The Daily Mississippian | September 26, 2024 by The Daily Mississippian

MISSISSIPPIAN THE Daily

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Ole Miss students scramble for football tickets

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The 12,000 student tickets that the Ole Miss Athletics Ticket Office allotted for the 2024 football season are now sold out, according to Katie Wisdom, assistant athletic director of ticket operations for Ole Miss Athletics.

Student tickets cost $200 this year — $150 for the ticket itself plus a $50 donation to the Grove Collective — and were available for purchase during three separate windows.

The time periods included a spring window in which 6,000 tickets were available, a summer window in which 3,000 tickets were available and a final August slot in which the final 3,000 tickets were sold.

Homecoming kicks off

Senior dietetics and nutrition major Sarah Dautrich said she had no issues purchasing her student tickets.

“I’ve bought season tickets every year,” Dautrich said. “I received an email regarding student season ticket sales last April with several reminders sent following the initial email.”

Unlike Dautrich, Zoe Niehaus, a junior dietetics and nutrition major, was unable to secure student tickets this year.

“I had to take the (Dental Admission Test) in June, so I was studying 12-15 hours a day. … By the time I finished that and went on to buy my tickets, they paused

TICKETS PAGE 2

“Upperclassman had the longest window to purchase,” Wisdom said. “Those who waited until the last minute to buy are the ones we’ve heard from.”

Homecoming events were sprinkled throughout this week in anticipation of the football game against Kentucky on Saturday, Sept. 28. A mechanical landshark, bungee jumping and fresh flowers paved the way to the crowning of the king and queen.

SULLIVAN’S

The popular Mississippi marketplace Sullivan’s is on its way to Oxford.

SEE PAGE 2

APPLE VS. PUMPKIN

Students and baristas debate over which fall flavor reigns supreme.

SEE PAGE 10

UM Theatre opens fall season with

Department has produced.

“Is this real or is this a dream?” a character says at the midpoint of Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins’s surrealist play “Everybody.”

“This is a theater!” another character responds, eloquently summarizing the play’s unique balance of philosophical inquiries, humorous dialogue and meta theatrics.

“Everybody” is certainly unlike any play many have seen — and certainly unlike any play the University of Mississippi Theatre

“Everybody” is a modern adaptation of the 15th-century morality play “Everyman,” one of the oldest productions on record. With a centerpiece monologue concerning social media updates, unsolvable global problems and our constant inundation of information, many audience members — especially college students — will easily relate to the play.

“The show has been one of the most fulfilling and challenging productions I have participated in,” senior theater arts major Cooper Thorpe said. “It is strange and ma-

cabre and funny and heartfelt, and I think that’s the only way a play about death can be.”

The theme of death, to which Thorpe alludes, is the main thrust of the 90-minute production, which captures multiple characters’ conflicting perspectives as they approach the afterlife.

The diverse ensemble is mostly credited as “somebodies” in the cast list; their exact roles remain a mystery, as per the instructions of the creative

ASB MEETING

Senators expressed their excitment for the upcoming year and honored Hispanic Heritage month.

SEE PAGE 4

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

The Rebels will face off against Kentucky on Saturday, Sept. 28 in their first SEC game.

SEE PAGE 14

The student section during the Georgia Southern game on Sept. 21.

LUCY SPRINKLE / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

JORJA CARTER

Oxford welcomes Sullivan’s Marketplace

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Sullivan’s Marketplace, a popular Mississippi grocery store, has been approved by the Oxford Planning Commission to set up shop at the Colonnade Crossing development off Highway 30.

Sullivan’s Marketplace, founded by the Sullivan family in 2005 in Newhebron, Miss., features a fresh produce section and a butcher station. The Oxford location is expected to resemble the Sullivan family’s market in Gluckstadt, Miss.

The Oxford Planning Commission gave special permission to the store, allowing it to exceed the Suburban Corridor District’s 25,000-squarefoot limit set for grocery stores. This made way for the 35,000-square-foot space. Dates to begin construction have not been announced, nor has a completion date.

Some residents are excited to welcome this new grocery shopping option to town.

TICKETS

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the sale until around the end of July and again in August. I got on both times a couple minutes before, and they were sold out immediately,” Niehaus said. “It’s frustrating.”

Freshman nursing major Kayla Mau was also among the students waiting on their computers for the August window to open, but she was successful.

“I actually missed the first student ticketing (period) because I wasn’t aware of it, and it wasn’t on my mind,” Mau said. “I saw that there was another one, so I made sure that I was online and ready to get them. I got the season tickets”

Just because official tickets are sold out does not mean that the scramble has stopped.

Sophomore legal studies major Taylor Lewis was able to buy tickets in May during the second window, but many of his friends have to search for tickets each week.

“They’ve had to look for one every week that they go to the game,” Lewis said. “I know for this weekend against Kentucky, they paid about $100. It’s been one of the cheaper I’ve seen.”

While the prices might be high, Lewis said that his friends have found it rela-

Bella Monteleone, an Oxford-Lafayette county native, said the new addition will alleviate some of the crowding in current grocery stores like Kroger.

“I think Oxford gets a little crowded when students are here, so the new grocery store will be very helpful,” Monteleone said. “Walmart and Kroger get extremely crowded, and it can be hard to find parking, so I think this will help make Oxford feel a lot less busy and smaller.”

Kadie Jadin, a sophomore pharmaceutical sciences major., shared her excitement for the grocery store’s arrival.

“I am really excited for us to get Sullivan’s because it will make less traffic at (other) grocery stores,” Jadin said.

“It’s been a long time coming.”

Not everyone in the Oxford-Lafayette community feels the same sense of excitement.

Oxford resident Brook Austin said he thinks Sullivan’s Marketplace is not necessary.

“I don’t think we necessarily need a new grocery store, but a new one isn’t a bad

tively easy to find tickets for purchase. Recent years have seen an increase in ticket selling groups on Facebook and GroupMe. A GroupMe named TicketExchange currently has 4,840 members.

Julianna Barrack, a senior accounting major, has utilized GroupMe.

“I found that using GroupMe to buy a ticket was really efficient, and it was an easy process,” Barrack said.

“I asked in the chat about a last minute student ticket for LSU weekend two years ago, and someone messaged me a few hours after they had one. It was easy to transfer the ticket, and I always tell people to use GroupMe me if they need tickets.”

Niehaus said she hopes the ticketing office will implement changes in the upcoming years.

“I hope they do something different next year, because I’m a junior, so I know I have time, Niehaus said. “But next year, I’ll be really sad if I can’t go to all the games.”

Wisdom said that the department of ticket sales is looking at their current plan for the 2025 football season and adjusting it based on this year’s experience. One of those options is returning to a lottery system.

During the 2020 season, the university adopted a system in

thing,” Austin said. “We already have about three or four grocery stores in Oxford,and several more in nearby towns.”

With Oxford’s increasing residential population — 56,172 residents as of 2022 — Monteleone said that the addition makes sense.

which students could purchase tickets on the Monday before each game for $50 per game. Because of COVID-19, only the first 2,500 students to purchase a ticket were guaranteed entry.

“(The lottery system) worked well (in 2020), and the idea is part of the planning process for next year,” Wisdom said.

Wisdom shared that more information will be available to students in the spring semester.

Those students who have been able to purchase tickets have commented on the crowding outside of the stadium and cited confusion about the new entrance set up. Outside of gates one through six — which are the gates designated for student section entry — there are now metal barriers in a snake formation that guide students into the stadium.

Senior biological sciences major Nicole Guerin said she was stuck in the crowd during the game against Furman.

“We walked to the student section entrance around 40 minutes before kickoff and were immediately engulfed in a standstill crowd of students,” Guerin said. “There were several barriers outside to separate the lines that we had never seen before.”

The crowding has allowed some students to get in without a ticket.

“My roommate doesn’t

“I’ve seen Oxford grow so much,” Monteleone said. “It makes sense that we would get new businesses as well. That really helps.”

Mary Allen Anderson, a sophomore biology major, also expressed a similar economic enthusiasm toward the new grocery store’s opening.

have a student ticket,” Mau said. “The first game, she was able to get in, I think, because it was so chaotic — they just didn’t care anymore.”

Wisdom commented on the security measures that have been taken by the ticketing office.

“As a department, we continue to increase security measures and evaluate our processes in order to ensure the safest and most effective gameday environment for fans,” Wisdom said.

Students have varying opinions on whether crowding has gotten better over the course of the games.

“(It’s) maybe a little better. I mean, you’re still shoulder to shoulder with hundreds and hundreds of other students, and it’s pretty crowded trying to get up there,” Lewis said.

Mau said the situation has improved.

“Since that first game, it has gotten better,” Mau said. “They’re working on it.”

However, there is now another option for streamlined entry. The Grove Collective announced the VIP

“I am so happy because as a person who has a job, pays for school, sorority dues … I like to have an easier time getting groceries since I eat at home all the time,” Anderson said. “Hopefully this makes my trips quicker.”

students entry express pass on Tuesday, Sept. 24.

For $150, students get expedited access into the student section. The pass also comes with a Grove Collective annual membership and a voucher for concessions. A valid student ID is required for purchase.

“That’s how much I paid for my season ticket. Well, I paid $200 with the donation,” Mau said.

Lewis agreed with Mau.

“I mean, it would be fun, but as a college student, spending $150 on something like that — it’s just not really in the budget,” Lewis said.

Dautrich stated that the energy in the stadium was not affected by the crowding or confusion.

“Many students were certainly displeased with the chaos of entering the stadium and, therefore, were not in as high of spirits as usual at the beginning of the game,” Dautrich said. “However, many of us still cheered on our team with the same energy as seasons past, which made for an exciting environment as always.”

HALEY REED / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

The new knife-style: why more young women are getting cosmetic surgery

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Once a taboo, cosmetic surgery has become a regular topic of conversation.

The number of young adults and teenagers opting for cosmetic surgeries has increased in recent years. Between 2022 and 2023, the percentage of rhinoplasties performed in the U.S. increased by 6%, with women aged 18-25 accounting for 26% of all rhinoplasties, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Ava Heiman, a junior integrated marketing communications major from Dallas, has received two rhinoplasties to help her self esteem.

“When I was younger, I always hated my nose,” Heiman said. “Even my mom was like, ‘If you really want this done we can fix it.’”

Heiman underwent the first surgery to transform her nose into a “cute button nose.” Later, she decided to get a septoplasty because her right nostril collapsed, causing a severely deviated septum. After the second surgery, Heiman felt her face was complete.

“I felt 10 times more confident. I didn’t have to cover my side profile, (and) I felt like I could focus on being myself rather than hid-

judges her for her decision.

“People are always judgy about this sort of thing,” Heiman said. “My brother was so rude about it. He doesn’t believe in changing your face, but I think it was more of a religious thing for him.”

A survey conducted by Pew Research in 2016 found that 65% of Americans in major religious groups see cosmetic surgery as “taking technology too far.”

Aside from her brother, most of Heiman’s friends and family have accepted her procedures.

“Cosmetic surgery has always been around, but now people post about it, and it’s not a secret any more. When I went into the (doctor’s) office the first thing they asked me was, ‘Did you hear about us on TikTok?’” Heiman said.

“I feel like you could look at anyone nowadays — like the Kardashians or Dove Cameron — and they definitely have (cosmetic surgery), and that’s okay.”

For Lauren Heenan, a senior allied health major, receiving a rhinoplasty when she was 17 years old changed the trajectory of her life.

“I was severely bullied all throughout school for how my face looked compared to my nose, and I just didn’t want to go to college like that,” Heenan said. “I needed a fresh start and a fresh nose.”

“I just don’t think the stigma is there anymore. It’s not something to hide. I think the biggest thing is that patients are willing to share their stories more.”

ing my nose,” Heiman said.

While her mother was supportive of the surgery, her brother was not. Heiman said he felt that it was ‘wrong to change what God has made,’ and three years later, he still

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Before (top) and after (bottom) rhinoplasty

happy she felt after the procedure, they were much more accepting of her decision.

“Just seeing how I felt beautiful for the first time looking in that mirror. … If I had to pay full price for it, I totally would have,” Heenan said.

According to Dr. Adair Blackledge, a facial cosmetic surgeon with over two decades of experience in Jackson, Miss., this shift in the perceptions surrounding cosmetic surgery was inevitable.

ing to Professional Beauty Magazine, which cited a report from marketing platform Traacker.

Blackledge also utilizes social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook to educate patients. Blackledge said it was not a form of advertisement but rather the patients’ own choice to spread awareness.

finement, Blackledge shared.

“I think (that style is) more popular here because we’re known for being a little more conservative. … Nobody in the South wants to look like a Kardashian,” Blackledge said.

Jamie Harker, English professor and the director of the Sarah Isom Center for Women and Gender Studies at the University of Mississippi, shared her stance on cosmetic procedures.

- Dr. Adair Blackledge a facial cosmetic surgeon from Jackson,

Miss.

While many of Heenan’s friends and family members were supportive, her father and grandparents were against her having the procedure. However, after they saw how

“I just don’t think the stigma is there anymore. It’s not something to hide,” Blackledge said. “I think the biggest thing is that patients are willing to share their stories more. I had one girl on TikTok a couple weeks ago that posted the entire story of her nose job.”

Beauty content views on TikTok have increased by 78% with engagement rates boosted by 58% from 2022 to 2023, accord-

“The more educated patients are, the more able they are to make an informed choice,” Blackledge said.

While the increase in cosmetic procedures is dramatic nationally, regional differences play a significant role in shaping attitudes.

The South Atlantic Region makes up 25% of all procedures done in the United States, but unlike patients in surgery hotspots like New York and Los Angeles, people in the South tend to favor subtlety and re-

“You should be able to do with your body what you want to do with it,” Harker said. However, Harker expressed concern about how plastic surgery relates to social conformity.

“I just worry about doing stuff to conform to a societal image of what you’re supposed to look like,” Harker said. “I worry about a culture that is so afraid of women aging that we don’t want to see one that looks over 30, even in a movie.”

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SALES ACCOUNT

EXECUTIVES Kendall Scott

for Lauren Heenan, a senior radiology major, performed in 2021.

PHOTO COURTESY: LAUREN HEENAN

ASB holds its first formal senate meeting of the year

JORDAN ISBELL thedmnews@gmail.com

The Associated Student Body elected four new senators, passed a bill establishing a new type of legislation and recognized Hispanic Heritage month in its first formal senate meeting of the school year on Tuesday, Sept. 24.

After 17 candidates for four open ASB Senate seats gave speeches, Zachary Rifkin, Daniel Dear, Katherine Miles and Mason Woodrick were elected.

“It’s a really exciting ex-

SB 24-5, introducing a new type of legislation called a proclamation, came to the floor.

In contrast to bills and resolutions, proclamations act as ceremonial statements on behalf of the ASB Senate. University-Department Sponsored Registered Student Organizations Sen. Wesley Templet, a junior public policy leadership major, authored the bill and explained how proclamations will help ASB conduct ceremonial and actionable business without conflict.

“One thing I envisioned

“Overall, I’m incredibly excited about this year. I think this is a fantastic group of senators with great ideas and have students at the heart of everything they do.”

- Jack Jones ASB vice president and junior economics major

perience,” Zachary Rifkin, a freshman international studies and public policy major, said. “I’ve always heard so much about ASB, and I really wanted to get involved. I’m excited to be able to be a part of the organization that creates a lot of change on campus.”

ASB Secretary Braxton Dagg, a junior integrated marketing communications major, was inspired by the new senators’ willingness to put their names on the ballot.

“It takes a lot of courage and dedication to stand in front of 53 members and express why you want to be in an organization,” Dagg said. “So I have no doubt that these senators chose the right people.”

After the announcement of the new senators, the first bill,

(proclamations) doing is mentioning the students we lost over this course of a year to any accident, but we’ve gotten away from it because we wanted to stay on the actionable course,” Templet said. “(Proclamations) give us a way to do ceremonial business versus actionable business that we focus on.”

The bill passed with a unanimous vote.

ASB’s first proclamation, which followed passage of the bill, congratulated the seven University of Mississippi athletes who participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

ASB also recognized Hispanic Heritage Month, which spans Sep. 15-Oct. 15.

Cultural/Multicultural Sen. Brittany Bustillos, a senior

public policy leadership major, spoke on the necessity of acknowledging the Hispanic community not just this month but throughout the year.

“(Hispanic) students do make up a lot of our population on campus, and I feel like as an ASB we need to recognize their struggles,” Bastios said. “Listening to Hispanic American stories is one of the most important parts of becoming culturally aware of their experiences as well as to understand how we as the ASB Senate can make an effort to ensure that our Hispanic American students will recognize them as struggles.”

The meeting concluded with senators announcing upcoming events and encouragement for all senators to register to vote. Many ASB members shared excitement for what they plan to accomplish during the semester.

Campus Equity and Advocacy Sen. Troy Christian, a sophomore multidisciplinary studies major, is eager to promote diversity and be a voice for his community.

“I’m definitely looking forward to passing a lot of legislation here, and I’m very excited for ASB to start back and to learn as well,” Christian said.

Dagg shared his enthusiasm for working with ASB again this year.

“I’m super excited to get the ball rolling,” Dagg said. “I know we have a lot of ambitions to tackle and get taken care of, but this is only the beginning. All of our members are sworn in now, so I genuinely cannot wait for everything to happen.”

Vice President Jack Jones, a junior economics major, praised the ASB senators and anticipates more collaboration within the community.

“Overall, I’m incredibly excited about this year,” Jones said. “I think this is a fantastic group of senators with great ideas and have students at the heart of everything they do.”

ASB legislative aides are sworn in during a meeting in the student union on Sept. 24

RILEY MCCOY / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

Civil rights non-profit establishes student organization on campus

nior international studies and French double major, said.

JULIAN, a national civil and human rights non-profit, established a new chapter at the University of Mississippi. The group will hold its first meeting on Friday, Sept. 27 in the LGBTQ+ Lounge in Lamar Hall.

“The main mission of JULIAN is to end a caste-based society in the U.S., whether that’s regarding race, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and things like that,” Xavier Black, co-president of JULIAN and a se-

Black’s involvement with JULIAN started when the United States Justice Department opened a civil pattern or practice investigation into his hometown, Lexington, Miss. The investigation focused on the town police department’s use of force and its stops, searches and arrests, according the United States Justice Department.

“That being the county that I’m from opened my eyes to the fact that problems I see on TV are not only in Mississippi but

“The main mission of JULIAN is to end a caste-based society in the U.S., whether that’s regarding race, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and things like that.”

- Xavier Black Jr. co-president of JULIAN and a senior international studies and French double major

in my own county,” Black said. Before beginning independent campaigns, JULIAN Ole Miss is working to network with other

using is developing college chapters in order to build out a base but also to give students an opportunity to organize on their campus and

pus politics; (I) also (wanted) for them to be able to take some of JULIAN’s resources and maybe apply some issues going on in their communities at home,” Love said.

Co-President Jishnu Kher, a senior political science and philosophy double major, hopes that JULIAN can help promote camaraderie among UM students.

“We want to support students of different backgrounds (such as) minorities, LGBTQ+ students and people of disadvantaged communities,” Kher said. “(We want to) help them through college or if there’s any troubles they have, provide a safe space.”

Xavier Black Jr.

REESE JOHNSON / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

Homecoming Week 2024

Homecoming season is in full swing at the University of Mississippi. Stickers were passed out to students during campaign week, the mechanical landshark found its way to the heart of the Union Plaza once again, and on Saturday, the Homecoming King and Queen will don their crowns at the Rebels’ first SEC game of the season.

The Student Activities Association hosted Homecoming Week this year with a “Legends of the Grove” theme. The week kicked off with a Maddie & Tae concert in the Grove on Sunday, Sept. 22.

After the Fall Concert, SAA continued with a selection of attractions including bungee jumping and the Wild Honey Flower Truck, with a Pups and Pops event set for today. On Friday, the Homecoming Parade will begin on the Union Plaza at 5:15 p.m.

All of these events lead up to the big Homecoming game against Kentucky on Saturday at 11 a.m. in VaughtHemingway Stadium, where the Homecoming Court will take the field during halftime.

Students watch “Grease” in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium during the Lights, Camera, Endzone event on Sept. 24.

OLIVIA CANGELOSI / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

Tae Kerr performs during the Fall 2024 concert in the Grove on Sept. 22.

REESE JOHNSON / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

Students pick out flowers at the Wild Honey Flower Truck outside of the student union on Sept. 25.

ASHLEY CHARLES / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

A UM student jumps at a Homecoming event on Sept. 23.

ASHLEY CHARLES / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

The Wild Honey Flower Truck arrived outside of the student union on Sept. 25.

ASHLEY CHARLES / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN Just Jayne performs in front of a crowd in the Grove during the 2024 Fall Concert.

REESE JOHNSON / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN Students watch “Grease” in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium event on Sept. 24.

OLIVIA CANGELOSI / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

A UM student jumps at the Jump into Homecoming event in the Union Plaza on Sept. 23.

ASHLEY CHARLES / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

The 2024 Homecoming Court at the Hotty Toddy Homecoming event on Sept. 23.

MADYSON DIXON / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

UM students pose for a photo during the showing of “Grease” in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Sept. 24.

OLIVIA CANGELOSI / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

A UM student rides the mechanical shark on Sept. 24.

CJ WILSON / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

Students in the Grove at the 2024 Fall Concert on Sept. 22.

HALEY CHILES / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN Flowers on display at the Wild Honey Flower Truck on Sept. 25.

ASHLEY CHARLES / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

CLAIRE REYNOLDS

Jakota White, a senior integrated marketing communications major from Gulfport, Miss., did not expect to attend the University of Mississippi when he first started browsing for colleges.

Now, the newly elected

Fueled by love: Jakota White is Mr. Ole Miss

Mr. Ole Miss could not imagine himself anywhere else.

“I will jump at any opportunity to speak my mind about the place that has accepted me, that has welcomed me, that has molded and formed and shaped me into who I am now,” White said. “I think that is why I decided to run, because I have a chance to show my love for this place.”

White is joined alongside some of his closest and oldest friends on the Homecoming Court. He became friends with Homecoming King Caleb Ball and Homecoming Queen Vanessa “Nessa” Bonner during his time as an orientation leader. He met Betsy Vise, Miss Ole Miss, shortly after that during his sophomore year.

“I remember thinking about where our journeys would take us years down the line, when we (would be) seniors. It’s so full circle, and it’s so crazy, because those kids freshman year never would have thought that we would be here (or that) we would be here together,” White said.

White — who is the first person in his immediate family to attend the spot that ever calls — has become involved in many organizations at Ole Miss and described himself as “chronically over-involved.”

“I’m involved with (Ole Miss) Ambassadors. I’m also involved with SAA, the Student Activities Association. I’ve been involved with RebelTHON in the past, I’m a part of the Columns Society (and) I was involved with… Ole Miss Orientation Leaders in the past,” White said. “And then some campus ministry, Pinelake College and Ole Miss CRU.”

While homecoming election season might be over, White’s journey as Mr. Ole Miss is just beginning. As one of the requirements for campaigning for a Homecoming position, candidates choose a philanthropic organization to support. For White, Oxford-based organization Lovepacks was a clear choice.

Lovepacks provides supplemental food for students in the school system who otherwise might not be able to afford it. During his little over a week

From one SEC town to another: meet Miss Ole Miss Betsy Vise

of campaigning, White raised a little over $900 for Lovepacks and collected donations in the form of nonperishable food items. He will continue to collect donations during his term as Mr. Ole Miss.

“I chose Lovepacks to begin with because … it was really important to me that I didn’t just choose a nonprofit because I had to have a philanthropy. … I wanted to make sure it was for a good cause and it was something that I was passionate about,” White said. “Their mission aligned with mine, as far as spreading love, but, also, it just felt like a place that I could be able to shine a light on.”

White appreciates the efforts made by his support system throughout his campaign.

“I could not do it alone, even we as a team couldn’t do it alone. … People just came around me and supported me in every way, whether I was tabling or texting or running to get me lunch, or a coffee, especially when I didn’t even ask (for) it,” White said. “That just means so much to me.”

Heading into homecoming weekend, White offered up a final reflection.

“Just the fact that anyone would think about little old me in this way, it definitely gives you a real ‘I get it’ moment. I get what this is all supposed to be about,” White said.

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“I never really wanted to go to an SEC school,” Betsy Vise said. “And then I toured Ole Miss.”

Vise, who is from Tuscaloosa, Ala., also never saw herself as someone who would run a campaign for a homecoming election. But here she is, four years later, recently elected as the University of Mississippi’s Miss Ole Miss.

Vise said that her friends were the ones that initially motivated her to run.

After working on 2023

Homecoming Queen Anna Ware Brown’s campaign last year, Vise became more acquainted with the process and confident in her decision.

“Before I ran her campaign, I kind of thought campaigns were just tension filled and kind of annoying and a lot of work,” Vise said. “And then I saw the way she did it. (I saw) how much fun it was to stand at the table and meet the people I was campaigning with.”

The senior Arabic and international studies major is a member of Chi Omega sorority, the Reformed University Fellowship, Ole Miss Ambassadors and the Columns Society.

“The best thing about

getting involved and getting plugged in is the people I’ve loved,” Vise said. “I probably wouldn’t have stuck with it if I hadn’t made (so many) friends in different circles.”

Vise also said that through programs like the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, she has been able to experience the smaller class sizes of a liberal arts college while still being able to participate in the culture of an SEC school.

“I don’t think I could have had my college experience without tailgating and football games and all the things that come along with it,” Vise said.

Vise’s campaign focused on being genuine as well as spreading the love and joy that she found in the Ole Miss community.

“The mission was (that) I wanted to approach people in a genuine way, meet more people and spread that joy that I’ve loved so much here,” Vise said. “And I think I was able to do that. Whether that was with the people I was tabling next to, the people I was campaigning against … I feel like so many freshmen love to stop by the table more so than anyone else, and it was cool to meet them.”

Vise expressed her gratitude to all of those who made her campaign and victory possible.

“It takes so much work to run a campaign — from the banner being made to the stickers to the tabling,” Vise said.

“I’m really, really grateful for people on my team — Mollie Wright, Haley Cote, Jake Vineyard and Bert Bassi.”

After graduation from the University of Mississip-

pi, Vise plans on completing a fifth year in Morocco with the University of Mississippi Arabic Flagship Program.

“It’s 11 months,” Vise said.

“It’s a final year of taking you from really good at Arabic to really, really great.”

In the lead-up to homecoming weekend, Vise feels hon-

ored to be chosen to represent the Ole Miss student body.

“I’m just excited, too. I think I’ve fallen in love even more,” Vise said. “It’s such a cheesy saying, (but) at the end of every little day, I would leave and (realize) I love Ole Miss so much more; it’s just cool to represent a place I love so much.”

SYDNEY

Mr. Ole Miss Jakota White poses for a photo in Tallahatchie Gourmet on Sept. 24.

ANTONELLA RESCIGNO / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

Miss Ole Miss Betsy Vise drinks coffee outside on the Square Books balcony on Sept. 24.

ANTONELLA RESCIGNO / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

Our only sunshine: Vanessa Bonner is Homecoming Queen

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For Homecoming Queen Vanessa Bonner, the University of Mississippi and its people are “her sunshine.”

“My campaign slogan was you are my sunshine, as in, you are my sunshine, Ole Miss,” Bonner said. “I re-

ally wanted to use my campaign platform to highlight and reflect on all the wonderful people that have made my time here so meaningful.”

When she is not at the university, the senior forensic chemistry major from Houma, La., lives with her mom, stepdad, younger brother and two older sisters, and al-

though the university is her “sunshine,” she owes much of her victory to her family.

“Immediately after I got the crown, the first thing I did was FaceTime my mom,” Bonner said. “Me and my mom are best friends, but my family, we’re very close, and I just would not be here without my parents. I really owe a lot of this to them.”

On a roll:

Coming from a family of Louisiana State University alumni and fans that “bleed purple and gold,” Bonner is the first person in her family to come to UM.

Despite being an outof-state student, Bonner has always felt that the university was her home.

“I always knew I wanted to come to Ole Miss. So, Ole Miss was my number one. I did not apply to any other school — I just knew that this was my dream school,” Bonner said

As the involvement and leadership chair of Kappa Delta sorority, Bonner stays busy on campus. She also serves the university community as a College Panhellenic recruitment counselor, RebelTHON director of morale, an orientation leader and coordinator, a student ambassador for the university and co-coordinator of new member training for the student ambassadors.

“I would have to say my favorite part about Ole Miss has been being involved on campus,” Bonner said. “I just love how we’re from all over yet we all come together for the love of this university.”

Her level of involvement on campus is what led Bonner’s friends to encourage her to run for Homecoming Queen.

Caleb Ball crowned Homecoming King

“My friends really motivated me and encouraged me to run, and also, members of my sorority encouraged me as well because they knew how involved I was on campus.”

Bonner acknowledged the campaign process was stressful at times, but the support of her friends from her involvement on campus and the opportunity to meet new people made it enjoyable.

“Any sort of campuswide election can be stressful at times, but I really did have an amazing support system with me, and they reminded me of why I wanted to run, ” Bonner said. “So I did have a lot of fun, and meeting new faces at the table did make the experience a lot of fun.”

Bonner said that she is incredibly appreciative of the opportunity to be Homecoming Queen, and she is excited to have some of her closest friends in the court alongside her.

“I am so honored to participate in homecoming traditions with the King, Mr. Ole Miss and Miss Ole Miss,” Bonner said. “I have been friends with each of them since we were underclassmen, and they have all worked so hard to make this university a better place. I am so grateful to stand next to such deserving people.”

“Ball for All” has been Homecoming King Caleb Ball’s campaign slogan for everything he has run for since his freshman year of high school.

Now, the senior political science major can say that those words ring true — at least at the University of Mississippi.

Ball’s plans to run for Homecoming King were a secret to all except Vanessa “Nessa” Bonner, who coincidentally won Homecoming Queen. The two longtime friends have discussed running for their respective positions since the summer after their freshman year.

“The summer after freshman year, (Nessa) and I were doing orientation together, and that’s when I told her my dream was to become Homecoming King,” Ball said. “And she was like, ‘I would love to be Homecoming Queen.’ We’ve said that to each other ever since then.”

Coming from a graduating class of just 40 students at Ingomar High School, Ball said getting involved has defined his college experience.

Ball served as an orientation leader after his freshman year and has given countless campus tours as an Ole Miss Ambassador. Ball also participates in club volleyball, is a referee for little league vol -

leyball and has been a member of the Associated Student Body since his freshman year. Ball was a Senator for the College of Liberal Arts for his first three years and now serves as the President Pro Tempore of the ASB Senate.

“I knew if I wanted to meet people, I had to get involved,” Ball said. “So I just sort of put myself out there and started getting things. Then senior year came along, and I thought to myself, ‘I love this place so much because of the people I’ve met.’”

Ball also finds joy in what some may consider the mundane aspects of college life at the University of Mississippi.

“A fun fact about me is that I’m an avid bus rider,” Ball said. “I even used to have my bus driver on Snapchat. I like to act like I’m in the big city with my headphones in, even though I’m really just in small town Oxford. I get off the bus, and the first thing I love to do is walk through the Union Plaza because I always see people I know.”

Ball was surrounded by his friends at the Lyceum the night he was crowned Homecoming King, a moment he said he cannot stop replaying.

“When I heard my name called, I didn’t think it was real,” Ball said. “My friends were all around me, and

it’s a moment I’ve watched back maybe 1,000 times.”

Ball attributed the success of his campaign to many of his closest friends. His campaign manager, junior integrated marketing communications major Makayla Russell, played an instrumental role in his win, Ball said.

“I told Makayla I could take care of tabling, and I can

do the socializing,” Ball said.

“I can’t do graphics, I can’t do posts, and I don’t even know what colors I want to use. She was huge in making my campaign what it was.”

That type of connection and support is what makes UM feel like home, Ball said.

“(Ole Miss) means home; it means family; this place is to be known.” Ball said.

“It’s so rare that you get this at an SEC school.”

As Ball awaits this weekend’s homecoming football game versus Kentucky he shared what he will be thinking about as he walks down Hollingsworth Field.

“I’ll probably just be thinking about baby Caleb and how proud he would be of how far I’ve gotten,” Ball said.

ANTONELLA RESCIGNO / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

continued from page 1

team. The play also includes characters such as God, Love and Death, which indicate the archetypal nature of the show and the universal themes the work seeks to question.

“What would you do if you knew that tomorrow would be your last day on earth?” Dan Stearns, director and assistant professor of acting, said in his director’s statement, “This is our blessing and our curse as humans; it is our tragedy: to be caught between now and eternity, heaven and earth, stranded in this garden with all the other humans, burdened with the knowledge that you can’t take it with you.”

Stearns and his cast and

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crew hope that audiences will ask similar questions on the topic of fate and mortality as

is meant to further immerse the reader into the story.

“This show is special in

ater arts major and the play’s lighting designer, said. “This gave the creative team so

“The show has been one of the most fulfilling and challenging productions I have participated in. It is strange and macabre and funny and heartfelt, and I think that’s the only way a play about death can be.”

- Cooper Thorpe senior theater arts major

to immerse the audience so they feel even more connected with the characters.”

“Everybody” will serve as a test for its audience, as the ambitious production juggles many tones, styles and ideas and molds into an undefinable package. Regardless, there will be plenty for viewers to digest after leaving the theater.

“Being involved in ‘Everybody’ has been a unique and rewarding experience, both as a performer and in its exploration of life’s biggest questions,” sophomore theater arts major and performer Matelyn Hill said. “I cannot wait to share it with everybody.”

they view the production. The play’s use of atmosphere, complete with stark, minimalist sets and novel stylistic choices,

that the playwright wanted each production to be incredibly unique,” Maci Wadlington, a senior the-

much liberty when it came to what story we wanted to tell with the design elements. My lighting design is meant

“Everybody” runs from Friday, Sep. 27 to Sunday, Oct. 13 in Meek Auditorium. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the UM Theatre and Film website.

The spiciest debate of the season: which fall drink flavor will win?

ical Center nursing student, disagrees with Fausett.

As the leaves begin to change in Oxford, students and baristas are engaged in a flavorful debate: Is pumpkin spice still the supreme flavor for fall beverages, or is apple cinnamon finally ready to have its moment in the spotlight?

Pumpkin spice combines pumpkin puree with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and clove — balancing with milk and cream, for a smooth, comforting sensation. Apple cinnamon, however, brings a lighter, more refreshing taste to the table. The tartness of apples paired with spices like cinnamon or caramel makes one nostalgic of fall carnivals, cozy sweaters and grandma’s fresh baked pie.

Alexandra Fausett, a senior biology major, is team pumpkin spice and described what makes the classic flavor timeless.

“Pumpkin spice is just festive and really makes me feel like fall is actually here,” Fausett said. “I mean, every year, everyone anticipates when the pumpkin stuff will come out. It just makes people excited.”

Lauren Harlow, an Ole Miss alum and current University of Mississippi Med-

“I would choose apple over pumpkin all day,” Harlow said. “It just sounds cleaner and crisper compared to pumpkin spice. I also just think the pumpkin (flavor) is completely overrated.”

Virginia Perret, a Common Grounds Coffee barista and senior integrated marketing communications major, shared an insider perspective on demand for the two flavors.

“I think the trend is what kick-starts all of the pumpkin sales, but people do definitely enjoy it,” Perret said. “We actually have people ask for it year round, so I think that they do genuinely like it.”

How does the demand for apple flavor stack up?

“We definitely sell more pumpkin spice flavored things, (and) we have many specialty flavors that we mix the pumpkin spice with. For apple, we have an Apple Chai but there doesn’t seem to be a lot of demand for it,” Perret said.

Shadrachs Barista and junior elementary education major Mallory Shoffner echoed Perret’s claims that pumpkin spice is the most popular choice but contested its

year-round popularity.

“For Shadrachs, I would say that pumpkin is a pretty popular flavor, but we definitely don’t have any orders for pumpkin outside of the fall season,” Shoffner said. “What is it about wanting pumpkin flavor in your coffee after feeling a cool breeze outside?”

However, Starbucks barista and junior art major Ash Pegues challenged this thought. Pegues argued that the demand for pumpkin spice is only higher among college-aged students.

“Seven out of 10 college age people will order the Pumpkin Spice Latte over the Apple Crisp (Latte). Howev-

er, customers usually over 30 lean toward the Apple (Crisp Latte),” Pegues said. Will pumpkin spice maintain its crown, or will apple cinnamon steal the show? Only time — and your taste buds — will tell.

KAT MOORMAN / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

Jaxson Dart’s SEC quarterback competition

Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart is making his case as a Heisman contender, but moving into SEC play, he is set to face some challenging competitors.

Brock Vandagriff (Kentucky)

Vandagriff is a very gifted passer, with a 66.7% completion through two games — one at Georgia and the other at Kentucky. He is someone who makes the right read most of the time.

In an Aug. 31 game against the University of Southern Mississippi, he threw for 169 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.

While he can run, he tends not to slide, opening himself up for big hits and potential injuries. He also tends to stand in the pocket, which can become a hindrance if the opposing team’s defensive line is quick enough. Vandagriff does not have the strongest arm, either. His longest pass was 46 yards, in which the receiver ran 20 yards after the catch. He is also still a bit inexperienced as this is his first year starting.

LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina)

Sellers is the perfect example of a running quarterback, running for 68 yards and a touchdown against Old Dominion. He has a cannon for an arm, and is able to launch the ball to almost anywhere on the field. Sellers could be a huge problem for the Rebels.

Sellers is a redshirt freshman, making him a young and inexperienced starter in the SEC. While he has a good arm, accuracy has been an issue. He has had a 57.45% completion rate through two games.

Garrett Nussmeier (LSU)

Garrett Nussmeier is filling the big shoes of former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, who left Death Valley as Heisman Trophy winner and the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. Nussmeier is a talented player who is helping shape the Tigers’ offense game by game.

Though he has always been seen as a backup quarterback, Nussmeier has found success that has put LSU in the AP Top 25 rankings. Nussmeier helped the Tigers in the nailbiter win at South Carolina that came down to the final seconds of play, as well as topping newest Big 10 contender UCLA 34-17 at home.

Both the LSU and Ole Miss offenses are competitors, but the Rebels add extra talent with their receivers and running backs. Dart’s dual ability to throw and run creates a big threat to LSU’s secondary. Nussmeier takes a fearless approach to deep passes and can be seen as a gunslinger, something the Rebel secondary needs to beware of.

Jackson Arnold (Oklahoma)

Arnold is entering his second year with the Sooners, making him an experienced player in the Brent Venables system. Arnold, like South Carolina’s Sellers, is a flashy quarterback. He can move in and outside of the pocket. He is also an efficient quarterback, completing 63.7% of his passes, throwing for six touchdowns so far this season.

Arnold is a boom or bust type of quarterback; he will try and go for the big play rather than the easy one. He will also sit in the pocket too long on occasion — showcased by his six sacks against Temple and Houston combined. Arnold tends to be skittish in the pocket at times as well, causing some mistakes.

Taylen Green (Arkansas)

Green is one of the fastest players in the SEC, running for 88 yards in the Razorbacks’ first game. He also has tremendous passing skill, throwing for 229 yards and two touchdowns in week one against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Green’s stats on paper do not compare to Dart’s. In the past three games, Green has thrown at least one interception. In the last two games, he has recorded 44% and 42% completion rates, compared to Dart’s 71% completion percentage against Geor-

gia Southern in week four. Green’s only major weakness is one that many mobile quarterbacks have — he will sometimes leave the pocket too soon.

Carson Beck (Georgia)

Beck is a potential No. 1 overall pick for a reason. His passing from the pocket is the best in the SEC. Beck can place the ball almost anywhere with insanely good accuracy; he threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns against a Clemson team that had a lot of hype behind them.

Beck’s high school scouting report from 247 characterizes him as a classical pro-style quarterback with a fairly filledout frame. It also mentions his solid passing form and above-average arm strength with good accuracy. Four years into his collegiate career, that report seems to be spot on.

The only knock on Beck is that he is not mobile. He had 19 yards on three rushes against Clemson and is almost a non-factor in the running game.

DJ Lagway and Graham Mertz (Florida)

The Gators operate a dual quarterback system. Freshman DJ Lagway has played in four games, and senior Graham Mertz has played in three. Lagway has five fewer pass attempts and an 8.3% lower completion but has 130 more passing yards than Mertz. However, as a dual-threat quarterback with lots of talent and athleticism, Lagway has potential.

Mertz spent four years with Wisconsin before transferring to Florida in 2023. By most metrics, last year was his best collegiate season. According to College Football Reference, Mertz has a 164.5 passer efficiency rating after just three games, which — if the season ended today — would be his highest efficiency rating in his six collegiate seasons. That said, the season still has a long way to go, so that number could significantly drop or rise.

Michael Van Buren Jr. (Mississippi State )

After quarterback Blake Shapen was injured last week, Mississippi State named freshman Michael Van Buren Jr. as starting quarterback for the Bulldogs. In a rougher debut for Buren, Mississippi State fell 45-48 to Florida last week to open up SEC play. Van Buren completed 7 of 13 passes for 100 yards after Shapen left the game. While it is hard to tell who the Bulldogs will keep as their consistent QB1, it appears Van Buren will get comfortable in the starting spot until further notice.

Jaxson Dart strolls to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium during the Walk of Champions on Sept. 21.

LUCY SPRINKLE / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

Jaxson Dart walks to the sideline during a game against Georgia Southern in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Sept. 21.

LUCY SPRINKLE / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

Week 5 college football pick ‘ems

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Ole Miss @ Kentucky: 35-10 Ole Miss wins (Ian Sparks)

The Rebels rounded out their non-conference slate with ease, outscoring their opponents 220-22 over four games. While the talent gap between the Rebels and their opponents was sizable, that feat should not go unnoticed.

Kentucky comes into Oxford at 2-2 on the year and 0-2 in SEC play, with losses to South Carolina and Georgia. With only three passing touchdowns and two interceptions, quarterback Brock Vandagriff has had a mediocre start for the Wildcats.

Decidedly, Ole Miss wins this one. The Rebels’ high-powered offense and Kentucky’s lackluster passing attack will keep the Wildcats from pulling off an upset.

Louisville @ Notre Dame: 35-17 Notre Dame wins (Dylan Liggett)

Louisville played a tough home game against Georgia Tech last week. The Cardinals’ secondary looked weak and susceptible to offenses that can pass the ball, while Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King added numbers on the ground.

The Cardinals’ defensive line was substantially stronger than its secondary, stopping everything on the ground other than the quarterback run. Against a Notre Dame team that has struggled passing the ball this season, Louisville has the chance to capitalize on defense to find success.

If the Fighting Irish can open up their passing game, Notre Dame could see its first win against a ranked opponent at home this season.

Georgia @ Alabama: 24-20 Alabama wins (Tanner Shapiro)

Georgia and Alabama will meet in Tuscaloosa, Ala., for a week six contest with high stakes. Both teams are coming off of a bye week, and preparing for a packed Bryant-Denny Stadium featuring a visit from ESPN’s College GameDay.

In week three, Alabama took home a big win against Wisconsin, while Georgia held on against Kentucky, winning by one point.

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe is looking sharp, and so is highly talented 17-year-old Ryan Williams; this dynamic duo continues to be an elite QB-WR connection for the Tide.

Georgia’s defense has been elite as well, holding every opponent played to under 13 points. Quarterback Carson Beck and the offense have kept standards high, putting up more than 30 points in the first two games.

Milroe’s legs will be the X factor and in an SEC Championship repeat, the Tide will outscore the Bulldogs 24-20.

Illinois @ Penn State: 35-17 Penn State wins (Wilson Engeriser)

In a Top 25 Big 10 matchup, Penn State and Illinois will both enter the game undefeated. This game opens Big 10 play for Penn State, while Illinois is looking for its second conference win.

After starting the season with close wins against West Virginia and Bowling Green, Penn State rebounded with a dominant victory over Kent State. The Nittany Lions are led by running back Nick Singleton, who is Top Five in the nation for yards per carry with 8.5.

Illinois began the season hot with three straight wins before going into a Friday night matchup with Nebraska, in which they squeaked out an overtime victory. Quarterback Luke Altmeyer threw for four touchdowns and over 200 yards.

A night game at Beaver Stadium only intensifies Penn State’s home field advantage, giving the Fighting Illini a tough environment to play in.

While both teams are ranked, the Nittany Lions will power through and take the win over Illinois.

Oklahoma @ Auburn: 36-21 Oklahoma wins (Sarah Fenton)

The Oklahoma vs. Auburn game is expected to be a hotly contested SEC battle. Oklahoma is the favored team, but Auburn’s home-

field advantage could end up being a major factor. Key offensive players — like Auburn quarterback Robby Ashford and Oklahoma quarterback Michael Hawkins — will have a significant impact.

While Ashford has had many starts with the Tigers, Hawkins, a true freshman for the Sooners, will take the field for Oklahoma over quarterback Jackson Arnold, head coach Brent Venables recently announced.

The game will come down to which team can force turnovers at key moments, as well as which team plays better on defense. With Oklahoma’s strong offense led by Hawkins, the Tigers’ defense and running game could challenge the Sooners.

After the Tigers’ loss at home against Arkansas last week, Auburn will have to capitalize on both sides of the ball in order to overcome the Sooners.

Despite the Tigers’ home field advantage, Hawkins and the Sooners will surge on offense and find their first ever SEC victory.

Mississippi State @ Texas: 52-3 Texas wins (Luke Dunavant)

After a rough start this season for Mississippi State, the Bulldogs will travel west to face the No. 1 ranked Texas Longhorns in another SEC battle.

With quarterback Blake Shapen out the rest of the season due to injury, Mississippi State will struggle to stay afloat, as the Bulldogs are currently 1-3 and 15th in the SEC.

In their debut season in a new conference, the Longhorns’ talented offense has proven worthy of being an SEC team. Texas has beaten every opponent given to them — including reigning national champion Michigan.

The Longhorns are led by two explosive quarterbacks: Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. With Ewers hurt, Manning pushed Texas ahead in his first start for the Longhorns against UL Monroe.

This will be Mississippi State’s first ranked opponent this season, and the

Bulldogs will have to work wonders to beat a dominant Texas team on its home turf.

Arkansas @ Texas A&M: 27-17 Arkansas wins (Nate Donohue)

Both teams will enter this game with three wins and one loss. Arkansas is coming off of a 10-point victory against a spotty Auburn team, while Texas A&M narrowly secured a win against Bowling Green. Arkansas’ rushing attack is what will ultimately win the game for the Razorbacks. Running back Ja’Quinden Jackson already has eight touchdowns through four games and is averaging over 100 yards per game on the ground. Quarterback Taylen Green is also a threat in the run game, with 325 rushing yards on the season.

Sessions start Monday, September 30 in the Student Union, 3rd Floor Lobby Sessions

Texas A&M struggled against Notre Dame at home in week one. In a neutral-site game, Arkansas — whose only loss came in overtime against a solid Oklahoma State team — should be in control.

Rebels take on Kentucky Wildcats in SEC opener

Ole Miss wide receiver Jordan Watkins hurdles into the end zone to score against Kentucky on Oct. 1, 2022.

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Ole Miss will face off against Kentucky in its first SEC game of the season on Saturday, Sept. 28.

The Rebels are heading into this match ranked No. 6 in the AP College Football Poll. The offense is averaging the most yards per game in the country, and quarterback Jaxson Dart is leading the nation in passing yards. Second overall in receiving yards, Tre Harris III is seemingly unstoppable.

The Rebels have had relatively no trouble this season. The first four opponents on their schedule have scored just 22 points total; the Reb-

els have scored 220. The Wildcats will be their first big test. Kentucky, which is currently unranked, suffered a gut-wrenching loss two weeks ago to then-No. 1 Georgia, falling 13-12 in a game where the Wildcats’ defense looked great.

Brock Vandagriff, Kentucky quarterback, has struggled , throwing only two touchdown passes and two interceptions this season.

The rushing attack for Kentucky is similar to the Rebels’, as they use multiple running backs throughout the game.

Kentucky bounced back after losing to Georgia by beating Ohio University 41-6. The Wildcats combined for more

than 200 yards rushing and four touchdowns. The rushing attack is something that the Rebels will need to focus on to avoid an upset at home.

The Rebels last faced Kentucky in 2022, winning 22-19. The game was clinched after former Kentucky quarterback Will Levis fumbled twice with under two minutes in the game.

Ole Miss opens as a 16.5 point favorite according to FanDuel, with the over/under set at 51.5 points. This is the shortest spread the Rebels have received this season.

The game is set to begin at 11 a.m. at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28 and can be watched on ABC/ESPN+.

Puzzles by KrazyDad

HOW TO PLAY

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 with no repeats. DIFFICULTY LEVEL

ACROSS 1- Res ___ loquitur; 5- Sample; 10- Slovenly person; 14- Consider; 15- Proprietor; 16- Pocket bread; 17- ...___ saw Elba; 18- Hotelier Helmsley; 19- Came down to earth; 20- Ice cream topped with syrup; 22- Flightless bird; 24- Highly respectful way of addressing a man; 25- Hammock holder; 26- Emasculate; 30- Now, in Nogales; 35- Sugar suffix; 36- Little bit; 37- Harder to find; 38- Defensive wall; 41- Mail charge; 43- Rho follower; 44- Test site; 45- Actor Jude; 46- Upright; 47- Qualified; 50- Math branch; 53- Bar bill; 54- More spacious; 58- Familiar with; 62- That’s ___ haven’t heard;

63- Bellini opera; 66- Sick as ___; 67- ___ best friend; 68- Keyboard key; 69- Stable female; 70- Baseballer Slaughter; 71- Blue book ﬁller; 72- Auld Lang ___; DOWN 1- Time to beware; 2- Lima’s land; 3- Caught in the act; 4- In the thick of; 5- Put up with; 6- Feeling of being overwhelmed; 7- ___-Cat; 8- Pavarotti, e.g.; 9- Clear the boards; 10- Box; 11- Leslie Caron role; 12- Ear-related; 13- It’s drawn in a lavatory; 21- Publicize; 23- Eye drops; 25- Koppel of “Nightline”; 26- Thicket; 27- Light ___; 28- Twilled fabric; 29- Make lace; 31- Covering for the head; 32- Toothbrush brand; 33- Stately; 34- ___ having fun yet?; 39- Onetime Jeep mfr.; 40- Singer LaBelle; 41- Buddy; 42- Death notice; 44- Lower limb; 48- Xenon, e.g.; 49- Construction pieces; 51- Actress Taylor; 52- Removes wrinkles; 54- Capital of Italy; 55- ___ even keel; 56- Vintner’s preﬁx; 57- Fail to hit;

WWII event;

Why are politics no longer civil?

‘If we want civility back, we must elect leaders who embody that.’

JUSTICE ROSE thedmopinion@gmail.com

In 2020, senior biology major Helen Claire McNulty wrote a plea for civility in American politics in a Daily Mississippian opinion column. In this article, McNulty explained how the election cycle at the time was marked by an unusual absence of political decorum. Distasteful name calling and dismissal of opposing ideas were all too common at the time. If she felt under pressure as a biology major, I can only imagine the insults and arguments being cooked up in the political science department.

Four years later, digging through our published election archive, I considered the state of our political discourse. It is clear that the challenges McNulty highlighted have remained — and even worsened in many cases.

Name an issue, and it seems there are an increasing number of people on either end of the spectrum. In 2024, we find ourselves in an environment where political divisions have further calcified, making civil discourse even more challenging.

Opinion Policies:

Beyond the discourse about policy itself devolving into a battle of who can be the most hateful, political banter seems to be less and less political these days. Name-calling and ad hominem were the star players of our first presidential debate this year, in which more than 50 million viewers watched two elderly men use the national platform to debate golf handicap scores, height, cognitive ability and age.

In the second presidential debate a few weeks ago, our 45th president vilified the entire migrant population in Springfield, Ohio, by claiming they frequently enjoy domesticated pets as a delicacy.

Everybody agrees that debates are not what they once were. In the July debate, questions were asked and left unanswered, as the two candidates swung for the fences against one another, looking to defame one another’s character. The more recent debate left much to be desired, to put it nicely.

This is in stark contrast to previous debates of similar magnitude. Just look at the 2012 debate between President Barack Obama and Republican

nominee Mitt Romney. This debate looks like a Catholic church service compared to the past four years of C SPAN content.

In fact, former President Obama commented on the state of things about a month ago during the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

“Our politics has become so polarized these days that all of us across the political spectrum seem so quick to assume the worst in others unless they agree with us on every single issue … after a while, regular folks just tune out or don’t bother to vote at all.”

This phenomenon is at the root of a decaying tree of civility. And since civility is out the window these days, it makes political conversations unnecessarily uncomfortable and even taboo.

While there are plenty of outspoken students on this campus, there are probably just as many who fear that sharing their political opinion will lead to unforeseen, divisive consequences. In turn, this can discourage people from being politically engaged and abandoning their right to vote. It is not just our potential

presidents acting this way, or our senators or our congressmen. This shift in respectability has trickled down to the local level, and it is harming our democracy. It halts productivity for the sake of internet engagement or local notoriety. While that may boost individual career prospects, it stunts the growth of the cities that elected them.

This is the part of the article where the writer would typically offer a solution or reference a historical moment when a resolution was found. The thing is, this problem is very 21st century. With the growth of social media and now the addition of AI, many people think we will see voters continue to shift to either end of the spectrum.

Modern problems call for modern solutions. The ranked choice vote is cited by many as a ballot methodology that can reduce polarization. While the style of voting itself is not new, the implementation and adoption of the system would be a radical change. Proponents of the system appreciate the fact that it pushes away from polarization and celebrates a diverse, broader consensus. The

system has been successfully introduced in a handful of states.

Another option commonly shared includes borderline censorship —to expectedly mixed opinions. This idea walks the tightrope of regulating social media that the U.S. government already struggles with.

For example, there are mountains of evidence that strongly suggest the 2016 and 2020 elections were interfered with using social media platforms — yet legislators have yet to figure out a way to protect our democracy from these campaigns.

At any rate, restoring civility and fostering a more respectful political environment will require not just procedural reforms but also a collective effort from citizens, leaders and institutions to re-prioritize empathy, compromise and the shared pursuit of the common good. We the voters are tasked with electing those we see fit to be our representatives. If we want civility back, we must elect leaders who embody that.

Justice Rose is the opinion editor. He is a senior journalism major from Madison, Miss.

Columns do not represent the views of The University of Mississippi or The Daily Mississippian. The Daily Mississippian welcomes letters to the editor, which should be emailed to thedmopinion@gmail.com. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. They may be edited for clarity, brevity and libel. Third-party letters and those with pseudonyms or no name will not be published. Letters are limited to one per individual per month. Letters should include contact information, including relationship to the university, if applicable.

• Former Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

• Practiced at his privately owned law firm for 45 consecutive years - located at the same place, being the Oxford Square, Downtown, Oxford, Mississippi.

• Still practicing at his privately owned law firm for over 50 consecutive - located at the same place, being the Oxford Square, Downtown, Oxford, Mississippi.

• Taught the Mississippi DUI Law and 5 different Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure courses each and every semester at the University of Mississippi for 29 consecutive years.

• A member of the Chancellor’s Trust at the University of Mississippi since 1981.

• Former Municipal Prosecutor for the City of Oxford, Mississippi for over 6 years.

• Former Municipal Court Judge for the City of Oxford, Mississippi for 8 years.

• Former Vice President and President of the Lafayette County Bar Association; member of the Mississippi Bar Association, etc.

• Appointed by the Mississippi State Bar to the Mississippi Commission on Attorney Ethics and Attorney Violations of the Canon of Ethics and All Mandatory Rules concerning the Practice of Law. Occupied the positions of Vice Chairman and Chairman and served for 18 years.

• A Founding Member of the National College for DUI Defense conducted at Harvard Law School.

• Selected as one of the Top 50 DUI Attorneys in Mississippi by the National Advocacy for DUI Defense.

• Selected as one of the Top 10 Best Attorneys of Mississippi in for Client Satisfaction Award by the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys.

• Selected as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Organization.

• Recipient of the DISTINGUISHED AWARD OF MERIT for 1989 from the Mississippi State Bar given to one Attorney in the State each year for outstanding contributions to the practice of law.

• Recipient of the DISTINGUISHED AWARD OF MERIT for 1989 from the Mississippi State Bar given to one Attorney in the State of Mississippi each year for outstanding contributions to the practice of law.

• Voted “Best Attorney in Oxford, Mississippi” in the Grove’s Choice Awards.

• Member of the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys

• Member of the National League of Renowned Attorneys - Top 1%

• Voted “Best Attorney in Oxford, Mississippi” in the Grove’s Choice Awards.

• Awarded the United States Congressional Medal of Distinction by RNCC.

• Member of the American Jurist Institute - Top 10 DUI/DWI Attorney for Mississippi

• Selected by the Attorney and Practice Magazine as one of Mississippi’s Top 10 Attorneys, et cetera. Since 1970

• Member of the American Society of Legal Advocates - Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in the State of Mississippi

• Selected by the Attorney and Practice Magazine as one of Mississippi’s Top 10 Attorneys, et cetera.