Delmon Robinson will get his chances this spring.
Spring attitude... Get better every practice. Mullen and the coaching staff will have to say all the right things about going to a bowl game and turning things around, but the schedule is a killer, and on paper, this should be the No. 12 team in the twelve-team SEC. For now, the idea has to be to improve week after week and find something the team can do really well. Being able to win games at home would be a start. It might be tough to find another team in America with a tougher home schedule (after playing Jackson State in the opener)

Rebs await Virginia in Super Regional

2009-06-02T18:44:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday night in the NCAA Oxford Regional, Ole Miss sophomore pitcher Drew Pomeranz sat calmly in the dugout with his arms crosses. His Rebels were cruising in the top of the eighth inning leading Western Kentucky, 9-3. His weekend was finished, as the Rebs needed one win to advance to the next round and host the Virginia Cavaliers in the NCAA Super Regional. WKY continued to fight its way through the losers bracket and faced elimination. Mississippi is no stranger to regional baseball, as the Rebels were hosting its fourth NCAA postseason tournament in five years. Rebel head coach Mike Bianco made the decision to hand the reigns over to Jake Morgan, just as he had all season long. This outing would not mirror those previously thrown by Morgan. Six runs, no outs and a handful of hits later, Morgan exited and so did the hopes of victory on this night. The Hilltoppers would add a solo homerun and slam the door on Ole Miss sliding through the Oxford Regional unscathed. A final matchup would come on the following night and Western Kentucky could not have earned it more. I can only imagine what was going through Pomeranz’s mind. “I better get warmed up,” is highly likely. He did more than warm up, he decided to put on a clinic like never seen before.

In front of a capacity crowd at Swayze Field, Pomeranz pitched a complete game and added a career high 16 strikeouts to lead the Rebels over Western Kentucky in the championship game of the Oxford Regional on Monday night. The Collierville, TN native was in unchartered territory. After only two days rest, Pomeranz looked as polished and controlled as any pitcher to ever take the mound in Oxford-University Stadium. The sounds of aluminum were silenced and over the sounds of the leather mitt of Rebel catcher Kyle Hinson.

It should be no surprise. Both squads combined for 31 hits the night before. As for WKY, the champions of the Ohio Valley Conference, it’s no secret the motive was to pound the baseball. The lineup housed seven of nine hitters batting over .300, led by Matt Rice at .399. Everyone in the stadium, especially head coach Mike Bianco, knew what the Hilltoppers were capable of. The lineup is scattered with hitters sporting gaudy numbers. They would all succumb to Pomeranz on Monday night.

The rubber match would remain scoreless until the sixth inning when Kyle Henson doubled in Matt Smith to take a 1-0 lead. Pomeranz would hold serve the remainder of the way after WKY tied the game, as Oxford native and WKU left fielder Chad Cregar scored from third. Ole Miss added three more runs on a Matt Smith triple and a David Phillips double. Baseball will continue at Swayze for another week and the dreams of a trip to Omaha, NE and the College World Series for the fifth time and the first time since 1972 is in the grasp.

The Virginia Cavaliers, fresh off a three straight victories in the Irvine, CA Regional, were crowned ACC Tournament champions a few weeks ago will head to Oxford. The largest crowd UVA has played in front of is 6,300. It’s safe to say that number could likely double and Swayze will be one tough place to play.

For the last 10 years, Mike Bianco has written a wish list with Omaha, NE as the pinnacle. Come this Sunday, he very well may circle that wish with a series win over the Cavaliers. With Drew Pomeranz, Ole Miss proved anything is possible.

My weekly article will return to the Calhoun County Journal

2009-01-28T11:36:00.000-08:00

A return date has not been finalized, but my article will return to the Calhoun County Journal at a date to be determined. The timetable points to an August return.

Thanks for everyone that reads the blog.

Brad

Animals leave lasting impression...

2009-01-20T15:50:00.000-08:00

The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time. Mark Twain

As the fall and winter sports fade away like the leaves falling from the numerous trees throughout North Mississippi, so does the time that slips so smoothly through our fingers. This past Friday our cat Jesse was laid to rest. My wife cared for and raised the Persian feline for 15-plus years. Like many of you know, she was a member of the family.

I am reminded of my short career as one of the caretakers of this creature from God. To be honest, only a handful were pleasant. My wife can explain the good times far better than I, and she is always happy to do so upon anyone’s call.

Jesse can be compared to a number of legendary sports figures, as I have done so often. She was very stern and quick to discipline her little brother, Borden. She always received the utmost respect when entering a room. She was never cavalier in her motions, always with her motives and intentions at heart. While wearing a number of collective masks over her personality, she had an enormous heart. She had a love and a zest for life upon her final days.

I have always had the utmost respect for basketball legends Jim Valvano and former Wake Forest head coach Skip Prosser. Both left this life at a young age but made lasting impressions on the sports world. Many characteristics listed above can be used to describe these fine men who lead our young people.

While we are losing many Americans everyday, we must continue to cherish the moments we have with those here with us. The legacies of a number of Americans can be seen in those who have been reared by those long since passed.

Mark Twain was prepared to die and so was our Jesse. I have learned a lot since becoming a parent of animals. I have learned the importance of food, shelter and the willingness to love and be loved. I understand how important a pat on the back or a stroke of the forehead can be. I understand that all of these because our Jesse taught them to me.

Most importantly, I learned that giving far outweighs receiving. Our Jesse was always waiting at the door for us. For that, I will be eternally grateful. And yes, she always will be.

MSU Basketball on a roll...

2009-01-20T15:49:00.000-08:00

While the Mississippi State University football team continues to grasp any form of success, the Bulldog basketball team continues to win. At the friendly confines of Humphrey Coliseum or on the road. It doesn’t seem to matter. The Bulldog cagers handed Arkansas only its second loss of the season this past Saturday, 70-56, a game many didn’t see the Dogs having a chance. It was only the third win at Bud Walton Arena in the history of the rival. This was no fluke. This did not hinge on a few close foul calls. This was a game MSU dominated from the opening tip. MSU is now a force in the SEC and soon will be a force in the country.

Public address announcer for MSU, Hank Flick, is remembered for announcing former head coach Richard Williams during his run at MSU as, “simply the best.” The moniker will have to be added to Stansbury soon and with good reason. The Louisville, KY native needs only two SEC wins to eclipse Williams, with 89, as the career leader. The task will continue tonight against Alabama in Starkville.

Stansbury has quietly guided Mississippi State to postseason play in eight of his 10 seasons as head coach, grabbing four SEC Western Division titles and one SEC title capping off the 2003-2004 season. He spent eight years prior as an assistant at MSU, heavily entrenched in the recruiting circuit. Serving as head coach, the recruiting has not changed. MSU continues to pull top recruits to Starkville and none more prevalent than Freshman Dee Bost. This week’s SEC Freshman of the Week, Bost poured in 17-points in the win over the Hogs and looks to play a vital role this season for MSU. A team decimated by graduation, MSU has looked for a number of newcomers this season.

The Bulldogs are getting quality minutes from forward Ravern Johnson, guard Phil Turner and forward Romero Osby. Their services will be needed to spell sharp-shooter Guard Barry Stewart, who added 17-points in the win, and the block machine center Jarvis Varnado.

Talented Sophomore Kodi Augustus has yet to see substantial minutes. He is expected to be a contributor as the season progresses.

With games at home against Alabama and Vanderbilt on Saturday, MSU has the possibility to open the season strong. With Tampa, FL, the site of the 2009 SEC Basketball Tournament, less than 60 days away, the Bulldogs will be more seasoned than the team now. It hasn’t seemed to be an issue at all so far.

They were walking in High Cotton....

2009-01-06T21:30:00.000-08:00

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree didn’t want to be there, at all. Quarterback Graham Harrell was still fuming over the recent Heisman snub. Center Stephen Hamby was looking to throw haymakers to the face because, well, he likes to punch people and has the personal fouls to prove it. Head coach Mike Leach continued to relay the Ole Miss Rebels were much better than records indicate. Did I say pirate collection? Arr matey. All of the above are apart of the dysfunctional family we call the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

As you can imagine the well oiled machine, which earlier in the season defeated the top-ranked Texas Longhorns 39-33, looked anything but in the ATT Cotton Bowl this past Friday. Ask anyone and you are sure to receive the mirrored response, the Rebels had quite a bit to do with that.

On the final day the classic will be played at Fair Park, the Rebels outlasted the Red Raiders for the victory 47-34. Ole Miss scored practically every way imaginable. Had Marshay Green not stepped out of bounds, you could have added a punt return to the list of scores. This day belonged to Ole Miss and it was abundantly clear who the better team was.

As the score would indicate, the final game in historic Cotton Bowl Stadium was chock full of records. Many were made in the finale and look to hold true for years to come. The most glaring statistic you ask?
• Most Points, 81 (Ole Miss 47, Texas Tech 34)
Not to be forgotten, not one member on each team deserved the victory any more than the seniors on the Mississippi sideline. Marred with lackluster seasons the previous three years, 2008 will be the salve for the wound. It just so happened to come at the hands of the 8-ranked Red Raiders. Head coach Houston Nutt was not oblivious to this in the least. “This game was for the seniors. The hard work and effort they gave, no one is more deserving,” Nutt said. Truth be told, this could not have been accomplished without Houston Nutt roaming the sidelines. Any coach who can aid in supplying nine wins after inheriting a team with three wins in 2007 is a miracle worker.
To say the Rebels are back would be a bit premature. The recent recruiting season will aid in the efforts to reclaim a winning tradition. As many know, this Rebel team is loaded with juniors and will be seniors next fall. Recruiting should see an encouraging bump following the bowl win to set up for the 2009 season, a season top-heavy with SEC contenders at home. Next season should be fun for Ole Miss, one that could be remembered for the ages.
Houston Nutt was hired to reclaim glory in Oxford. He came in with a plan, implemented it and won. The question remains, can he continue the dominance with a bulls eye on his back? With the 2008 season being the foundation, you can only believe he can.

A new year is upon us.

2008-12-31T09:12:00.001-08:00

The State of Texas is big. The people are quite proud as well. Look no further than former Governor and currant President George W. Bush. He was quoted once in reference to maintaining the security of his home state by stating, “Don’t mess with Texas.” While the Lone Star State is known for is eclectic style of music, great football and its own niche in a state steeped in tradition and history. The city of Dallas encompasses those characteristics as well.

As January 2nd approaches, the date of the 73rd AT&T Cotton Bowl pitting Ole Miss against Texas Tech, Texans will have a few visitors. Over 30,000 visitors, dressed in red and blue, to be more specific. If you’re wondering, it’s the same fan base that poured into Vaught-Hemingway Stadium last fall to see the Rebels play Northwestern State, all 15,000 of them. Funny how one season can change things.

To say Texas Tech is less than thrilled about their date in Dallas would be a vast understatement. A team with National Championship aspirations is headed to a non-BCS game and the feeling eerily similar to a bride left at the alter. They’re not happy. The Rebels are as giddy as a kid on Christmas morning with nothing to lose. As for the stats themselves, Tech far surpasses the Rebels. An offensive attack that houses weapons not many teams in the nation have. The question remains, will the emotion play a factor?

While the Rebs are basking in the glory of a bowl berth, Mississippi State is boasting as well. For polar opposite reasons but just as important in the eyes of the Bulldogs. Dan Mullen, newly crowned head coach in Starkville, had a decision to make. Stay in his new home in Oktibbeha County and continue to corral a coaching staff and recruit, or head to his former employee’s headquarters in Gainesville and prepare for the BCS National Championship against Oklahoma. Mullen chose the latter.

While you could argue either point, both would benefit MSU in the long run. For obvious reasons, staying in Starkville would prove to be a positive for a myriad of reasons. Some would argue, he should not abandon his post at Florida for publicity reasons alone. The best publicity is free publicity. The number of recruits watching the BCS National Championship game will be in the thousands. The reference the announcers will make concerning Mullen and his new home in Mississippi will follow. Mullen knows this. I bet you a plug nickel Director of Athletics Greg Byrne knows it. Hence, the decision to be a Gator one final time.

When the clock strikes midnight in a few days, the confetti will fly and partygoers will be donning atrocious headwear. I’m sure “Auld Lang Syne” will find anxious ears for celebration. For Dan Mullen and Houston Nutt, both have one thing in common for the upcoming year in way of resolutions. Win in the SEC and of course, defeat each other.

USM ends season on winning note

2008-12-22T21:06:00.000-08:00

New Orleans is a great town, to say the least. The Crescent City has been home to a number of events throughout history and many surrounding college football. Since 2003, the city has been home to two bowl games in the Superdome, a situation many cities have embraced the past few years. The R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, with conference ties to Conference-USA and the Sun Belt Conference being represented by Southern Mississippi and Troy University respectively.

This was not the marquee game many remember as the Allstate Sugar Bowl, which takes place on January 2nd. This has no Bowl Championship Series (BCS) implications. These were not major conference foes. This was not a game that will see the payout exceed 17.5 million. This was football between neighboring states. This was a game that would head to overtime and have the Golden Eagles defeat Troy, 30-27.

The storylines were endless. The Troy Trojans were synonymous for squandering leads. Look no further than earlier this season. The Trojans were leading defending National Champion LSU 31-3 midway through the third quarter. LSU won 40-31. Troy also lost a heartbreaker to Louisiana-Monroe, 31-30 but rallied late in the season to win the Sun Belt Championship. Against the Eagles, Troy would see its 10-point lead in the second half evaporate. After USM continued to mount a comeback, trailing 27-24 with 5 minutes to go in regulation, it was the Golden Eagle defense that began to rise. Yes, that USM defense that has been average, at best, this season. USM head coach Larry Fedora has heard the critics. So has defensive coordinator Todd Bradford. Let’s not be oblivious to the fact, both inherited a team depleted by graduation. Not to mention, they recruited only a handful of the present roster.

The Eagles held and forced the game into overtime, as Billy Barefoot sealed the win with a 39-yard effort. The game was not without a loss. Freshman All-Conference wide receiver DeAndre Brown broke his leg midway through the 1st quarter, which required an extensive surgery. It was reminiscent of the injury sustained by Joe Theisman on Monday Night Football against the New York Giants in 1985. Not for the faint of heart.

Fortunately, the Hattiesburg American reported on Tuesday the surgery went as expected and Brown is slated to make a full recovery. The Ocean Springs native is looking at six-month’s in rehabilitation and should be ready for fall camp.

What looked like a season marred with tough losses and lackluster production from the defense was put aside this past Sunday night. Larry Fedora has withstood his rocky inaugural season to end on a winning note. Quite the cap to head into the offseason, as the Golden Eagles have extended the streak to 15 winning seasons.

Santa sits down for an exclusive interview

2008-12-15T21:37:00.000-08:00

As the holidays approach, I was able to speak with Santa Clause this past weekend in Memphis. I was in the Bluff City with my wife as she was honing her skills of Christmas shopping. He and Mrs. Clause were making a stop by the Galleria to visit with children before the holiday season. Apparently, everyone received the memo as traffic was, oh nevermind. Santa agreed to visit with me for a few moments as the following excerpts from the interview were exclusive to the Calhoun County Journal.

Brad Logan: Santa, thanks for taking these few moments. It’s been a busy year.

Santa Clause: It sure has. We like to take a few visits before the big night and the Southeast is very important to us.

BL: If I may, I would like to step away from your journey on Christmas Eve and dive into a few other areas. I’m sure you have been abreast of the situations in Mississippi concerning college football.

SC: Well, I’ve had a few other pressing issues but I have been aware. I was hurt Sly (Sylvester Croom) was dismissed at MSU. He is a noble man. An even better family man. Ole Houston is rolling in Oxford. He brought the kids over to a book signing in Little Rock a few years ago. He is a very enthusiastic man. After listening to him, he resembles a preacher, with his diction and charisma. Now Larry Fedora at Southern Miss is a different story. I had to work on him a bit. It all changed when he brought his son, Dillon, by one night. Since then, Larry is one of my favorite coaches. He’s going to turn it around in Hattiesburg.

BL: It seems you have a good relationship with all the coaches in our state.

SC: I really do. They are great ambassadors for the Universities. Now that Dan Mullen is at State, what a fine young coach. I enjoyed our phone call the other day, as I made my congratulatory call. I first met him when he was an assistant at Notre Dame. He will do fine at Mississippi State. I read he was already calling out the Ole Miss fans with his recent quote concerning next years Egg Bowl. It could get interesting.

BL: Have you had a chance to speak to the coaches recently?

SC: Actually yes. I make it a point to contact all of the college coaches following the regular season.

BL: Can you go into specifics what each coach requested for Christmas this year?

SC: I normally keep my conversations confidential but just between you and I, here are a few snippets. Houston Nutt didn’t have much to ask for. Heck, he already has doubled his salary at Ole Miss. He took a winless team in the SEC and leads them into this year’s Cotton Bowl. He did ask for a halftime locker room. I told him that was up to (Mississippi Athletics Director) Pete Boone. I’ll give Pete a call for him. Dan Mullen at MSU was so happy when I called him, we didn’t get to many specifics. He said we need to take small steps right now. “Just wins, Santa,” was the jest of it. Larry Fedora at USM was more complementary than anything. He kept on saying how much he loved it at USM. Brad, he is building a powerhouse at Southern. Just wait. He asked for the fans patience. I told him, that was no problem.

(Santa’s cell phone rings. It is his personal assistant notifying him his flight has been changed. Yes he flies domestically and no, I didn’t realize that either.)

SC: Unfortunately we have to go but I have enjoyed the meeting today.

BL: Santa, it has been a privilege. One thing, any presents for the Logan household this year?

SC: Let’s just say, your wife has been very good this year.

From my family to yours, Happy Holidays.

Nutt gets paid.

2008-12-15T19:42:00.000-08:00

Is this fun or what? Surely you jest, you might say. How can seeing the demise of a coach and the possibility of losing another be fun? I really can’t answer that. Unless you have spent the majority of your spare time on the World Wide Web since Friday, you probably wouldn’t understand. After the firing, pardon me, the resignation of MSU head coach Sylvester Croom and Houston Nutt playing a game of chicken with the Mississippi brass of the fascination with Auburn. Greg Byrne has the MSU faithful sitting on pins and needles and Pete Boone just secured Nutt after opening up the bank in Oxford. This wasn’t without tense moments for the UM family. So far during this chain of events, I have successfully logged on to both Ole Miss and Miss. St. message boards a record amount. I have exceeded my cellular plan for text messages. Yes, I am ashamed how many were sent and received. No need telling my wife, she is well aware. A text message plan for Christmas? I think so, maybe Houston Nutt could pay for it. He was awarded a raise in excess of $2.5 million.

As Nutt was slowly backing Ole Miss into the corner, the Rebels saw the writing on the wall. Teddy KGB, played to perfection by John Malkovich in the movie Rounders, said it best. “Pay the man, pay that man his money.” Mississippi president Robert Kayhat and Director of Athletics Pete Boone had no choice. They understood the ramifications of Nutt bolting for The Plains. A plan was in place to up his salary, along with the assistants. The plan included many specifics, concerning the football program as a whole we are not privy to. I can imagine, the word “control” was most prevalent in the conversations. Now, the Rebs can prepare for the trip to Dallas in the Cotton Bow against Texas Tech and the coveted extra practices that surround any bowl trip.

The names are all over the map, as they say. Close to the vest? MSU Director of Athletics Greg Byrne is a prime example. At press time, MSU has not made a call on its new football head coach since the firing of Sly Croom. The former coach made an appearance on AM 790 The Fan in Atlanta on Tuesday and told the sports world he had no plans of resigning. “I already conceded in not retaining (offensive coordinator) Woody (McCorvey) and had contacted (former Auburn offensive coordinator) Al Borges,” Croom said in the interview. As stated last we, he did not resign on his own accord. I have a belief, the longer the search drags on the more detrimental effect it will have on the program as a whole. The glaring detriment is recruiting. The currant recruits are in limbo, while the new regime is losing vital time until signing day in February. When the news finally comes in Starkville, it will come with the snap of a finger. For the State brethren, it needs to happen quickly.

Croom is out at MSU

2008-12-01T21:26:00.001-08:00

It is finished. While the phrase has religious connotations, it’s couldn’t be any closer to the truth. Religion and football are two deep beliefs in the state. The ramifications following Thanksgiving was of epic proportions. After the Bulldogs 45-0 embarrassing loss to Mississippi, Mississippi State Director of Athletics Greg Byrne laid down the gavel. His direction was quite different than that of ousted head coach Sylvester Croom. He made the decision to part ways. We were not in the room. We have no idea what was said. What we do know is Byrne will earn his keep. If he doesn’t, he will be on the chopping block next. He looked a man in the eye and told him his services were no longer needed. While it was not stated just how the actions transpired, with Croom reaping the benefits of the buyout the writing was on the wall.

Before you reach for the Kleenex, don’t weep for the former coach. The Alabama native is set to receive in excess of $3 million. Not bad Especially for a man who will have no trouble landing on his feet either at another university or rejoining a staff as an assistant in the NFL.

Credit Mississippi State. Credit Greg Byrne. Both knew the Bulldog fans were mad. The red faced, don’t look at me type mad. Rather than wallow in the sorrow of the debilitating loss to its arch-rival, Byrne took the initiative. What better than silence the talk of the loss and begin talks of hiring a new head coach? A diversion if you will. Played to perfection, as if her were holding pocket aces. Now the decision to come. Byrne has made it perfectly clear, he will be the man making the call with input from a small support staff from within the university. Similar to the handling of the hiring of baseball coach John Cohen, Byrne will handle the hiring with an iron fist. What was former coach Ron Polk’s input? He didn’t listen to him. In fact, he hired Cohen without considering the recommendation of the Hall of Fame coach.

The situation this past week is eerily similar to that of last year. MSU defeated Ole Miss, Ole Miss fires coach. Ole Miss defeats MSU, MSU fires coach The circle continues. What carries no formidable similarities are the coaches themselves. The only glaring characteristic Ed Orgeron and Sylvester Croom encompass is they both lost more than they won. Honostly the only thing that matters.

This is big money. This is big business. This past Friday, it was evident by the look on the many faces in the crowd. The Ole Miss faithful were enthusiastic of the hiring of Houston Nutt and the previous firing of Ed Ogreron, following the return of the Golden Egg to Oxford. The Rebels are fresh off a winless record in the SEC last season and now await the possibility of a New Year’s Day bowl. A turnaround is a vast understatement as they now sit at 8-4.

Fresh off an 8-5 record and a Liberty Bowl win last year, this season has been a disaster, mired by an opening season loss to Louisiana Tech. I can only assume the glee of the Bulldog fans among hearing the news of the firing of head coach Sylvester Croom. The irony in all of these snafus? Houston Nutt and the yet to be named coach at MSU could be the next on the unemployment line. You say it will never happen? I’ll bet you $3 million dollars it can.

The Egg Bowl

2008-11-25T00:18:00.001-08:00

This past Sunday, many Mississippians awoke to a new day. The sun was a bit brighter than usual. If you follow the two Southeastern Conference members in the state, you likely fall into this category. Mississippi and Mississippi State were victorious. Not only did they win, they did so obtaining a conference win. Why the joy? This doesn’t happen often. The Rebels dismantled the LSU Tigers to the tune of 31-13 inside a quiet Tiger Stadium. Save the 10,000 rabid “Road Rebels” that relished the victory and didn’t want to leave. Ole Miss put the exclamation point on its bowl hopes in landing in the post- season. MSU held off a late comeback and defeated Arkansas 31-28 for their second SEC win.

So revel in the joy fans, although something has to give this Friday. The Rebs and the Dogs will meet in Oxford for an annual gathering. They like to refer to it as the Egg Bowl.

So you might ask, why in the world would two teams from Mississippi be playing for a trophy referred to as an egg? Like many storied traditions, this one is quite simple. Sigma Iota, an Ole Miss honors society, made the recommendation to then, Mississippi A&M, to begin awarding the winning team with a trophy. The reason? Prior to 1927 following a win, the victorious school would rush the field and demolish the goalpost. This didn’t just happen after a home victory. It happened after a visiting victory as well. That usually ensued fisticuffs. Enter, the Golden Egg. As for the egg reference itself, the secret lies with the actual shape of the coveted treasure. It models the football of the late 1920’s and resembles an egg much more than a modern day football.

The game has been played on campus for the past 18 years, alternating between Starkville and Oxford. From 1973 to 1990, the game was played in Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson for a variety of reasons. Both MSU and Ole Miss played a number of SEC games in Jackson for the same reasons to follow. At the time, neither Ole Miss or Mississippi State encompassed stadiums to house the demand of fans wanting to watch their teams. MSU could only hold 31,000 while Ole Miss noted capacity of 32,000. Another factor was the location of Jackson, as it sits in the middle of the state and is the state capital. As the stadiums were enlarged on campus, games were moved back, along with the Egg Bowl.

The rivalry has seen its share of classic moments and controversies. One of the most famous of them all occurred in 1983 in Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson. Artie Cosby’s 27-yard field goal was literally blown back into play and never broke the crossbar to seal the 24-23 Ole Miss win. Many say the field goal was going to split the uprights. We’ll never know. Another notable game occurred in 1997, as the fireworks began before kickoff with a fight at midfield. Ole Miss, who leads the overall series 59-39-6, converted on a two-point conversion at the end of regulation to give the Rebels the 15-14 win. MSU would return the favor the following year, upending the Rebels 28-6 en-route to the SEC Championship game and a berth in the Cotton Bowl.

In quite possibly the wildest games of the series, the Rebels were nursing a 20-13 lead late in the 1999 Egg Bowl. MSU would score with only :20 remaining and tie the game at 20 apiece. Rebel head coach Tommy Tuberville refused to play for overtime, when Rebel quarterback Romero Miller was intercepted. This was not your usual interception. The pass was batted down by a MSU safety, only to strike MSU cornerback Robert Bean’s foot and fall into the arms of Eugene Clinton who returned the ball to the Rebel 27-yard line. Scott Westerfield booted the 44-yard field-goal with only :08 remaining in the game to seal the win. Ole Miss capped off the 2003 season with a 31-0 win over MSU to head to the Cotton Bowl themselves, after sharing the SEC Western Division title with LSU.

This season, MSU and Ole Miss will trade positions. The Rebels will be eyeing a bowl birth as MSU plays the spoiler. Last year the roles were reversed. The cliché’s are aplenty. All could apply to the series we have all grown to love.

The "Big 3" headed in different directions

2008-11-17T22:49:00.002-08:00

The big three in the State of Mississippi have taken very different roads so far this football season. Southern Mississippi’s season has resembled a roller coaster, as the Eagles were left for dead a few weeks ago. Fedora has circled the wagons and has USM in position for a bowl berth, pending a final victory in Conference-USA. Mississippi has reversed a season of horror in 2007 and likely positioned itself in a bowl game for the first time since 2003. Mississippi State has thrown any of its momentum out the window this season, following last years Liberty Bowl victory. MSU is once again playing for pride for the remainder of the season. A hand the Bulldogs have been dealt numerous times since the 2000 season.
For the Golden Eagles, look no further than freshman receiver DeAndre Brown. Brown has led the team, in more ways than one. It’s quite apparent, the cupboard was not overflowing after the departure of ousted head coach Jeff Bower. Not to mention inheriting a team Fedora didn’t recruit, Fedora implemented the spread offense. Logical excuses? Probably, but Fedora wants nothing of it. He quickly picked up Tony Hughes as a solid recruiter. See: DeAndre Brown. Expect more to follow. The Golden Eagles dominated Eastern Division leader East Carolina, 21-3 last Saturday to keep the season alive. More importantly, it was the Eagles third consecutive win. Lowly SMU is the final opponent and the Mustangs have yet to win a conference game.
The sun is shining brightly on the Rebel fans in Oxford. This Saturday, Ole Miss has a chance to win three games in a row for the first time since 2003. Yes, its been five years since Eli and a winning season Fresh off a 59-0 dismantling of Louisiana-Monroe, the Rebels head to “Red Stick” to face LSU. Many people can be attributed to the success this season. None more that head coach Houston Nutt. The first-year head coach did inherit talent, thanks to former head coach Ed Orgeron. There, I said it. Nutt has wielded a team to win a few SEC games. So many, in fact, Mississippi has a chance to finish second in the SEC West if it can defeat its final two foes in LSU and Mississippi State.
Nothing could be said to describe the demise in Starkville that hasn’t already been said. There’s no need to pass along the stats concerning the offensive performance, or the lack thereof, this season. After all, the offense is being led by a walk-on. A walk-on, in Tyson Lee, that has played admirably considering the circumstances. Lets be honest, Lee is not an SEC caliber quarterback. Meridian High School quarterback and MSU signee Tyler Russell might be. The question is, will head coach Sylvester Croom be around to see it? MSU athletic director Greg Byrne will have a decision to make following the season. And no, he’s not currently talking concerning any possible changes in the football office. One thing remains, he did not hire Croom. For Croom, he all but solidifies his post for next season by closing out the season with wins over Arkansas and arch-rival Ole Miss. If those outcomes are reversed, Byrne will earn his salary. The salary he is paid to make life changing decisions, no matter the sport. With the way he handled the baseball hiring of John Cohen, Byrne is known for his fireworks. If decides to strike a match in the football office, it will be a welcomed fire to the masses in Bulldog country.

The season ends for Bruce

2008-11-17T22:49:00.001-08:00

All good things must come to an end. For the Bruce Trojan football team, it happened last Friday night at Trojan Field. As the Trojan fans desired another playoff game, many will say is was quite a ride. None more entertaining than watching the 2008 seniors this season.

The “dynamic duo” of Richard Freelon and his brother, Cleveland Freelon were equally as entertaining. Throughout the season, I would receive a request from their mom to correctly announce the ball carrier. Each of the brothers ran with desire and heart. Not to mention running style. It was commonplace this season. I admit, not I, or the support staff in the press box would cause an uproar. The correction would often be overshadowed due to the roar of the crowd. Either of the youngsters were readily obtaining first downs. After they carried, most times the outcome was joyful.

The city can be proud to all these young men we cheered each Friday night. The roster is full of seniors this year, as many of our young athletes have taken off the helmet the final time.

I was there, like many of you, to see the Trojans win and lose this season. Thankfully winning much more than losing. With grace each time, no less. I had faith they would respond to the losses the following weeks. My faith was always restored. The Trojans never quit. Even in the loss to Simmons, when the stands were very sparse late in the game, they didn’t quit.

I had numerous conversations with head coach James Ray throughout the season. Very few times, if any, did we discuss x’s and o’s. Mostly, it pertained to the kids themselves. How the schoolwork was going. Morale of the team. Injury reports. In two words, real life.

The inner workings of a head coach reach far beyond that of an on the field coach. To many of the players on the team, he or she is viewed as a mentor, companion, disciplinarian, teacher, or family member. I can safely say, all of my coaches encompassed those values ten-fold and this administration seem to echo my sentiments.

I was fortunate enough to address the team before a game this season. I spoke of how teams are truly defined of how they respond when faced with adversity. I spoke of how each day, we have situations in our life that we solve through situations we were taught by our predecessors on the gridiron. For those that played athletics of any sort as a youth, you, too, can relate.

While this team had aspirations of a long playoff run and a trip to Jackson for the State Championship, so did the 1995 Bruce Trojans. We fell short, just as the 2008 Trojans did. One underlying factor remains. We are better people because of Bruce High School and our time on the gridiron. In time, the 2008 seniors will understand that. As for this season, it was a great ride. I thank you for allowing me to be a part of the successful season. I will never forget it.

Fulmer fired at Tennessee

2008-11-03T20:31:00.000-08:00

Mike Hamilton is not a happy man. If he is now, he won’t be very long. The Director of Athletics at the University of Tennessee has relinquished the head coaching duties of head football coach Phillip Fulmer. If critics dispute the fact Fulmer was fired, rather than stepping down on his own accord, look no further than Fulmer’s statements in today’s presser. Not once did he thank Hamilton, while abruptly directing a question from the press core about the timing of the dismissal to Hamilton. It was no amicable split. There were no heart-felt goodbyes between the employer and employee. It was bitter. Quite a shame, as Fulmer is in his 17th year at the helm and 28 years on the Volunteer coaching staff.

Fulmer will graciously finish the season. The Tennessee administration plans on coining the Kentucky game, “Phillip Fulmer Appreciation Day.” Slap in the face? Possibly. Let’s just say, remaining UT opponents Wyoming, Kentucky and Vanderbilt have one thing in common. They’re in trouble. The Vols lethargical play was evident throughout the season. Nothing to play for, is but one of the descriptions by the fan base. That’s no longer the case and the players have made their voices heard.

The Vols had fallen on hard times. In a what-have you-done-for-me-lately world of athletics, you must win and win now. Look no further than Clemson. Tommy Bowden was let go in the middle of the season. The Tigers had National Championship aspirations that fell quickly with a season opening loss to the hands of Alabama. The downward spiral concluded with the firing. Big money calls for big results.

At what point does an athletic director decide to make a move? Obviously it lies with wins and losses. The underlying factor is when do you pull the plug? Many points must be taken into account. How successful is the program historically? Has the program made strides under the current administration? Is recruiting continuing to improve? All are imperative for a successful program. Tennessee was failing in all facets, as it was painfully obvious.

Nothing was more painful than this Monday evening. Along side his wife, Fulmer slowly read through a prepared speech to the media. Hamilton was the bearer of bad news this day, while he hopes to be at the opposite end of the spectrum soon introducing the new head coach of the Big Orange. True, Fulmer will ride off into the sunset with more money than he can spend but he loves his players. He loves football. He loves Tennessee. Fulmer has the opportunity to continue to work at UT in an administrative role. He very well could coach again. In a few months, Mike Hamilton could be on the same podium professing his love for the university as did Fulmer. Quid pro quo Mike; If you do not hit a home-run with your decision as head coach, don’t look for any condolences from Phillip Fulmer.

Nutt returns to Fayetteville

2008-10-28T21:26:00.000-07:00

There have been movies made about it. Songs, along with books and the like. It’s just something about going home. The feeling you get when you see those familiar faces you’ve spent times together for all those years. Trading stories and remembering all the times of the past. Last Saturday night in Fayetteville, Ark. - one of the most desolate places I’ve ever been mind you-Houston Nutt was home. For the record, he didn’t experience the normal homecoming. It wasn’t even remotely close to one that saw the Rebels hold on for a 23-21 win over the Hogs.

A fan of the Razorbacks, donning a hat a picture could not do justice, felt the need to put Nutt’s return into perspective. I humbly obliged for numerous reasons. You have to envision anyone willing to purposely wear a pig nose is capable of anything. “If you marry and divorce 10-years later, then come back and throw your new girlfriend in your wife’s face, how the (heck) would you feel?” For someone with a red snout on his face, he made a great point.

You’ve heard the story. Nutt became the head coach at Mississippi after a bitter split with his former employer, the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Rebels gladly rolled out the red carpet for the Little Rock native. Goodness knows, they would have opened the pearly gates for anyone after the previous four years of turmoil in Oxford. After the Hogs placed the crown atop Bobby Petrino, all was good in the Ozark Mountains. That is, until Houston Nutt came home.

“I was all set to let him have it,” a Hog fan told me. “I watched him this year on TV, cussing him every breath and when I saw him with the Ole Miss shirt on in person, I was speechless.’ ‘It was if someone had ripped my heart out.’ ‘It cut me, I admit,” he added.

Not all the fan base share his sentiments. It clearly is a love-hate relationship, signaled by the numerous fans shouting expletives I didn’t know existed. While there will not be a statue erected in his honor any time soon, Houston Nutt is loved in the state of Arkansas. It was no more evident than the conclusion of the game. Numerous Razorback players waited in line to embrace the former coach. Class by the players. Even more class by the former coach as he graciously spoke to each one individually.

As I exited the stadium, I noticed a few Rebel fans in front of me talking to a lady Razorback fan. While wiping the tears from her eyes, she commented on how much she missed Nutt. As the Rebel fans walked away, one must wonder what was going through their minds. The chance of possibly playing in a bowl game for the first time since 2003? The chance of avenging a myriad of losses to teams in the SEC, starting with Auburn this week?. The joy of escaping the persona as the laughingstock of the SEC?

For the lady Razorback fan, her thoughts were as clear as the sky on this fall evening in the hills. While the homecoming was anything but civil, the Rebel fans aren’t asking Nutt to call Oxford home. They only ask for the Rebels to gain respectability again. Beating the Razorbacks in Fayetteville clearly shows the objectives are much closer than many thought were possible.

Embry sets sights on building the program

2008-10-20T22:46:00.000-07:00

As I walked across Trojan Field before the division game between Bruce and Water Valley this past Friday, he was calmly standing in the North end-zone watching his squad warm-up for just another game. This was not just another game. With both hands slid in each of his pant pockets, while donning a blue and white jacket, you can only imagine what was racing through Brad Embry’s mind.

He could have been revisiting his numerous receptions as tight end just a few years ago while playing his high school football at Bruce. Or, it could be aiding Malcolm Williams and Benjy Parker by stopping former West Lowndes and Mississippi State running back Keffer McGee in the 1992 Playoffs. If I were a betting man, he was thinking of the night Bruce was trailing Water Valley late in the game at Clark Field. The Trojans were being beaten on the line of scrimmage and the Blue Devils had driven to the 10-yard line and inching ever so close for the go ahead score. Following a time-out, head coach Darrell Logan and defensive coordinator Donny Logan called his name, “Joey, make something happen, son!” And he did. The brothers did. The team did. That’s what Trojan Football is. That is the competitive nature in Embry and it showed last Friday night, only this time he wore the Blue but it did not encompass any Gold.

Embry, the first-year head coach at Water Valley, has earned his stripes so far. The Bruce native began his career at Madison Central High School and furthered his career at Tupelo High School, serving as an assistant at both schools and drawing quite the praise from numerous coaches across the state. The staple of success and discipline, obviously instilled by his parents Bill and Gwen, will continue to shine among our high school athletes. Only this time as head coach.

As we were regaling in the tales of yesteryear, I glanced to the right and saw his parents heading to their seat to watch their son, grinning ear to ear. As I continued the conversation, we both understood what words were not spoken. Brad’s brother would not be here to revel in the joy of seeing both his beloved Trojans play and “big brother” coaching his first game back home. Many times, silence says more than we can ever fathom.

“Were happy in Water Valley,” Embry said. “I am really enjoying the opportunity I have been given, the staff is great and I am so proud of our kids,” he added. Much of the roster is loaded with younger kids and building a program takes time. There is little doubt, the Blue Devil program is well on its way. Look no further than Bruce and Calhoun City. Both James Ray and Mike Ray, respectively, have built powerful programs that are no stranger to post-season play year in and year out. Playoff appearances are not celebrated. They’re expected. The gap in talent and experience was evident this past Friday as Bruce extended a 20-14 halftime lead to the 33-14 victory. Similar to the Vardaman Rams administration in the hiring of Justin Hollis, the administration at Water Valley should be commended; a job well done.

Seasons will come and seasons will go. I can only envision how much Joey would have relished this moment. To be honest, this adds to the list of memorable games, and moments, in the storied history of Bruce and Water Valley. Let’s hope it will not be the last.

Bulldogs gear up for stretch run

2008-10-13T22:12:00.000-07:00

It was if the script had already been written. With fans adorned with maroon and white cowbells-some with multiples in tow-Scott Field returned to the glory days of the late 1990’s. A ranked Southeastern Conference foe was arriving to only tuck its tail and return home in defeat. A sight the Scott Field attendees haven’t witnessed since last seasons victory over Alabama. Oh, it was a welcomed sight. Well, it was Vanderbilt. Yes, that Vanderbilt. The one with the 5-0 record and ranked 13th in all of college football. The same Vanderbilt that hasn’t seen a bowl appearance since Ronald Reagan’s first term in his eight-year run as President. The final verdict was 17-14 in favor of the home standing Bulldogs.

On this overcast Saturday afternoon, MSU returned to its roots. Tough, aggressive defense. Just how aggressive? The Dogs held the ‘Dores to 107-yards of total offense, 45-yards coming on the ground. With the Commodores holding a distinct advantage in the turnover ratio, it was Vanderbilt in the gift giving mood for the first time this season. The ‘Dores committed two, the Bulldogs none. It’s quite interesting how the number of turnovers can equate victory or defeat. In the SEC, nothing could be more evident.

While I’m not of the camp that believed MSU head coach Sylvester Croom was in a “must win” situation, I do believe a win was important for the fifth-year head coach to see another season from the sidelines, as he ceased the naysayers for the time being. MSU, fresh off a moral victory two weeks ago in Baton Rouge in a 34-24 loss to LSU, needed a win. While the game was equivalent to giving a thirsty man in the desert a lukewarm glass of water, the Bulldogs now can possibly salvage what looked like a season headed south.

Tennessee is next. While Vandy is not your usual Vandy, neither is Tennessee. The Vols are reeling and fresh off another loss, this one to Georgia. UT is 2-4 and winless in the SEC. Remember the naysayers? Phillip Fulmer, head coach at Tennessee, is under tremendous scrutiny. He has managed to escape any form of dismissal over the past few seasons with late season heroics. It will take a magic act to circle the wagons in Knoxville.

There is hope in Starkville. MSU will host Middle Tennessee State in two weeks. While the Blue Raiders sit at 2-4, they do have a victory over Maryland earlier this season. Kentucky, Alabama, Arkansas and Ole Miss round out the remainder of the season. If MSU can improve with Tyson Lee at quarterback and continue to cure it’s offensive woes, future success should follow.

The question is, will it happen on Saturday? With UT winning the last seven meetings between the two, history is not on the Bulldogs side. History wasn’t on it’s side last Saturday either.

Rebs and Dogs gaining respect

2008-09-29T23:08:00.000-07:00

For fans of both Mississippi State and Mississippi, last Saturday began with both fan bases tepidly turned their television sets to watch their respective schools against the best the SEC had to offer. The Rebels traveled to Florida and the Bulldogs to LSU. Before the evening came to a close, one group of fans walked away with a renewed enthusiasm, the other in a state of euphoria.

Mississippi State
Sylvester Croom obviously saw the writing on the wall, albeit after five games into the season. The inept play of Wesley Carroll finally proved to be the last straw with the loss to Auburn, paving the way for junior college transfer quarterback Tyson Lee. To say that Lee looked poised in the pocket leading the Bulldog attack would be a vast understatement. While the numbers weren’t stellar, the scaled down version of offense worked to perfection, to the tune of 24-points on the home turf of Tiger Stadium.

While the Bulldogs came up short, losing 34-24, much was gained from the loss. Most importantly, Croom found his signal caller for the remainder of the season. The Dogs will enjoy an open date this week before Vanderbilt rolls in. No need to worry. Vandy is ripe for the picking. The ‘Dores have skimmed their way to 4-0 and have Auburn this weekend. With a schedule full of angry SEC teams, they are no longer the unknown. I’m afraid the clock has about struck midnight on our friends from Nashville. For Mississippi State, any chance of a winning season must begin with a victory against the Commodores. With Lee at the helm, I like their chances.

Mississippi
If you said you saw it coming, you are either a world renowned psychic or so deep in the kool-aid, you needed a life preserver to stay afloat. Last Saturday, the Ole Miss Rebels headed to Florida Field for a date with the No. 4 Florida Gators. Blowout right? One would think so, as the Rebels hadn’t beaten a top five team since defeating Notre Dame , 20-13, in 1977. Apparently the “Right Reverend” Houston Nutt and his loyal flock of believers didn’t get the memo. Was history on their side? Anyone that has followed Rebel Football the last four years under the regime of…..well, you know who, the Rebs found a way to beat Vandy a few times. I stress a few. That was the extent of any victory inside the SEC. At this point, the chances of Ole Miss winning inside “The Swamp” were about as good as John McCain and Barak Obama foregoing their respective presidential campaigns to embark on a cross-country motorcycle trip. It ain’t happening. And then, the unthinkable. With the Gators faced with a fourth-and-one late in the fourth quarter, Florida’s Tim Tebow was stopped as the Rebels held on for a 31-30 victory. While media and fans dissect their own hypothesis to the Gator demise, simply look to the Rebs loss to Vanderbilt a few weeks ago. The glaring characteristic is turnovers. Only this time, the Rebels were not the team committing them. They were causing them.

Both State and Ole Miss play in stadiums that each should be proud of. MSU is in the process of erecting a videoboard which looks like will rival any in the nation. Mississippi already has one in place. Each school pays its football coach more money than I can count. With the Dogs giving LSU all they wanted and Ole Miss obtaining the “signature win” they have been longing for, it seems it all just might pay off.

The Big-3 have serious issues to work out

2008-09-23T07:31:00.000-07:00

It was a tough Saturday to be a college football fan in Mississippi. That is, if you are a fan of the big three; Mississippi, Mississippi State and Southern Miss. All three filled their respective games with missed field goals, turnovers-in every facet-and numerous missed assignments. Not much can be said that hasn’t already to grumbling fan bases. It is quite evident on message boards, call-in shows and newspapers the like. In order to grasp a gleam of hope in an already clouded room, let’s evaluate the positives that have occurred throughout the 2008 season to this point.

Ole Miss- The Rebels outgained the now nationally ranked Vanderbilt Commodores in every statistical category and found a way to lose. Why? Very simple. Six turnovers. You can look at numerous points of the game, you can look at coaching decisions, you can look at personnel changes. It simply doesn’t matter. If you turn the ball over six times in a Southeastern conference game, you have no business winning. Case closed. The Rebels are far improved over the last few years but found a way to lose to the doormat of the SEC East. Unfortunately, the record doesn’t mirror the improvement and the losing streak of consecutive SEC losses continue to loom. Best dust your britches off quick. Mississippi faces Florida on Saturday. Ouch.

Mississippi State. If I were the defense, I would be mad too. The MSU defense held the Auburn Tigers to just three points and gave up a whopping 438 rushing yards to Georgia Tech this weekend. It was obvious the defense letdown after last week. Who could blame them? If the offense doesn’t improve soon, the defense may elect not to make any further trips. Coach Sylvester Croom has tweaked the offense here and there and nothing seems to work. In his weekly press luncheon, he named Robert Elliot the number two back behind Anthony Dixon. Elliot will have another chance to “rock the deuce,” although he will have to do so on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. The Bulldogs hope the scoreboard does not look like a slot machine as they face LSU on ESPN 2. I have no words to describe this. It almost is unfair for a team struggling to be faced with the task of playing in Baton Rouge. Repeat after me, “Our Father……..”

Southern Miss. When the Marshall Thundering Herd were beating a hapless Memphis Tiger football team, I just simply shook my head. When the Herd traveled to Hattiesburg and held on to beat Southern Miss, I was simply shocked. Coach Larry Fedora can ill afford to drop conference games, at home no less, and contend for the Conference-USA crown. In the loss, Fedora’s confidence was secure in incoming freshman DeAndre Brown and he excited the crowd with a 68-yard touchdown from Austin Davis. The undoing for the Eagles? 11-penalties for 129 yards. USM has an open date to think about it.

While the games are week-to-week and coach speak says put them behind you, it’s quite difficult to do so. The big three have let us down. Here’s to a win this week. Oh, how monumental they would be for UM and MSU. Unfortunately, the odds are stacked against them, in more ways than one.

MSU Defense shows up, offense not so much

2008-09-15T22:39:00.000-07:00

Defense wins championships. Well, most of the time. Just ask Auburn defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads. His Tigers held Mississippi State scoreless. Enter first year defensive coordinator at MSU, Charlie Harbison. While yielding only a 35-yard field goal by Auburn’s Wes Byrum, the Bulldog defense scored two points of its own when Auburn was tagged for holding in its own end zone. Not one offensive touchdown. In fact, neither offense was close.

Inside Scott Field last Saturday night, frustrations were reverberating from the seats housed by the maroon and white fan base. Right behind them, the same reactions were being yelped by the orange and blue Tiger faithful. Let’s just lay it on the line. When both teams combine to successfully convert 3-for-30 on third down tries, there is a problem. Now, one might say you should credit the defense and rightfully so. What does it say about the offense? Fill in the blank. Somewhere former Auburn offensive coordinator Al Borges must be shaking his head in disbelief. He was shown the door for this? The Tigers are under the direction of first year coach Tony Franklin, who previously served as OC at Troy University and many wonder if he was in attendance among the fifth largest crowd of 52,911 at Scott Field.

Unless you were around on Oct. 16, 1965, you were apart of college football history. The significance of the date? The last time a game ended by the score of 3-2, as Clemson beat Duke on that fall Saturday. Many cliché’s will be coined to describe the rare game in Starkville, such as a pitcher’s duel in reference to baseball. The underlying factor was the inability to make adjustments at halftime by both coaches. Absent from the game was Auburn quarterback Kodi Burns, the player responsible for Auburn mounting a comeback in last season’s MSU win at Auburn. If this offense is indicative of what’s to come, the Tigers have quite the season in front of them. As for MSU, one would have to wonder what superb athletes such as Derek Pegues and Keith Fitzhugh could do under center. At this point, you have to be open to any ideas.

This past summer, it was said the MSU offense was set up for returning quarterback Wesley Carroll. A solid scheme to make it apparently clear for Carroll to manage the offense, while being efficient enough to not lose the game. As we reach the fourth game of the season, it appears that philosophy is not producing a positive outcome. While Carroll did nothing to lose the game, he certainly did nothing to win it. All is not lost. The Dogs will not face a defense as solid as Auburn for the remainder of the season. That, alone, should ease the burden of the offensive woes

I’m reminded of the late 1990’s while Jackie Sherrill was pacing the sidelines. Many week’s, the Bulldogs found a way to win with stingy defenses. This past Saturday, the defense did all they could but no to avail. Coach Harbison should be proud. His defense did all they could by muzzling the Tigers. Unfortunately, the State offense did not return the favor. They say defense wins championships 99.9-percent of the time. For the Bulldogs, that stat couldn’t be more further from the truth.

Bruce and Vardaman slug it out on the field

2008-09-15T10:52:00.000-07:00

First year head coach Justin Hollis knew. In fact, he probably could have placed a hefty wager on what his Vardaman Rams would encounter before the opening kickoff against Bruce. A running attack like his troops had never seen. While we knew the Trojans would put an offensive juggernaut on the field, we didn’t know the Rams would counter with an outstanding offensive gameplan of its own. Credit Hollis with inserting quarterback Gene Ruth as the number one signal caller. Credit Hollis for using a multiple offensive attack to keep the Trojan defense off guard. Many said the Vardaman administration was taking a chance on hiring Hollis due to lack of head coaching experience. Apparently, the administration knew something they didn’t. If the remainder of the season is indicative of Thursday night, foes of the Rams should be aware of the prowess the team possesses and Hollis harvesting traits as if he were a crafty veteran of the sport.

As the final horn blew at Trojan Field this past Thursday night, the scoreboard read 27-16 with the home Trojans the victors over the visiting Vardaman Rams. What was missing were the underlying superlatives by each team. The scoreboard failed to mention Ram quarterback Gene Ruth, excelling time and time again. Trojan running back Richard Freelon, slicing and dicing all night long. Ram Xavier Humphries and Trojan Curtis Lyons leaving it all on the field. Like I said, the scoreboard doesn’t tell the story at all.
County rivalries are what make high school football special. Which is more of the reason, Bruce and Calhoun City should line up and play again. At this point, that is not happening any time soon. What happened this past week was special. The score is not indicative of a very close game, only to see the Trojans run away with it behind Freelon and Lyons, who amassed over 200 rushing yards each.

The game pitted teams within its own county. Many times, it gives people an outlet of entertainment for a few hours each week. Contrary to what people realize, competing in high school athletics is a privilege not a right. Many of the coaches on the sideline are volunteers. For the one’s that are compensated, many receive a supplement of only a few hundred bucks a year. To say they do it for the money is foolish. As a coaches son, I understand the love of the game from my father. Fittingly, nothing is more important than winning. Ultimately, it’s the life lessons along the way that we remember.

As Justin Hollis and BHS head coach James Ray relished the chance of becoming a head coach in Mississippi, they did what so many of us should do when we receive an opportunity; meet our objective head on and do our best. With Hollis, his successful journey has just begun.

SEC swings a monster deal

2008-08-25T21:34:00.001-07:00

If you had any aspirations of getting into the broadcast business to televise Southeastern Conference football, you might want to check your banking account. If you’re short a couple of billion, yes billion with a “b”, you might want to pass. ESPN decided to take the bait. To the tune of $2.25 billion for the rights over the next 15 years. The numbers are staggering, to say the least. The deal is set to begin for the 2009-2010 season.

The conference office, headed by commissioner Mike Slive, toyed with the option to creating its own network. The Big 10 conference has a similar network that broadcast its athletic events exclusively. The SEC chose to shop, if you will. Money rows the boat and this is no different as the move has been described as “lucrative and unprecedented” by Slive himself.

You have to imagine Pete Boone and Greg Burke, both athletic directors at Ole Miss and Mississippi State respectively, are smiling all the way to the bank. The deal is set to pay each of the schools in the SEC an estimated $15 million each year off television revenue alone. Yes, that’s three times what the schools have been receiving, as each school received $5.3 million last season.

The contract will include the entire ESPN family of networks including ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPN on ABC. The deal will televise more than an eye-popping 5,500 events featuring the SEC over the 15-year period in the longest national rights agreement in ESPN history.

An interesting caveat will be a new channel offered in ESPN Regional. Actually, the channel will be a feature similar to the Fox Sports family of networks ie: Fox Sports Net South and Fox Sports Net Midwest. Expect to see those type channels to follow soon.

As you do the process of elimination, Jefferson Pilot/Lincoln Financial/Raycom Sports are about to give us their swan song. Gone will be the days of the three “Dave’s” in football, referencing of course: Dave Neal, Dave Baker and Dave Archer. Gone will be the days of Joe Dean, Jr., analyst for basketball, squawking “string music.” Somewhere, former color analyst Dave Rowe is banging his desk with laughter over the recent happenings. Rowe left the network two years ago, as the divorce was not amicable.

If you’re excited about the demise of the famed 11:30 a.m. kickoff, try again. ESPN plans on retaining the early game and plans are to add another to compliment the present time slot, both on ESPN Regional. The Disney owned company also plans on adding Thursday night games and featuring two prime-time Saturday night games as well, totaling over 20 games on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN on ABC alone.

Basketball will also receive added exposure to compliment its solidified Tuesday night slot. The network will triple its content and will broadcast the SEC Tournament for the first time in its history.

To say this step by ESPN, Inc and ABC Sports is indicative of the national view on the SEC would be an understatement. If you thought the stakes of winning were at an all time high, check again. They just stepped up to a new level. If anyone questions you on why the coaches are paid what they are in the SEC, simply show them the numbers. In this case, numbers don’t lie. Numbers that are shaping modern televison history before our eyes.

2008 Olympics

2008-08-18T21:26:00.000-07:00

They said no one cared. They said no one would watch. They said NBC made a colossal mistake forking over millions for the right to provide television coverage of the 29th Olympiad. They were dead wrong. To be honest, you were hooked the moment you saw the opening ceremony. It was if you were there, waiting for the announcer to announce the US team’s arrival. At that moment you were ecstatic because you realized you live in the greatest country in the world. Black or white? Doesn’t matter. Liberal or conservative? Again, who cares. For once, we are all on the same page. That’s what makes the Olympics so special.
Beijing has been the site of the late night heroics of the United States and none have touched our nation more than Michael Fred Phelps.
Phelps wasn’t a house hold name. After years of training at the United States Olympic Training Facility in Colorado Springs, CO, Phelps was vying for a chance to swim with the world’s best and defeat them. In record time. Swim and dominate he did. He was perfect. In fact, he not only broke the previous records, he shattered them. When he was finished, he calmly hoisted eight gold medals for all the world to see. He now could have his name and caricature etched into Mount Rushmore. House hold name? He could possibly have an argument as the best athlete in any sport.
Phelps grew up in Baltimore, MD, and began swimming at an early age. As a small child, he was diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and began swimming as an outlet to aid with the recovery. After excelling at the University of Michigan, he began a lifelong dream of preparing for the Olympic games.
With the USA basketball team continuing to squash the competition, the eyes of the US were on events such as floor exercise and uneven bars. The US gymnastics team were against the odds of the favored Chinese in Olympic National Stadium. The duo of Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin wowed the crowd and Liukin came away with the gold medal.
Stories are appearing where fathers and mothers are seeing their children emulating the stars of the Olympics in their respective backyards throughout the heartland of America. Yearning for the chance to be an Olympic hero like that of Phelps and Liukin.
We can learn from the youngsters, not just from America, about the desire to win and succeed. These athletes trained vigorously in their quest for excellence. So many times, young people on television are anything but role models for kids. Olympians are quite the opposite.
Many remember where you were when Hank Aaron broke the home run record previously held by Babe Ruth or saw the 1972 Miami Dolphins finish the NFL season undefeated. For this generation, watching Phelps swim to gold was pure magic.

Fedora ready to fly high with the Golden Eagles

2008-08-11T21:16:00.001-07:00

Conference-USA is not a member of the Bowl Championship Series. In fact, each of its 12 member institutions that play football are against the wall, so to speak. Each must continue to strive for an undefeated season for a chance to play in the coveted games affectionately known as the BCS. It’s not impossible, with Boise State and Hawai’i earning a BCS bid out of the Western Athletic Conference the last few seasons. With the emergence of Central Florida and the continued dominance of Southern Mississippi, C-USA continues to be proactive. A partnership that continues with extensive game coverage on CBS College Sports and C-USA All Access, the conference must continue to expose itself as much as it can. With Houston, East Carolina and Tulsa having successful seasons last year, C-USA continues to put quality teams in bowls each year. The trend must continue for C-USA to make a play for the committee to give the conference a nod if, and when, the BCS committee come calling.
With fall practice in full force, fans in the state of Mississippi are wondering if Mississippi defensive tackle Jerrell Powe will be in game condition and how Wesley Carroll, Mississippi State quarterback, is progressing. Well, not everyone. First year head coach at Southern Mississippi Larry Fedora could care in the least. In fact, he has enough to worry about. He must direct a team that will bring USM fans to the games and fill newly remodeled Carlisle-Faulkner Field at M.M. Roberts Stadium. He must show Director of Athletics, Richard Giannini, he made a wise choice. He must cease the naysayers when prompted about former head coach Jeff Bower. Like I said, Fedora could care not and USM is the only school that matters. His objectives are likely to be met, with results coming sooner than later.
To use a football term, the marketing department is in an all out “blitz.” With numerous television and radio advertisements, the Golden Eagles are taking a step up to continue the buzz surrounding the hire of Fedora. USM has been known as a defensive juggernaut. Fedora hopes the offense will respond in kind. It all begins with sophomore running back Damion Fletcher. The Conference-USA Preseason Player of the Year, Fletcher with be the stalwart in the backfield, amassing 1,388 rushing yards on 276 carries last season. Whether or not Fedora will elect to use a two-quarterback system is yet to be seen, he has talented freshmen quarterbacks in Austin Davis and Martevious Young to choose from. One name to remember is receiver DeAndre Brown. The incoming freshman toiled with suitors Florida, LSU and Ole Miss but chose the Golden Eagles instead. All-American tight end Shawn Nelson has caught the eye of numerous NFL scouts and will be relied upon by both quarterbacks for production.
New defensive coordinator Todd Bradford has a monumental hill to climb. The former Oklahoma State linebackers coach must rebuild a USM defense that was decimated by graduation. The process begins around returning C-USA Defensive Player of the Year Gerald McGrath. The junior logged in 139 tackles last season and will be counted on to lead a defense that returns only three starters. With a date with the Auburn Tigers the second week of the season, USM should be 4-1 heading into a home date with Boise State.
Fedora has coined the phrase, “Sound the Attack.” If the attack hasn’t already begun after the opening game against UL-Lafayette, expect the Eagles to rekindle the magic the likes of Favre and Collier so effortlessly graced the USM nation with on October 11th when the Broncos of Boise come to town. With the players, coaches, administration and fan base in accord, Larry Fedora could indeed get his wish. A raucous, sold out, M.M. Roberts Stadium. Only time will tell.

Yoda Creek and Grace Club Tournament

2008-08-04T21:00:00.001-07:00

With the football season closing in, the summer vacation season is fading away. As students and teachers report for another fun-filled year in the classroom, many of the county golfers are storing the clubs for the winter. An upcoming tournament at Yoda Creek Golf Club, brought to you by the Grace Club of Bruce, should make you pause before doing so.
The four-man scramble, scheduled for August 16th-17th, is creating quite the buzz in North Mississippi. With good reason. Culminating a superb job of planning by the Grace Club and organization by the Men’s Golf Association at Yoda Creek, the event will display the beautiful course and open the eyes of what Bruce has to offer.
Just recently, the Cart Barn Inn was erected adjacent to the golf course. The eclectic bed and breakfast offers visitors a chance to experience golf and lodging in a small town. The city continues to be proactive with radio advertisements in the local media market, while continuing to attract new businesses to the area. Showcasing the golf course is yet another positive move to continue moving forward.
Yoda Creek was the dream of one of the brilliant minds of Calhoun County, Harry Waller. Bruce Telephone Company, launched by Waller, continues to be a staple in the community. His daughter, Connie Collins, serves as the CEO and continues to be a sitting board member at the club. Although Harry has passed away, his legacy continues on the property just North of Bruce. The nine hole course is situated through the rolling hills, as the fairways and green are adorned with plush Bermuda grass. Jerry Warrington, head groundskeeper, has maintained the course and continues to make Yoda Creek a gem among nine hole tracts in Mississippi. While some might disagree, the par-4 fifth hole is my personal favorite. If you get the chance, pause for a moment and soak up the beauty it has to offer as you look to the south and west. Many things in life are not free, the view for the fifth is.
Darrell Bramlett, one of the many organizers of the event, is quite pleased with the progress of the tournament. “We are happy to have an event of this magnitude at Yoda Creek to give the area golfers a chance to play in a first class tournament,” Bramlett said. “With the Grace Club and the Men’s Golf Association working together, we hope this tournament continues to be a positive light on the City of Bruce and Yoda Creek.”
The two-day tournament will feature a steak supper, calcutta and entertainment following play on Saturday. For more information, please call the Yoda Creek Golf Club at 662-983-YODA.

SEC West proves to be a tough hill to climb

2008-07-28T22:50:00.000-07:00

The Southeastern Conference has a storied history, both past a present. The SEC Western Division is synonymous for a tactic known as “three yards and a cloud of dust.” While philosophies have changed, don’t expect the coaching brethren to shy away from the running attack. A former coach once summed up the SEC a few years ago in reference to the dedication of the players that light up the scoreboard each Saturday. “It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The “hard” is what makes it great.” The Auburn Tigers have silenced the critics, winning six straight over its arch rival Alabama. While that streak will come to an end this season, a trip to meet the Georgia Bulldogs in Atlanta for the SEC Championship game should be a nice reward.

1-Auburn Tigers- Defense wins championships is a slogan that is echoed at every school in the SEC. For the Tigers, head coach Tommy Tuberville knows his defense is the poster child. The most talented linebacker trio in the conference can be found on the Plains, led by Tray Blackmon. Heralded Juco quarterback Chris Todd will press Kody Burns for the starting nod as signal caller, although expect both to see action. Talented running back Brad Lester returns, along with the entire offensive line. If you’re looking for a soft spot in the lineup, there’s not one. With Florida absent from the schedule this year, the Tigers have Tennessee, LSU and Georgia at home, while the only road test will be in Tuscaloosa. Will the Tigers be able to rebound after the loss to the Tide? Enough wins will insure a berth in Atlanta.

2-Alabama Crimson Tide- Head coach Nick Saban has surmounted top recruiting classes the previous two seasons. The Crimson Nation will expect results sooner than later. Expect the results to come soon. Nine starters return on offense, anchored by All-American tackle Andre Smith. Incoming freshman Julio Jones should make an immediate impact at receiver, as the position was depleted due to graduation. Rolando McClain, an all-SEC freshman last season, returns at linebacker, as does preseason All-SEC strong safety Rashad Johnson. A difficult schedule should prove to be the difference, with road games at Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee and LSU. A regular season win over Auburn should have the Tide in a New Year’s Day bowl.

3-LSU Tigers- Down on the bayou, the Tigers are coming off a successful 2007 season, winning the BCS National Championship. This season, graduation and off the field troubles, have taken it’s toll. Absent from the roster this season is Ryan Perrilloux, the now transferred quarterback that was dismissed by head coach Les Miles this off season. Offensive coordinator Gary Crowton was left scratching his head, having the task of nurturing Jarrett Lee and Andrew Hatch into SEC caliber quarterbacks. Only five starters return on offense but many have seen action, mainly in running backs Richard Murphy and Keiland Williams. Brandon LaFell returns to anchor a depleted receiver unit. The well will not be dry as the Tigers landed a talented recruiting class last season. Road tests at Auburn, Florida and Arkansas will determine if LSU will maintain its post atop the college football world. Without an established quarterback, the road will be rocky.

4-Ole Miss Rebels- Exit Ed Orgeron. Enter Houston Nutt. While it may take a bit of getting used to for many Rebel fans, the former Arkansas head coach is anxious to start his first season in Oxford. He will inherit a talented group with very few wins to show for it. Texas transfer quarterback Jevan Snead hopes to aid in the transition. Opposite from last season, there is no controversy this season. With the loss of BenJarvus Green-Ellis in the backfield, Nutt hit the recruiting trail hard signing three running backs, highlighted by former Auburn signee Enrique Davis. A talented receiving unit returns with Mike Wallace and a now healthy Dexter McCluster. The ongoing saga of Waynesboro defensive tackle Jerrell Powe has come to a close. This should add depth to an already solid defensive front. The schedule has games at Wake Forest, Florida, Alabama and Arkansas. The tough road games will not be an easy road to climb but the addition of Nutt should give the Rebels a nod come bowl season.

5-Mississippi State Bulldogs- Sylvester Croom said he could do it. Not many believed him. In typical Croom fashion, the former NFL assistant promptly defeated Kentucky, Auburn, Alabama and Ole Miss en route to a Liberty Bowl victory over Central Florida. Croom installed winning back into the MSU football program and many believe he will keep it there. There is no better place to start than running back Anthony Dixon. The junior rushed for 1,066 yards last season on 287 attempts. Herein lies the problem this season; Dixon will have to rely on a brand new offensive line. Quarterback Wesley Carroll returns, following a yeoman’s effort in the bowl game. Offensive coordinator Woody McCorvey worked diligently this off season in the passing department to mirror the success of last season. The defensive secondary will likely pick up any of the slack, returning all of its starters from last season. The Bulldogs have a rugged schedule, hosting Auburn, Kentucky and Arkansas and traveling to Georgia Tech, LSU, Tennessee, Alabama and Ole Miss.

6-Arkansas Razorbacks- Head coach Bobby Petrino has quite the job ahead of him. He must incorporate an offense the Hog faithful have not seen in four years. An offense without the services of Felix Jones and Darren McFadden. The former Louisville head coach is known as a pass-happy offensive mind, an offense completely different than any ever seen in the Ozarks. While the offense will struggle this season due to transition, the defense returns the entire defensive front led by nose tackle Ernest Mitchell. With the usual SEC competition, the Hogs have an early road game against the Texas Longhorns on September 13th. Unfortunately for the Hogs, it will be all downhill from there.

UGA Dawgs lead the pack in the East

2008-07-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

We the football brethren have no choice but to watch numerous replays of the games of the past on the NFL Network and ESPNU. I’m asked how I can watch a game I have seen before, already know the outcome and could make far better use of my time. My answer is always the same-It’s in my blood. Times are about to change.
Soon, high schools will begin the regiment of pre-season practice. The same goes for college and professional teams as well. The Southeastern Conference will host its annual media days beginning today in Birmingham. As with any year, new faces will be sitting in the hot seat. Both players and coaches alike.
During the upcoming week’s leading into the 2008 season, I will take a look at the SEC and breakdown each team. The SEC East is known for producing teams visible on the national scene. The Florida Gators, two-time National Champions, return last season’s Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. The Georgia Bulldogs could be the most talented team in the nation, prompting the nod as the favorite this season in the eastern division.

1-Georgia Bulldogs- With 16 of the 22 starters returning, head coach Mark Richt couldn’t be happier. Throw in the starting backfield, highlighted by sophomore running back Knowshon Moreno and quarterback Matthew Stafford, and a special season is on the horizon. The schedule is quite difficult, as with any school in the SEC, with road games at Arizona State, LSU and Auburn. With Moreno and Stafford staying healthy, don’t be surprised to see UGA in the BCS National Championship game.

2-Florida Gators- Very few occasions does a Heisman Trophy winner return to college. In this case, Tim Tebow could possibly make the decision twice. In order for Tebow to return to glory, he will have to lead the Gators on a championship run. The offensive attack will have to rely heavily on sophomore running back Chris Rainey, who had a coming out party in the spring, to ease the load of Tebow. Seven starters return on a defense that was lit up in the Capitol One Bowl against Michigan last fall. A torrid schedule with games versus Hawaii, Miami, LSU, Georgia, Tennessee and Florida State will take its toll on Tebow. The Gators will have their hands full and must incorporate an offense to somehow protect Tebow.

3-Tennessee Volunteers- The Vols are quite the story. Head coach Phillip Fulmer has made the locals a bit restless in the eastern part of the volunteer state lately. While he continues to pile up the victories, the championships are not coming quite so easily. UT saw itself dismantled by Florida and Alabama last season. Newly installed quarterback Jonathan Crompton hopes to cease the naysayers. The offense returns a talented receiving corps led by Lucas Taylor and all of the offensive line. Eric Berry anchors a veteran secondary. If all falls into place, the Vols could vie for a shot at Atlanta in the SEC Championship game. Unfortunatly, games at Auburn and Georgia will prove to be the difference.

4-Kentucky Wildcats- Coach Rich Brooks shocked the nation, grooming now departed quarterback Andre Woodson into one of the best in college football. Now, he faces the test of doing the same with Junior Chris Pulley. If Pulley can effectively hand the ball off to talented running backs Derrick Locke and Tony Dixon, he has already passed phase one of the transition. Dicky Lyons, a speedy target at wide out, has garnered quite the praise in the off-season. The defense will be seasoned, with the emergence of Jeremy Jarmon at defensive tackle. The Cats have Arkansas, Georgia and South Carolina inside Commonwealth Stadium which should help insure another bowl berth.

5-South Carolina Gamecocks- Steve Spurrier made a choice four years ago. The world renowned “ole ball coach” decided to call Columbia, SC home. Four years later, many wonder why he did. A membership to Augusta National Golf Club, site of the Masters Tournament, doesn’t seem all that enticing now. USC is without quarterback Blake Mitchell due to graduation. Talented receiver Kenny McKinley anchors an offense that lost all of its offensive line. A talented secondary should help former defensive coordinator at MSU Ellis Johnson, who now has the same duties at USC. For the Gamecocks, they will have to scrap to mirror the 6-6 record of last season.

6-Vanderbilt Commodores- When head coach Bobby Johnson returns for his seventh year at Vandy, he will be without two-thirds of his starters from last season. That doesn’t bode well for a program whose last bowl game came in 1982. Senior quarterback Chris Nickson returns to anchor an offense with one returning wide receiver in Sean Walker. Couple that with no running backs or linemen returning, although experience was gained last season with numerous injuries in the trenches. With a 5-3 record heading into the final four games last season, the ‘Dores saw any resemblance of a winning season slip through their fingers losing the remaining games. For 2008, it doesn’t look to improve.

Next week, a look inside the SEC Western Division.

A new day at Ole Miss

2008-07-15T08:45:00.001-07:00

A college football coach is often faced with many difficult decisions. Those range from which quarterback to start the game, to what type of defense to incorporate to stop the opposition. Often, those decisions are filed away in the back of the minds of athletic directors to grade each coach at the conclusion of the season. Sometimes, those decisions are so glaring, it’s painfully obvious which action the athletic directors plan to take.

When the names like Tommy Tuberville of Auburn and Les Miles of LSU are spoken, adjectives like guts are soon to follow. It’s is dually noted, there is a fine line between guts and stupidity. The former seem to outweigh the latter in this case. Numerous times throughout these two head coaches careers, the decision to refuse to punt on fourth down are but the norm.

In crucial situations, Tuberville and Miles have elected to forgo the obvious of punting and go for the extra set of downs. Many times they are successful. Few times they are not. While at Ole Miss, Tuberville was coined the “Mississippi Gambler” for his antics. Miles, who many believe is a few cards short of a full deck, believed heavily in the tactic of not punting. Over the past few seasons, Tuberville has led the Tigers to an undefeated season and Miles saw his Tigers win the BCS Championship. It works all the time, correct? Enter former head coach at Mississippi, Ed Orgeron.

Last fall on a cool morning inside Scott Field, Orgeron was smiling. His job was secure. He was leading his arch rival, Mississippi State, 14-0. It was the beginning of the fourth quarter and the MSU offense was non-existent, to the tune of 59 total yards in the first half. The fifth win in six tries was all but locked up as the Golden Egg trophy was secure in the athletics complex at the University of Mississippi. Anyone who follows the SEC knows luck is a four letter word Orgeron knows nothing about. Stranger things have happened and it most certainly did.

Facing a fourth-and-1 at the Rebels 49-yard line, Orgeron had a choice. Go for the first down or pin the Bulldogs back in its own territory with only 10:05 remaining in the game. We were not in the huddle. We also were not privy to hear if quarterback Brent Schaeffer or running back BenJarvus Green Ellis were pleading their case to go for it. Ultimately, it was his call. The call that would squash any hopes he had of remaining the head coach at Ole Miss. Ed Orgeron rolled the dice and crapped out. As they say, the rest is history. MSU scored once, twice and rang the bell on final time off the foot of Adam Carlson’s 48-yard field goal and a 17-14 win.

The Rebels were winless in the SEC for the first time in 1982, so to say the fan base was a bit concerned would be an understatement. Pete Boone, AD at Ole Miss was more than concerned. He would relinquish Orgeron of his duties as head coach. So many factors can be attributed to the dismissal of Orgeron. None is more glaring than “the call” against MSU.

In the minds of Rebel fans, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. On that fall Friday, the Rebels lost. This upcoming season, the Rebel fans hope to win under the field direction of Houston Nutt with Ed Orgeron a figment of their imagination.

They called him "the Spotter Extraordinaire"

2008-07-08T00:15:00.000-07:00

On the fall afternoon of November 29th, 2002, I was one happy fan. This was not a normal football afternoon. While glued to the television set, my eyes were fixated upon War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Ark. The Razorbacks and the LSU Tigers were vying for a chance to be crowned Southeastern Conference Western Division Champions and play in Atlanta for the SEC Championship the following week. As the final horn blew, the Hogs escaped with a 21-20 win over the Tigers and their wish came true. As many of you know, I care not in the least for our neighbors to the West. In fact, I consider them an outsider as they became a member of the SEC just 16 years ago. A dear friend of mine was happy which explains my joy. Happy is a simple adjective to describe many emotions in one’s life. A big win, a celebrated anniversary, watching your son make the big tackle or welcoming a new grandchild to the world. My friend was able to revel in the joy and zest for life I often envied. This past Tuesday morning, my friend Darrel Maddox was laid to rest.
Honestly, he had no choice. Born in Oden, Ark., the Hawg Nation was the clear choice of allegiance. Each Sunday morning at church, following an Arkansas win in any sport mind you, Maddox would politely stroll to the back of the church and gloat. Actually, I grew to enjoy it. If you were not quite sure of his team of choice, he was donning his Razorback belt and tie to subdue any questions of loyalty. It was common to receive a phone call following a Hawg win. A phone call that I would often receive and relish every moment of, while speaking in disgust while on the phone. All part of the banter that makes college sports what we all love.
While we disagreed on college teams, high school was another matter. Maddox served as public address announcer for Bruce, along with his son Bryan, for over 20 years. The term, “the apple does not fall from the tree” is very fitting in this case. When his son Bryan elected to step onto the field as a coach at BHS, things changed for the elder Maddox. Time to relinquish the microphone and become the spotter was his next move. The nights as we served as arm-chair offensive and defensive coordinator were the norm, ones that I will deeply miss. Quite honestly, his spotting duties became very poor the last couple of years. With good reason no less. I would look to my right and await his reply to the person making the catch or who was stopped for no gain. No answer. All I saw was a smile that would light up a room that hasn’t seen light in years. In his arms would be one of his grandchildren, smiling ear to ear. Suddenly nothing else mattered. I began to spot for myself as I enjoyed the sight of life unfolding before me.
Every night of the big game, Maddox would enter the door of the press box and exchange pleasantries with the crew. Following a deep breath, tug at his pants and a pat on my back, the words always followed, “It’s Friday night in Bruce, Miss.”
The season’s will change, the Friday night’s will come and so will the 2008 football season. Unfortunately my friend will no longer be sitting to my right. Luckily for us, his love, friendship and lasting impressions he left us on this earth will be honored and remembered forever.

Bruce vs 'City.......we've waited long enough

2008-06-30T21:24:00.000-07:00

Sports movies are a norm in my life. I have a difficult time changing the channel on the movies that fill my schedule grid. From Caddyshack to Hoosiers, the combination of sports and Hollywood always make for an entertaining evening. Most of the time, that is.
I’m reminded of a character named Sy Orlansky, played by Clifton James in the movie “The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training.” Orlansky was the president of a beverage company in the 1977 sequel. During the final game, officials stopped the game versus the Houston Toros due to time constraints. Orlansky rose to his feet and began to chant, “Let Them Play!” The entire crowd inside the Houston Astrodome followed suit, as the crowd let their voices be heard. Officials resumed the game and the Bears were victorious. We as Calhoun County fans should take note. It’s high time the Bruce Trojans and the Calhoun City Wildcats battle for the Skuna River trophy again.
I must preface this by saying, this is a matter of a governing body named the Mississippi High School Activities Association. While the selfish nature of the beloved fans of our county are not the heart of the matter, the MHSAA determines how each school is classified ie: 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A. The chance of creating a sixth classification in on the horizon and possibly could pit the county rivals in the same classification once again, or at least give them the chance to play.
For a few years, the Trojans and Wildcats battled on the gridiron for the crown of Division 2 Champions in Class 2A. Before that, it was a given both schools would meet when Bruce was a member of Class 3A and Calhoun City was in Class 2A. Times have changed since City moved to Class 1A. MHSAA made the decision to only have two Divisions a few years back in the North and now they are referred to as Regions. Herein lies the problem. With multiple teams in only two Regions, it makes it virtually impossible for the two schools to meet.
I long for the days the crowd had to be parted as the visiting team arrived at Trojan Field and D.L Harrison Field. Each week leading up to the game, fans from each school, many with vested interest as each of their children were playing, would kindly pass along to each coworker of the beating their school was about to endure. Most would laugh it off, while quietly telling members of their own fan base they meant every word of it.
Ask any school official at each school their thoughts on rekindling the rival. You’re sure to receive the same answer. An overwhelming vote of approval is all but assured to be given. From ticket revenue to concession stands overflowing with fans of the like, it’s a win-win situation.
From Touchdown Wildcats to This is Trojan Football and Roger Armstrong to Roger Westmoreland, the historic rivalry is one for the ages. While the game is possibly years away, we hold so many fond, and no so fond, memories of the Friday nights of the past. Oh, how I wish they would, “Let Them Play!”

2008-06-25T12:55:00.000-07:00

Tailgating, the essence of College Football

2008-06-23T21:22:00.001-07:00

As the temperature from the summer sun continues to rise, so do the hopes of the college football world. Each of the collective 12 SEC football programs share one main characteristic; They’re all undefeated. Pregame tailgating plans are being feverishly organized. Tickets are all but assured and accounted for as fans await the magical day they actually look forward to receiving mail. This will not be a package of the bill variety. Nor, some leaflet requesting funds from a charity organization. This will be the moment of purpose, pride and a since of self. As we in the world of college football say, “hard” tickets will be arriving soon. So will the days of Autumn.

College car flags flying. Fight songs blaring from numerous portable radios. Pom pons hanging from every possible place near the place of worship on Saturday’s, the tailgate area. A fresh batch of homemade baby back ribs that have been smoking on the Brinkman Electric Smoker all night. A double batch of chocolate brownies made with that extra special love the morning of the game.

Most importantly, a group of loyal fans enjoying fellowship, talking about family and appreciating life at it’s fullest. You may say I am embellishing. It’s quite the opposite. There is no place on earth fellow “tailgaters” would rather be on fall Saturday’s. If you are not a member of a tailgating family, I encourage you to join one.

You’ll most likely find a special recipe of bean dip, complemented with a fresh batch of Tostitos. She’ll never tell you she stole the recipe from an LSU fan two years ago. No problem, it’s from a fellow tailgater. It’s a society that will welcome anyone, no matter of the allegiance of following.

Each tailgate is adorned with numerous tents, chairs and ice chests. Team colors are a must. Eating utensils, tablecloths, cups and napkins are always readily available. Did I mention team colors are a must?

I’m sure the term “Master Griller” has been thrown around your neck of the woods. If you combine a “Master Griller” and a tailgater, you have a deadly combination. I must admit, I am not one and have no intention of being one. I do have many friends that are. Here’s a hint. If you know one, you are very familiar with the rules.

Rule 1: Stay out of the way

Rule 2: Do not, under any circumstances, touch the grill, the grill lid, food, or anything around the grill without permission.

Rule 3: Be on alert at all times. You may be needed to fetch multiple items at once.

Rule 4: Do not ask questions if sequestered. Time is of the essence. Questions can be answered at a later time.

Rule 5: Thank them multiple times throughout the grilling process. I have found, complements make sure they are happily available the following weeks to come.

Rule 6: Compliment the food numerous times while indulging. Odds are, it will be delicious.

As the football season continues to inch closer, so do the traditions deep within us begin to show their faces. There are few smells on earth that can bring a smile to my face. Couple the fragrances of freshly cut grass, bratwurst grilling with a side of onions and pecan pie that will melt in your mouth and it indeed smells like football season is just around the corner.

Tiger is simply the best

2008-06-16T21:35:00.000-07:00

The statistics do not lie. A bum knee, no matter. Same song, different verse. Eldrick Tont “Tiger” Woods hoisted the trophy on the 18^th green at Torrey Pines Golf Club as the 2008 United States Open Champion.

A total of 8,390 golfers submitted entry forms for the 113^th U.S. Open. The list also included Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, along with former tennis icons Ivan Lendl and Michael Chang. One by one, they fell by the wayside. It was if you had picked up a new book and realized you had read it before.

Never mind this is the first time Woods has walked a complete round since placing 2^nd in The Masters this past April. Never mind he is two months removed from having arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. Never mind he was trailing by one stroke to then leader Rocco Mediate heading into the final hole, only to birdie and force an 18-hole playoff on Monday. Never mind it took another birdie to force sudden death following the playoff. Just another day at the office.

Woods, tied with Mediate after the 18-hole playoff, saw Mediate concede after driving his tee shot in the bunker side green and failing to successfully get up and down. He knew victory was his yet again. Woods hugged his caddy Steve Williams, thanked the patrons in the crowd with a tip of the hat and notched his third U.S. Open Championship. His previous wins were 2000 and 2002 and is now tied with Hale Irvin with Open victories.

Woods headed into the final round as the clubhouse leader for the 13^th time in his storied career with a staggering 13-0 record when doing so. Make that 14-0 now. The 31-year old places 2^nd all time in “Major” wins with 14, second to Jack Nicklaus with 18. A “Major” win consists of four main tournaments in the world of golf, The Masters, the U.S. Open, The Open Championships (British Open) and The PGA Championship.

His records are unmatched considering his age. From the streak of 500 consecutive weeks as the top ranked player on the PGA Tour, to the largest margin of victory in the history of the PGA Tour, 15 strokes in 2000 U.S. Open Championship.

Even Mediate himself was caught up in the moment following the loss. “You just knew he would make the pressure puts, he’s just amazing,” the pro was quoted after the final hole. Poetic? Maybe. Honest? No doubt.

At a young age, Earl Woods would take his young protégé to the local clubs and dare the members to play him. They would scoff at the idea. The young Woods promptly executed the magic that flows from the club head. He was not invited back. Mainly from his prowess as an exceptional young player and mostly due to his skin color. Times have changed. A change for the better. As the 18^th green was engulfed with fans of the golf world, the only color that mattered was silver. The color of the 2008 US Open Championship trophy.

The numbers and statistics continue to mount. By the time his career comes to an end, we will be privileged to relay his back nine heroics of all the final round finishes to our families. This past Monday was one to remember. I’m sure it won’t be the last.

Polk is off his rocker

2008-06-09T21:09:00.001-07:00

This past weekend, John Cohen was named the new head baseball coach at Mississippi State University by newly appointed Director of Athletics Greg Byrne. Cohen, former head skipper at Kentucky and Northwestern State (La.), helped lead the MSU Bulldogs to the 1990 College World Series as the Bulldog left fielder. The Tuscaloosa, AL. native compiled an overall record of 321-197-1 as head coach while at both schools.

You would think, a member of the MSU family being given the reigns to a historically successful program would call for Bulldog supporters to bask in the glory of the new hire. While the supporters my indeed be basking, former head coach Ron Polk is blasting. From the administration to the media, Polk is on a rampage. To be honest, it’s quite a shame.

Taking the high road is not an option for the veteran. High atop Foley Field this past Saturday, the site of the Super Regional hosted by the Georgia Bulldogs, Polk uttered the phrases heard around the southeast. “A shot to the stomach, Mr. Byrne knows little about baseball at MSU and remove my name from the stadium as long as he (Byrne) is the AD,” are but a few of the comments. Mind you, Cohen lettered three seasons in Starkville and called the former coach, “a father figure” and continues to echo the sentiments.

I cannot imagine patriarch’s of the coaching world ie: Skip Bertman of LSU or Vince Dooley of Georgia, spewing this type of venom. If Polk felt the MSU fan base would encompass his opinions, he is sorely mistaken. Most have stated high praise for the young Greg Byrne in his decision to hire Cohen. Unfortunately, much of the positive accomplishments by Polk will be overshadowed by the recent comments. An apology is warranted and expected to the parties involved. To borrow a phrase in Calhoun County vernacular, it “ain’t gonna happen.”

Lost in the shuffle is the coach in the middle of the controversy, Tommy Raffo. The Orange Park, FL native concluded his 19^th season in a Bulldog uniform as both a coach and a player. Raffo, a former 1^st baseman and teammate of Cohen, was at the center of Polk’s argument. Polk has stated numerous times how he felt Raffo deserved the head coaching nod. It was Saturday, he chose to begin the tirade. Raffo stayed quiet. Polk didn’t. Herein lies the problem. The rest is history.

All is not lost for Raffo. Not at all, actually. He is a quality coach and will certainly land on his feet, as I’m sure suitors are lined up for his services if he is not retained by Cohen.

While the red carpet was rolled out for Cohen, the only detractor was Ron Polk. The same man, whom I never dreamed, would possibly ostracize himself from a historic 29-year run as a man known by many as “Mississippi State Baseball.”

Many say in sports, expect the unexpected. In this case, I agree. Rather than sit back and watch a wonderful product that he helped create at Dudy Noble Field, Polk has elected to destroy it with one swipe. While his wish for Raffo to be selected as the new head coach is no longer a possibility, the removal of his namesake from the hallowed grounds of Dudy Noble Field at Polk-DeMent Stadium is a wish that very well could come true.

The "true" NBA has long since passed us by

2008-06-03T22:13:00.000-07:00

Memories are priceless. In fact, in many instances, memories are all we have. James W. “Jim” Nantz III, lead play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports, points out in his book “Always by my side” the love he had for his father. While traveling the world early in his career, he would think of his father often. Many times, his dad would be nearby to relish in his son’s accomplishments. Jim Nantz, Jr. would succumb to Alzheimer ’s disease and lose all memory of his life. Deep down, Jim always knew his dad was with him.

While we may have trouble recounting the dates of important historical events or formulas for important mathematical formulas, we somehow can take you to the seat of an all important college football game or possibly the moment Michael Jordan hit the game winning shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers over defender Craig Ehlo in the deciding game of the 1988 NBA Playoffs.

On one May afternoon in 1987, I was at my grandfather’s house watching the Eastern Conference Finals between the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics. Celtics legend Larry Bird stole the inbounds pass and Dennis Johnson converted the winning basket to give the Celtics the win. Boston would eventually lose to the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals that year. As we fast forward 21-years, the teams are the same but the feeling is all but gone.

This week, the Celtics and the Lakers will clash for the right to be crowned 2008 NBA Champions. For some reason, the appeal to many sports fans is long gone.

Similar to everyday life, times have changed in the NBA. Just as gas prices continue to soar, so do the escalating salaries of the professional players. Gone are the rivalries of McHale/Rambis, Parrish/Worthy and Magic/Bird. Gone are the knee high socks adorned by Laker Michael Cooper. Gone are the Boston Garden and Red Auerbach, legendary General Manager of the Celtics.

Today, players worry about themselves. There’s no “I in team” need not apply. It’s about endorsements, media exposure and the almighty dollar. While much of the blame is on the players, the fans choose to pay the escalating ticket prices, watch the game on the major television networks, which have been brokered through the NBA for exhorbant amounts of money. Simply put, times have indeed changed.

Fortunately, the memories etched in our minds of the games of our youth are not altered. We remember the friends and family members in our presence when Jordan hugged the Championship trophy following the death of his father. Most importantly, both Jim Nantz and Michael Jordan had their father by their side, only now it’s a memory.

Les Miles the scholar

2008-05-30T07:31:00.000-07:00

Les Miles was wrong. He is never known throughout the media circles as a Rhodes Scholar. To be honest, you may insert common fans opinions as well. Les Miles brought his undefeated LSU Tiger Football team to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium last fall and proceeded to open his mouth again. The words to the Ole Miss followers were, “Ole Miss is just another game to us and we do not consider them a rival school.” I have an idea. With the multi-million dollar contract Miles signed, he should have enough money to buy a clue. The Michigan native has been in the South only a few years and has no idea of the storied history between the two neighboring schools. The underlying factor is the LSU fans must have missed what he said or just chalked it up as another radical statement. Anyone who was in Hoover, Ala. this weekend would have seen just how wrong he was.

This past Sunday, Ole Miss and LSU met for the right to be crowned champions of the 2008 Southeastern Conference Baseball Tournament. The Tigers rode in with a 19-game winning streak, while the Rebels were the first eight seed to advance to the finale. The nemesis of untimely hitting and pitching woes reared its ugly head for the first time at Regions Park. The Rebels would eventually fall to LSU, 8-2.

Before the game began, the crowd was at a euphoric level. As the pleasantries were exchanged with fans, it was quite evident the distain each school has for one another. The banter between the two rival schools were explicit at times, as the fans were separated behind home plate as if it were the Red Sea had been parted. This was the epitome of college baseball at its finest.

This title game would shape up much different that the one’s of recent past. Ole Miss, which won the tournament in 2006, made their third appearance in the title game in four years. There were no Brian Pettway’s or Stephen Head’s for the Rebels. This year’s squad housed a number of junior college transfers and true freshman starting in the lineup. The Rebels ran into a buzzsaw on this Sunday, but the body of work the Rebs had already solidified in the 2008 tournament earned them and invitation for NCAA Regional play. The Rebels had previously beaten Georgia, Kentucky and Vanderbilt in the tournament to advance to the championship game. It was announced Monday the Rebels will travel and be paired with the overall #1 seed Miami Hurricanes at Mark Light Field in Coral Gables, FL. The Rebels are the #3 seed along with #2 Missouri and #4 Bethune Cookman. Ole Miss will face Missouri on Friday at noon.

As Ole Miss departed from Regions Park, fans from both sides exited as well. Many of the LSU fans had a few choice words for the Rebel faithful. Whether Les Miles chooses to believe it or not, the Rebels and the Tigers are bitter enemies. Last I checked, it sounds like rivals to me.

The Ace Cannon Tourney Quickly Approaching

2008-05-20T15:18:00.000-07:00

Stepping outside the golf cart, he calmly approached the tee box on the third hole. With a stroke as smooth as silk, he connected. The ball, a high draw right down the middle, rested nicely after it surpassed the balls that landed before it. A fellow golfer shouted, “nice stroke!” He simply smiled and said, “that’s for my wife, she bought me this club.”

The course was Pine Hills Country Club, located just a few miles north of Derma. The man was Tom Scarbrough. This would be his last Ace Cannon Golf Tournament, but to ask the many who frequently play at PHCC, he relished every one of them. For the players in the field of the 2008 tournament, each will field memories that will last a lifetime.

PHCC is a nine-hole golf course with majestic pine trees in view on every hole. The challenging course offers many difficult shots when the summer foliage is in full bloom. The terrain alters numerous shots due to the rolling hills and the undulations of the Bermuda grass greens, which make it difficult to hold incoming approach shots. The greens at PHCC are synonymous for being fast. In fact, very fast.

Unlike many courses throughout the state, PHCC is owned by its members and has a governing body consisting of Doug Bullard, David Lee, Jr., Greg Pollan, Michael Caviness, John Michael Harmon and Allen Clarke.

On June 14^th, golfers will converge upon PHSS for “the Ace.” The tournament is named for legendary Calhoun County native Ace Cannon. Known throughout the nation for his ability to make magic flow from his saxophone, Cannon has played venues from Norway to Vancouver, British Columbia. Named the “Godfather of the Saxophone,” Cannon has recorded 67 albums and continues to this day to tour throughout the nation. Sam Phillips, founder of Sun Records and attributed with the discovery of Elvis Presley once said, “Ace Cannon is the greatest saxophone player who ever lived, but then he came out of the same stables as Carl Perkins, Elvis, Jerry Lee, Bill Justice, etc.” Not bad company, if you ask me.

The two-day tournament will be a three-person scramble and spots to play are at a premium. “We have quite the interest this year as many people have called to sign up already.” Vice President of PHCC David Lee, Jr. said. “We have a limited number of spots available and they are quickly filling up, as it is important for anyone wanting to sign up to call the pro shop as soon a possible at 662-628-5213.”

The tourney will allow the participants to play a practice round on Friday, followed by a crawfish boil that evening. “With the tournament players filling the roster each and every year, we allow a free practice round to the players and wanted to be able to provide supper on Friday as well.” PHCC President Doug Bullard said. “Thanks to the loyal support of the many who make the tournament happen, especially Ace Cannon himself, we want see each tournament improve every year.”

Following the afternoon session on Saturday, Cannon performs to the delight of the players and many avid fans before the final round is played on Sunday. “Tuff” and “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain” are but a few of the tunes expected to serenade the overflow crowd.

The golfers are sure to enjoy the camaraderie with a few days on the links. Near the tee box on the 3^rd hole, a memorial was erected not long ago in honor of Scarbrough. This day, it will be Scarbrough looking down, smiling and saying, “nice stroke, my friends, nice stroke.”

Hotlanta

2008-05-13T22:03:00.002-07:00

DESTINATION ATLANTA

The City of Atlanta is recognized throughout the nation for a number of reasons. The International Olympic Committee named Atlanta the site of the 1996 Summer Olympics. Cable News Network, formerly owned by media mogul Ted Turner, makes its home in the city. For the past few years, the brethren that follow Southeastern Conference basketball call Atlanta home for five fascinating days as the 12 member institutions fight to be crowned the SEC basketball champions.

For many of the fans, it’s a chance to experience a city rich in history. In 1961, former Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr. is remembered by coining the phrase in his quest for segregation, “A city too busy to hate.” Mayor Allen was white. “We have come a long way,” he later added.

As you travel into the city that was incorporated in 1847 as the central hub for the Georgia Railroad, the fans known as the “Big Blue Nation” will be close by. Actually, the chances you are not engulfed by the phenomena are quite slim. The State of Kentucky love their Cats and it’s quite evident inside the Georgia Dome, the facility that houses multiple events that include the SEC Basketball Tournament.

The Wildcats will outnumber the remainder of the SEC fans two-to-one. Sylvester Croom, current head football coach at Mississippi State once said,” Maroon is the only color that matters.” If you happen to be in the Georgia Dome any this week, UK Blue is the only color that will matter.

Another storied tradition surrounds a program that entered the SEC in 1992. The Arkansas Razorbacks, former members of the now defunct Southwest Conference, were crowned National Champions in 1994. When the cheerleaders enter the floor before the Hogs take the court, fans rise and do exactly as choirs do in church when the Minister waves his hands. In this case, the Razorback faithful raise their hands and ”Call the Hogs.” It is truly a sight to see.

Many of the teams playing this week are biding its time until the NCAA Tournament, ie: Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Mississippi State. For many others, a positive showing in the SEC Tourney is imperative to secure a spot in the “Big Dance.”

ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi has the following teams in from the SEC: Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, Arkansas and Kentucky. Absent from the list are two-time defending National Champion Florida Gators and the Ole Miss Rebels.

Many say Atlanta is the city of lights. By Sunday, Ole Miss and Florida hope it is referred to as the city where dreams come true.

You can reach Brad Logan at: brad.logan@myeweb.com

NCAA Tournament

2008-05-13T22:03:00.001-07:00

The NCAA Tournament field is announced. The brackets are being feverishly assembled by fans in hopes of choosing the correct winners. The assembled body, including NCAA officials and current athletic directors from a myriad of schools, coordinate the field of 65. Throughout the test of time, questions have risen over who should be in and who should be out. Those questions will never cease. From my vantage point, only a few schools have a complaint in Arizona State, Massachusetts and Dayton. The committee did a credible job and should be commended over the selections this year.

Absent from the list of invitees are the Ole Miss Rebels. Andy Kennedy’s squad bewildered the nation with an unprecedented 13-0 start, only to falter late in the year. One coach can be thanked in aiding the removal of the Rebels from the hunt; Jeff Lebo of Auburn. The Tigers defeated the Rebels twice this season and were ultimately the Rebels undoing. Auburn only added two more wins in the conference to their record and exited the SEC Tournament in the first round. The Rebels were invited to the NIT and will host UC-Santa Barbara tonight at 7 p.m. The Gauchos are 23-8 and representing the Big West conference.

Envision this if you will. Rick Stansbury, head coach at Mississippi State, standing with his family. Nearby, Memphis head coach John Calipari is leaning against his plush Jaguar asking, “Hey Ricky, finally some competition.” The Tigers won all of its games in Conference USA, most with ease. To say this would be David vs. Goliath would be an understatement. Stansbury comes to the office and prepares. Calipari, well, let’s just say he has his own way of doing things. Many would put it, he’s from a different deck of cards. A special deck if you ask me.

If the stars align correctly, a Memphis and MSU showdown is forthcoming. The Tigers, a perennial power and previous #1 team in the land, should have no trouble with Texas-Arlington in the opening round on Friday. Oregon could prove to be quite the nemesis for the Dogs. The representative of the Pac-10 Conference are happily playing a team outside of their league, a conference named by many of the talking heads as the most difficult of the remainder of the major conferences. A match up between the neighborly schools would be one for the ages in the second round. The Tigers have shown a propensity to struggle from the foul line and guard post players. I can’t think of a better tandem of Charles Rhodes and Jarvis Varnado. If the stars align and Little Rock, AR become Starkville reincarnated, Stansbury will happily cruise into the Sweet Sixteen behind a victory over Memphis with win in tow. Did I mention if?

The Easter Holiday's

2008-05-13T22:02:00.000-07:00

An Easter to remember:

A good church service, visiting with family, a home-cooked meal and going on the much remembered Easter egg hunts as a child from yesteryear. You can add one more to this year’s rendition of the spring holiday. Basketball. Really good basketball. As we all removed our coats and ties before the Easter egg hunts, many substituted their Sunday best by donning their favorite Mississippi State cap or jersey. This Easter, not only was a time for the rekindling memories, it was a time for, as public address announcer Hank Flick puts is so eloquently, “an afternoon of basketball, Mississippi State style.” Memphis and Mississippi State, please step forward.

The game we wanted to see indeed came true. For 40-minutes both teams played with desire and heart. It was a game of survival. Literally. Ask Memphis head coach, John Calipari. He knew the Tigers would prevail. In fact, he never though they would struggle. Just ask him. Hold it one second. Jarvis Varnado, who is now the all-time leading shot blocker in the SEC with 157, had a different plan. So did the Jamont Gordon and head coach Rick Stansbury. The Dogs fought hard and lost 77-74. I’m reminded of the post-game interview with assistant coach Robert Kirby of MSU. When asked how he felt following the loss, he simply responded, “If it is possible to be disappointed and so unbelievably happy than I am both.” Well said coach.

This past Saturday morning, I walked into Vaught Hemingway Stadium for the first day of full contact drills this spring. I was thinking why everyone was so excited, as many Rebel fans were in attendance. I narrowed it down to two scenarios. One, former head coach Ed Ogreron was not on the sideline. In fact, he is far, far away from Oxford. It was indeed a happy moment for the Rebs in attendance to see head coach Houston Nutt across the way. Two, football season is only a few months away. Larry Fedora is now at the helm of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles and hit the jackpot this recruiting season, while generating quite the buzz in the Hub City. MSU is coming off its most successful season since the victory over Texas A&M in the 2001 Independence Bowl. Ole Miss would like success in any form. Many believe the red carpet rolled out for Nutt was warranted, as he was named head coach this year.

Ole Miss will advance in the NIT to face Virginia Tech tonight, as they defeated Nebraska this past Monday. Coach Nutt was in his customary seat behind the East goal. As he looked on, you have to wonder what he was thinking after he congratulated head basketball coach Andy Kennedy following the win. As he and assistant football coach Tracy Rocker walked out of Tad Smith Coliseum, one team is on their minds; the University of Memphis. Ironically, the same university that dashed the hopes of Mississippi State in the NCAA Tournament.

You can reach Brad Logan at: blogan80@yahoo.com

The Crappie "Young" Man

2008-05-13T22:01:00.002-07:00

Crappie fishing, a family affair

Slab, limit and jig are commonplace around Calhoun County this time of year. Crappie season is in full gear as local anglers host reunions at Enid, Sardis, Grenada and all the neighboring lakes and rivers in the quest to real in the limit.

Crappie, a native to the sunfish family, is a freshwater fish and houses the biological name of Pomoxis. The two main types of crappie are the Black Crappie and the White Crappie, as both are very popular game fish.

While I would have to take on writing a novel to recall the numerous stories told to me regarding the life of a crappie fisherman, I am reminded many will include water temperature, dogwoods blooming and oak leaves the size of mouse ears.

I must admit, I have never been crappie fishing but have always appreciated the art of fishing. Like many of you know, a day on the water begins very early. A stop by your local convenient store to tell everyone not to follow you to your secret spot, after filling your boat with supplies, and it’s off to your little slice of heaven. My crappie intellect was not complete. Not until last week.

As I pulled into the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Shreveport, LA, I thought I had a grasp on what it meant to spend a day on the water with the sun beaming down amidst my own quiet oasis. As I turned the corner to room 313, I met a smile that would light up the darkest cave you could imagine. Hunter Barefield was awaiting a transport to yet another surgery. This was not his first. As I began visiting with Hunter, his parents and grandparents, we began the conversation about his love of fishing. He did all the talking mind you. Grandmother Kay and grandfather Smokey smiled. I was quite sure they had heard this story before.

He began to ponder of the times he caught the big one and sometimes came home empty handed. He didn’t care. The smile grew larger. All that crossed his mind was the pole, line and the friendships he has encountered along the way.

I wanted to share my days as a youth with him. They were entirely different but yet they were eerily similar. We both grew up with loving families and did what any 13-year old would do; be a kid. We play the hand we are dealt and if you were to ask Hunter, he has an ace high straight flush.

I met a young man with pride and zest for life. Most importantly, I saw a family with a devout faith and love for one another.

As I left the hospital, I knew my crappie quest was complete. If I ever go crappie fishing, Hunter will be by my side smiling ear to ear.

The Man Who Saved The Day

2008-05-13T22:01:00.001-07:00

The Patriot from Chicago

Harry Caray, Wrigley Field, Ernie Banks and the famous ivy covered outfield wall are synonymous with the team currently leading the National League Central Division in Major League Baseball; the Chicago Cubs. The club that plays in the Windy City reeled in thousands of baseball fans in years past by playing before a national television audience on the Chicago based WGN-TV cable station known as the “Superstation.” Add another name to the list of notable players in the facility located due South of Waveland Avenue. His name is Rick Monday.

On April 25, 1976, the Los Angeles Dodgers came calling for just another day at the ballpark between the two NL foes. This would end as a day remembered throughout the test of time.

Rick Monday was born in Batesville, Ark., played 19 seasons in the major leagues and ended his career with a lifetime average of .264. He had an average career and appeared in two All-Star games. This day inside Wrigley Field had nothing to do with numbers and everything to do with his love of the country we live in.

While playing centerfield for the Cubs, Monday noticed two men jumping onto the field and kneeling down in the outfield. In one hand of the trespassers was the American flag, the other a box of matches. A light went off in Monday’s head. So many memories came to mind in the former United States Marine Corps head. The men were about to burn the flag in protest.

“My first thought was to bowl them over but instead, I reached down and grabbed the flag.” Monday said. “It smelled of lighter fluid and I wanted to make sure it was not on fire.”

Upon the retrieval, Monday handed the flag to a Dodger player and headed back to the outfield as the two men were hurried off the field by security personnel. To this day, baseball remains “America’s Pastime.”

Following an uncomfortable silence, a portion of the bleachers begins to sing “God Bless America.” The song penetrated the revered stadium until the capacity crowd bellows the beloved tune in unison.

Not long ago, Major League baseball named the heroic act one of the top 100 plays in baseball.

When asked if Monday is upset he is remembered as the person who kept the flag from being burned, rather than his two All-Star game appearances, he replied, “So many men and women died fighting for that flag, I consider it an honor to be apart of history that maintains the flag as a symbolism of hope and love of our country.”

So many times, we forget the sacrifices our men in women in uniform provide for our country. We are able to perform daily tasks because of the freedoms we have grown to appreciate. Throughout our everyday lives, so many people have given back to our country with patriotic acts. On that day in 1976, Rick Morgan put his name baseball history.

Donny Logan's Positive Reinforcement

2008-05-13T22:00:00.000-07:00

On a beautiful summer day, in what is commonly known throughout the football circles as two-a-days, a jubilant football team assembled for the beginning of the 1992 football season. Offensive team drills concluded this particular August afternoon. We were seasoned veterans mind you. Two years removed from seventh grade, an undefeated season was the only outcome in the minds of the coaching staff and the players.

Quarterback Carlos Armstrong trotted from the sideline and called “80-hot pass.” I calmly looked up. It registered in my young mind that I was the target. The goal was to catch the ball and stride into the end zone. It didn’t quite work out that way. Actually, nowhere near the way it was drawn up. I indeed trotted into the end zone. The problem was, I didn’t manage to have the ball. I then was instructed to run. Not trot or stroll, run. Former Bruce Head Junior High coach Donny Logan calls it “positive reinforcement.” I called it discipline.

Different coaches are faced with monumental decisions concerning the subject. Just ask LSU head coach Les Miles. The coach, one year removed from a BCS National Championship, pulled the cord on incoming starting quarterback Ryan Perrilloux a few days ago. The sophomore was let go as Miles was quoted as saying he, “didn't fulfill his obligation as an LSU student-athlete.” Now that is an understatement. From a nightclub incident resulting in a brawl last November, to trying to enter a Louisiana casino with false identification. It’s safe to say, Miles made the right choice.

Just when Sylvester Croom thought the ship was heading in the right direction at Mississippi State, starting left tackle Mike Brown and Quinton Wesley decided to grab a handgun, on campus no less. To top it off, they began to fire the weapon. Croom quickly dismissed the players, as they both entered guilty pleas this past Friday.

Obviously, these are isolated incidents. When coaches recruit players, an important facet is both educational and behavioral tendencies. Similar to any profession, mistakes are made. Football is no different.

When it couldn’t get any worse for former Rebel head football coach Ed Orgeron, 20 football players were caught stealing from not one, but two hotels. The heist took place when the Rebels traveled to face the Auburn Tigers and stayed in a Montgomery area hotel. The second caper occurred in a hotel in Tupelo where the team stayed prior to a home game. The total figure was reported at $1,000.00 and the players made restitution to the hotels. It didn’t matter as the damage to the University was already done.

Each one of the member schools of the NCAA has its own bad apples. One must hope the good outweighs the bad in the end. For the schools in Mississippi, I firmly believe the men in charge will continue to make sure the ship will be more smooth than rocky. I can assure you the 1992 Bruce Junior High Trojans ship was. I can prove it.

Keeping Hope Alive

2008-05-13T21:57:00.000-07:00

He was invincible. He was very stern but yet so tenderhearted. He was the head coach of the Bruce High School Trojan football team. Like I said, he was invincible. In 1994, he developed a cough that would not go away like all the rest. This was no cough resulting from the nemesis called allergies or a simple cold acquired from the hundreds of people he mentored on a daily basis. When the gavel came down, the doctor said cancer. Fast forward14-years, he’s now cancer-free. The man described above is my father, Darrell Logan. The lesson he now passes to many who revel in his zest for life is hope. A lesson appreciated from the many who cross his path daily.

Athletes, both professional and amateur, are faced with many of the same circumstances. For every positive outcome from the disease, there is a negative. With the advancement of medicines and technology, studies and treatments have reached all time levels.

In 1985, Andres Galarraga was at the top of his game. A newly draftee for the Montreal Expos, the man commonly known throughout baseball as “the big cat” was etching his name as one of Major League baseball’s elite first basemen. While playing for the Atlanta Braves in 1999, Galarraga went to the doctor with back problems. The result was a Non-Hodgkins lymphatic tumor. He didn’t stop playing. He didn’t quit. In fact, following the grim diagnosis, Galarraga headed to the Aflac Cancer Center Service for Children in North Atlanta to mentor to the children. He was quoted as saying that was the best medicine money could buy. Following numerous rounds of chemotherapy treatment, Galarraga is now cancer free. He retired from baseball in 2005 while with the New York Mets organization and continues to shine a positive light to everyone he comes in contact with..

Similar to Galarraga, another ball player was fulfilling a dream. San Francisco Giants pitcher Dave Dravecky took to the mound in 1988. After defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1, Dravecky felt sharp pain in his left arm. His pitching arm no less. Doctors removed a cancerous tumor embedded in his deltoid muscle, while another surgery would see his arm amputated because of a severe staph infection caused by radiation to alleviate the cancer. Rather than let the dreaded disease get the best of him, Dravecky and his wife, Jan, founded Dave Dravecky’s Outreach of Hope. He now travels throughout the nation and speaks to numerous groups on faith and hope. Dravecky is now cancer free.

Success stories are not uncommon throughout the sports world. Lance Armstrong, founder of Livestrong, Inc., was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996. The seven-time winner of the Tour De France chose to begin his organization to both inform and create a format to reach out to other survivors. His company, partnered with Nike, has raised over $250 million dollars since its inception in 1996. A representative for the company said they haven’t even scratched the surface.

Soon, Calhoun County supporters will gather at the city square in Bruce for the annual Relay for Life to celebrate the ones who have fallen to cancer, the ones who have conquered it and the people who are living daily with the disease. As each survivor walks a lap around the square with each of their families, the word “hope” is spelled out nearby with lighted bags called luminaries. While talking about racial strife, Reverend Martin Luther King once said, “Keep hope alive.” I couldn’t have said it better myself.