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.
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