ACC-SEC Rankings?

This is an interesting idea, executed very poorly.

Randy Beard of the Tallahasee Democrat has compiled a combined ranking of the SEC and ACC.

This guy Beard, obviously not an intelligent basketball mind, has State ranked 20th of the 24 schools (as of January 20)?!?!?! Below such bombshell teams as NC State, Auburn, Virginia, Vanderbilt, Georgia, Arkansas, Florida State, and Virginia Tech.

Now, if you want to debate, you can probably toss Florida State and Virginia Tech out there and maybe even Arkansas. But, NC State?!?! In my best Bill Walton voice, "They're horrible!!!!!!"

Obviously, State beat Auburn since the publication of this column. Virginia is streaky, but I like my chances on a neutral court, as I would against Vandy, Georgia, Arkansas, Florida State and Virginia Tech. 20th?!?!

I think we should be somewhere around 14 in this poll at this date. Sitting firmly on the bubble of teams that makes the NCAAs from these two conferences.

I predicted a NCAA birth earlier this year and as tempted as I am to back away from that prediction, I'm still holding on. Alabama has not impressed and LSU is spiraling right now. State has already taken care of UM and Auburn and I'm really not intimidated by Arkansas. Plus, after Wednesday we'll be done with the big three from the other side.

In other words, I still like my chances.

Exorcism?

I saw this picture yesterday in a FOX News story covering the Feast of Saint Anton.

Many Catholic churches in Spain honor San Anton (St. Antonio Abad), the patron saint of animals, with a feast on Jan. 17.

So, I was thinking. The Spanish may be on to something here.

It's often said that Scott Field must have been built on top of an old indian burial ground. As this can be the only possible explanation for the fate of State athletics throughout history.

Therefore, I'm proposing a blessing of Bully on the fifty yard line. And if that's not strong enough, I say we go ahead with a full blown exorcism. Perhaps the "cigar boys" can fly in Father Juan Manuel Villar (pictured above) for the ceremony.

We Need Something Good to Happen

I just read something that really depressed me.

"Cowpower" over at the Pack, posted his 10,000th message today. 10,000.

That made me wonder, how long does it take to post 10,000 messages on a message board dedicated primarily to bitching about Mississippi State athletics?

Apparently, it takes since September 22, 2003.

And that my dear friends is depressing. And I think it's depressing to most people with a vested interest in the success of State athletics. Now don't misunderstand, I don't think too many of us are worried about poor Mr. Cowpower and that fact that he apparently has nothing better to do than type 10,000 messages in a 3 year period. We're depressed because during the past three year period Mississippi State students, alumni and fans, have had virtually nothing to cheer about.

Football has been atrocious. Basketball certainly had its regular season moments, and I thank them for that. The class of 2004 (Rhodes, Sharpe, Hosuton) was a huge bust and cost the team their momentum going into the '04/'05 campaign (and we're still trying to recover). And baseball has been giving us squat.

I love Mississippi State University, and I'm tired of watching my alma mater flounder.

State fans need a win. Something positive. We need a Sweet Sixteen or a CWS or god-forbid, a winning football season. We need some magic for the collective pysche of all Maroon-clad faithful.

To sum this ramble up, the Kentucky game on Saturday night was the perfect opportunity for something big to take shape. The perfect opportunity for a State team to over-achieve and then build on that success. And they were close. So close. But, as usual these past few years, they came up short.

How's the saying go old timers??

"We'll get 'em next time!"

...and in writing that, I think a little part of me just died.