The People -- Everyone in Starkville was exceptionally nice to us. Our tailgate hosts were accomodating and friendly and the environment was solid. I think the MSU folks were enjoying the novelty of having Georgia in town. Our group was certainly enjoying the novelty of being in Starkville.
The lack of familiarity between the two programs prevents the sort of contempt for each other that Georgia fans and their more regular rivals share. This was only Georgia's 4th visit to Starkville despite both teams being charter members of the SEC. Several people we spoke with commented on seeing Herschel run in 1982. No one mentioned steamrollers.
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The tailgating -- It wouldn't be fair to judge anyone on their tailgating scene based on the weather conditions.
The Hump (basketball arena) -- The building was open. I think they renovated it about 10 years ago. Imagine if Stegeman was a complete bowl instead of a horseshoe and the seats were closer to the court all the way around. Also imagine a better paint job, a roof who's problems are not exposed and somewhat better concourses and you have The Hump.
The MSU Football Program -- I'm more convinced than ever that Croom is the right man for Mississippi State. It is just going to take time. He lost 29+ players who refused to live by his rules. He's also in the process of losing players to scholarship reductions. When he gets a full roster watch out. I was impressed that his team didn't quit. And I was impressed that the thuggish, bush league, late hitting, eye poking, jawing, punkittude from the Sherrill era was gone. He's good for the SEC.
In fact, I think they still have a shot at a bowl game. They still play Houston, Arkansas, Ole Miss and Kentucky. All of those teams are very beatable. Beating Arkansas in Little Rock will be the biggest test. Nutt is almost invincable at The Rock.
Overall, Starkville was less charming than Ole Miss, but much less needlessly pretentious. They were there for a football game. Not a fashion show. Good people.
pwd
