MSU president Dr. Mark Keenum just issued the following press release:
"College football is such a popular sport in part because of its rich traditions. There is not a more unique example of that tradition than the cowbell at Mississippi State. I appreciate the willingness of the SEC's athletic directors and presidents to work with us to find a way to preserve a great tradition and still remain within the framework of SEC rules and regulations."
"For nearly 80 years, MSU's fans have embraced the cowbell as an expression of school spirit and have passed on this tradition to sons and daughters, grandsons and granddaughters. I can speak to that experience first-hand, remembering the pride I felt at age nine upon receiving my first cowbell from my father and just 17 months ago when I was presented a shiny chrome cowbell upon becoming president of Mississippi State. I related to my colleagues the passion those cowbells evoked for me and shared that MSU fans across the nation felt the same emotions. I made the point that I was not speaking simply as the institutional executive officer at Mississippi State, but also as a lifelong Bulldog with deeply-held feelings about this issue. Scott Stricklin spoke with the same authority and passion in making his case to fellow athletic directors."
"This alternative means that for the first time in 36 years, MSU fans can walk through the gates at Davis Wade Stadium with cowbells proudly in hand. The one-year agreement will allow our fans to ring their cowbells at appropriate times and require them to refrain from ringing at other times, in accordance with established guidelines for other "institutionally-regulated" noise. Violation of the policy would result in fines levied against the university. We have work ahead to educate our fans and alumni about the new arrangement, but this is great news for Mississippi State. It represents the beginning of a new chapter in support of our great cowbell tradition."
By looking at just the W-L record, cowbell ringing doesn't affect the outcome of too many games at MSU. Coaches like Shug Jordan used that as an excuse for losing to MSU.
It's apparent that the SEC wanted to use this issue to deflect attention from the real issue - conference expansion. But that is more of a backroom "wheeling and dealing" issue for Slive and the boys.
TD, if you look at State's record at home and on the road, the difference in the winning percentage is one of the highest in the SEC. State's record on the road over the past 10 years is the lowest in the SEC. Maybe the cowbells had an impact. Urban Meyer thought so (State lost, but only trailed Florida by 3 in the 4th quarter).In theory, the new rule is an excellent compromise. The question is will the fan base, particularly students, listen to its own administration. If the entire student body is ringing cowbells when the opponent has a fourth and goal late in the game, get ready to ante up a little fine to the SEC office that will increase each time. The SEC is now expecting MSU fans to do just the opposite of what they have done in the past - which is ring the cowbells while the opponent has the football. IF State fans can do this, kudos to them. However, this is basically a one year trial. It should be interesting to see what happens. This makes more sense than in the past. Having a rule and not enforcing it was lame. Hopefully this time the rules will be enforced. Ring it at the allowed times, no problem. Ignore the rules, face the consequences. Seems fair to me.
Mark as inappropriate
