MSU’s long-awaited season of glory
#1 Miss State finds itself an underdog going into Tuscaloosa this week. I would not have it any other way. Let me explain…
On my dad’s desk sits a 34-year-old football that was given to my grandfather by Coach Emory Bellard (then football coach of Mississippi State). I was 5 years old. It simply says “11-1-80, State-6 Bama-3.” The lettering was done by a diehard Alabama fan … how fitting. On that day, Miss State beat #1 ranked Alabama and legendary Coach ‘Bear’ Bryant. Following the game, Coach Bryant walked over to the MSU locker room to congratulate the boys. The definition of class. The next week, bumper stickers could be found that read, “I was there when we beat the Bear.”
Growing up a Mississippi State fan, my memories are full of joy and heartbreak … wins and losses … more losses. I grew up standing on the sidelines working as a water boy or selling “Ice Cold Cokes!!” in the stands. I remember tailgating in my grandfather’s van. Golden Flake and KFC. And the sounds of cowbells and Jack Cristil.
Being a Miss State football fan means that you are long-suffering. You find joy in breaking .500, beating Ole Miss, and maybe a bowl game. Not expecting much more. All the while you grow up with fans from Florida, LSU, Auburn … and Alabama. You watch as other schools ride the waves of dominance and dynasty. Statues are raised and handed out to honor other schools’ coaches and players. You tell yourself, “It’s easy to be a Bama fan.” And … sometimes your Christian values and tolerance are challenged by your “Roll Tide” friends.
Yet, there were moments. Singular moments that kept you hanging on. Moments like beating #13 Florida 30-6 while the crowd chants “Shane, Shane…” (nod to Florida’s QB Shane Mathews). Or, a young boy meeting MSU Quarterback Don Smith (also #15) and being given one of his jerseys. And, the largest single moment: State 6, Bama 3.
Next week, I will be taking my 15-year-old to his first game in StarkVegas and, oh how times have changed. My beloved Bulldogs find themselves ranked #1 in the Nation. #1. I still do a double take when I see “1” in front of their name. It is truly a strange feeling to hear words like “championships” and “Heisman” associated with MSU. I have told many people that I really don’t know how to act. One guy even introduced me as “the most humble SEC fan” he has ever known. There’s more history there than humility.
I believe it is only fitting that the #1 ranked Bulldogs are an underdog going to Tuscaloosa. History, legacy, and dead coaches hang over them. But, this is where they should be. Earning every step. Nothing given to them. Beating Top 10 and Top 5 teams along the way. Dealing with sports talking-heads that do not know the difference between Oxford and Starkville. And, learning the bittersweet burden of a #1 ranking.
You see, Mississippi State football culture has changed. No longer looking to singular moments, but looking to establish a dominance. Looking to seize upon this time to build a strong foundation for the future. What this means for the school, the alumni, the students, and long suffering fans …it is truly immeasurable.
If the final score this Saturday is State-6 Bama-3, I wonder if Coach Saban will walk over to congratulate the boys. I doubt it. But, there won’t be any bumper stickers made to commemorate the day.
This is the new culture in Starkville. It is a culture of expecting excellence, not just searching for it in singular moments.
It’s only football, but it sure is fun …
Hail State!!!
Jamey Brumley
Denver, Colorado
The writer grew up in Columbus.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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