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KOYE

will

MILEY CYRUS

THEY’RE

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125th YEAR | ISSUE 3 @REFLECTORONLINE f /REFLECTORONLINE

AUGUST 30, 2013

FRIDAY

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

Professor faces assault charges

MISSISSIPPI STATE’S UNSUNG HEROES

Raven Brand sweetens the campus bakery.

BY ESHAN NEWAZ Staff Writer

Yoginder Dandass, computer science professor at Mississippi State University, was charged and indicted in July for sexual battery of his adopted daughter. University officials had few comments on the case, and students who know him said they were Dandass appalled by the allegation.

Sid Salter, director of University Relations at MSU, said via email Dandass held an assistant professor position in the computer science department since 2003.

“Dandass first joined the MSU faculty as a research associate in 1997. He has held the rank of assistant professor of computer science since 2003,” Salter said.

Salter said Dandass is currently on leave and will not have access to the university computer system until the situation is resolved.

“Dandass is on administrative leave with pay from the university. His electronic access to the university computer system has been suspended pending the resolution of the matters now before the judicial system,” Salter said.

BY KYLIE DENNIS Staff Writer

ZACH BOOZER | THE REFLECTOR

Sweet things are happening in Mississippi State University’s State Fountain Bakery following the employment of cashier Raven Brand.

Originally from Chicago, Brand made the move to rural Starkville over 14 years ago where she now resides with her newlywed husband, an MSU alumnus, and five children. Less than three years ago, Brand became a member of the Bulldog community as well, jumping at the opportunity to work with students and customers on campus.

While Brand’s outgoing personality brought her instant success amongst much of the student body, her mission to create a more comfortable, open environment in her place of employment also transformed MSU’s State Fountain Bakery.

“I’m free-hearted,” she said. “I will give you the shirt off my back, and when people come to the bakery, I want to make it feel like home.”

State Fountain Bakery worker, Raven Brand, brings positive and free-spirited energy to the popular campus eatery.

SEE BAKERY, 3

SEE ASSAULT, 2

ITS warns campus of suspicious email scamming attempts

BY PRANAAV JADHAV

An estimated

Staff Writer

Mississippi State University issued a campus-wide email to students and faculty last week warning of potential phishing attacks.

Few activities have been reported involving an unknown person, purporting to be from Washington, D.C., contacting students to request personal banking information related to federal financial aid.

Carlie Graves, a junior special education major who was at the receiving end of one

1

59

outx xofx x

sources: Garnet and Iconix

million phishing e-mails are sent each day. The average loss per victim in 2006 was

6

x 1,000,000

Victims recovered an average of of losses in 2006

are opened. such attack, said the way the attacking email was worded made her think it was from MSU. “So I logged in from that

54

email, and somehow they got my password. My checking account number was also on my myState because my check is directly deposited, so we had to

$1,244

compared to $257 in 2004

percent ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR

go and close that bank account down and open a new one,” she said.

The university website informed students no legitimate

source would request a student’s bank account information by phone, and students are advised to treat such calls as phishing attempts.

Sid Salter, director of University Relations at MSU, said once an official notification is sent out regarding such an incident, the university tries to let as many people know across all platforms.

“Campus announcements, Facebook, Twitter — the whole schmear is to get that information to as many people as possible. Then if someone has a complaint of any sort and it comes to the university website, we handle that and pass that complaint to the appropriate agency or person on campus, in this case the IT,” Salter said.

SEE PHISHING, 3

TSA promotes involvement among transfer students

BY JOHN GALATAS Sports Editor

The Transfer Student Association, part of the Mississippi State University Student Association, will host a transfer student organization fair Tuesday from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Foster Ballroom of the Colvard Student Union.

The Transfer Student Affairs committee is comprised of director Taylor King, co-director Tyler Key and 16 committee members who work together to create and promote events and services for transfer students.

King said the purpose of the fair is to welcome new transfer students to MSU and give them an opportunity to see what MSU organizations have to offer.

“Meal plans, intramural sports, clubs, leadership opportunities and job connections enhance the student experience, and unless these new transfer students are given a direct route to these resources, it is hard for them to get fully connected,” King said. “Now various student organizations can gain new, valuable members and transfer students can become more connected to the university.”

King said over 30 organizations will be on site Tuesday night.

“Some of the organizations that will be present at the fair are the Student Association, Orientation Leaders, Fashion Board, representatives from academic departments, various campus ministries and resources such as the Learning

Center, the Career Center, and Office of Recreational Sports,” King said. “Students can get involved by attending the event and shaking hands with the representatives of the organizations they are interested in.”

SA president Michael Hogan, MSU softball coach Vann Stuedeman and MSU President Mark Keenum, who was a transfer student, will kick off the evening as guest speakers.

King said MSU welcomed over 1,400 transfer students this fall, and the fair will help transition students to campus life.

“As a freshman, opportunities are thrown at you, but as a transfer student, you may come in feeling confused and somewhat lost. Our job is to bridge that gap,” King said.

COURTESY PHOTO | TAYLOR KING

Students congregate at the TSA transfer fair to discover ways to get involved.

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2 | FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

THE REFLECTOR

NEWS

BAD D WGS Wednesday, Aug. 28 • 8:48 a.m. A student reported her vehicle was damaged while parked in Thompson Hall parking lot.

• 10:07 a.m. A student reported losing her wallet on the Drill Field.

• 1:14 p.m. An officer responded to a suspicious incident in Dorman Hall concerning a student.

• 1:52 p.m. A student reported his vehicle was damaged while parked in Zacharias Village parking lot.

• 4:00 p.m. A student reported his bicycle stolen from a bike rack at Hand Lab. • 4:28 p.m. An employee reported his mirror on his vehicle was damaged while parked on Bost Drive.

• 10:20 p.m. A student reported his wallet stolen from the Sanderson Center.

• 11:43 p.m. A student passed out in Rice Hall. The subject was transported to OCH.

Thursday, Aug. 29 • 12:46 a.m. A student was arrested in Starkville for driving under the influence and driving the wrong way on a one-way street.

Citations:

• 9 citations were issued for speeding.

• 1 citation was issued for careless driving.

• 2 citations were issued for disregard of traffic device.

HIGHWAY

182

STARK ROAD

. . .

CONSTRUCTION

MONTGOMERY STREET

DAVE’S DARK HORSE TAVEN

HIGHWAY 12

. .

Highway 182 was created in 1930.

Construction started in mid-July.

Roadwork includes removing asphalt rem and repaving surface.

The construction will improve surface of road.

Construction will end mid-October. mid-Octobe

GEORGE PERRY ST

MAP DATA © 2013 ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR

ZACH BOOZER | THE REFLECTOR

Major transport, Hwy. 182, experiences heavy roadwork that is not expected to be completed until mid-October.

Extensive highway construction inconvenient, promising

BY MARY KATE MCGOWAN Staff Writer

Roadwork has dominated a main roadway in Starkville.

Miss. Hwy. 182, a road that runs parallel to Hwy. 12, is currently under construction to improve the road and the area.

Construction began in mid-July and will end in mid-October, weather permitting. The project is funded and managed by Mississippi Department of Transportation.

Mike Miller, project engineer, said the construction is currently on time and on budget.

According to Mike Tagert, MDOT northern district transportation commissioner, the roadway has an average traffic rate of 10,000 automobiles per day.

“Hwy. 182 has waited its turn to be renovated,” Tagert said. “It’s one of the main corridors leading in and out of the city, and it’s important to maintain.”

This main artery in Starkville transportation has been around for a long time.

Edward Kemp, Starkville’s

city engineer, said the high- courage redevelopment of the way has had to change its area, including more pedestriidentity before. Built in the an access and aesthetic value to 1930s, Hwy. people who 182 used to be will feel welthe equivalent I know some comed and to the interwill return. people are state, and it was “It will avoiding primarily used make the driving down area to transport more goods. Around 182 right now to avoid m a rk e t a b l e 10 years ago, it the roadwork, so it for businessbecame a maines and invesly commercial might be affecting tors,” Tagert road because businesses some said.

MDOT built a during the day. The Local busibypass around road crews move all ness owner Starkville — Rick Welch, this includes of the traffic cones owner of Hwy. 25 and and clear the streets Rick’s Café 82. on Hwy. 182, at night, so I haven’t Kemp said seen much, if any, said the road because the road construction is viewed as one negative effects.” could do of the main -Rick Welch, nothing but thoroughfares help the area. in Starkville, Owner of Rick’s Café “Hwy. 182 the city plans to is an importcapitalize on the ant path to redevelopment of the road.

MSU, and the more we can Kemp said Hwy. 182 will do to make that look nicer the be developed into a down- better it will benefit us all,” town style type this time.

Welch said.

“It will serve as a catalyst While construction is hapfor a major redevelopment,” pening, Welch said inconveKemp said. niences may arise.

The city also wants to en“I know some people are

ASSAULT Salter said University Relations is not able to provide further information on the case.

“Beyond those confirmations, Mississippi State University has no comment on this case,” he said.

Donna Reese, department head of computer science and engineering said in email the university does not have any comment on the case besides the information in the official news release.

“The university has issued a formal statement through University Relations about this case. The CSE department has no comment on this situation beyond the official press release,” Reese said.

According to The Dispatch,

avoiding driving down 182 right now to avoid the road work, so it might be affecting businesses some during the day,” Welch said. “The road crews move all of the traffic cones and clear the streets at night, so I haven’t seen much, if any, negative effects.”

Miller said there is also the possibility of minor delays.

“We had to remove asphalt, so that took the lights of loops — when a car pulls up, a weight tells the light,” Miller said. “Lights are on timers with a fixed time interval.”

Because the concrete base making up Hwy. 182 was laid in the 1930s, the ride feels rhythmic to car passengers. A mill and overlay is being used to correct this problem.

“The project is using new technology for better longterm maintenance,” Kemp said. “It will be functional and help ridability.”

The Hwy. 182 construction plan also includes rebuilding old curbs and sidewalks.

Kemp said he awaits redevelopment and improvement with anticipation.

“The city is really excited for its function and potential for the area,” Kemp said.

continued from 1 Dandass was indicted by the Court before Coleman on Oktibbeha County jury for October 13,” according to sexual battery of his adopted The Dispatch. daughter and Students who knew was arrested by He was a Dandass rethe Oktibbeha County Sheriff ’s great guy. If garded him highly and Department.

I found the said the news The Dispatch speed of came as a also reported his light was relative, shock. daughter was An anonadopted from I would only be ymous comRussia in 2005, slightly more puter science and law enforceshocked.” student said ment officials Dandass was believe she was -Anonymous a knowledgabused shortly student ble professor after adoption who always until the abuse was first reported in October tried to help his students.

A second anonymous stu2012.

“Dandass will appear in dent said he felt uncomfortOktibbeha County Circuit able answering the question since the allegation was so shocking.

“He was a great guy. If I found the speed of light was relative, I would only be slightly more shocked,” he said.

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TRANSFER

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 | 3

NEWS

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

TRANSFER

continued from 1

“It is important for trans- started out his experience at fer students to get connected State by trying out for the because not only will it allow Transfer Student Affairs comthem to meet mittee.” great new peoCamp went It is ple, but they on to serve as are already chief adminisimportant placed within trative officer for transfer a university in the executive students to that encouragcouncil last year, es leadership get connected. ” and he currentand growth. -Taylor King, ly works in the Whether that President’s Ofgrowth be Transfer Student fice. spiritually, ac- Association director Last year was ademically or the TSA’s first socially, why year at MSU, not take a step out of your com- but King said the two events fort zone to enhance your expe- they hosted were a big success. rience? It may even give you King also said the committee connections for future jobs,” has future events and dates King said. planned for this semester.

King also said many trans“We are starting to plan a fer students currently serve as Transfer Student Appreciation student leaders within campus Day as well as a cookout during organizations. this fall semester,” she said.

“There are quite a few transStudents can follow the TSA fer students who are orientation on Twitter and Instagram, both leaders every year,” she said. accounts are @MSU_Transfer, “Tyler Camp, who is now a for more information and fusenior from Mantachie, Miss., ture events.

STUDENT ORGANIZATION

FAIR When:

Tuesday, September 3rd at 6 - 7:30 pm

Where:

Foster Ballroom in the Student Union

Details:

Make-your-own ice cream sundaes, free t-shirt and prize giveaways, free Chick-fil-A meal coupons for everyone who comes.

COURTESY PHOTOS | TAYLOR KING

TSA members help transfer students find opportunities through campus organizations.

ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR

BAKERY

ZACH BOOZER | THE REFLECTOR

continued from 1

Kesha Johnson, a new bakery employee, said Brand’s influence was invaluable to her own transition into the workplace and that Brand’s impact on campus became immediately apparent.

“She’s a very sweet person, very patient, very kind,” Johnson said. “I like the way she works with the students in particular. She knows most of them by name, and she pretty much knows what they want when they come in. The students that she doesn’t know, she goes out of her way to get to know.”

Brand said her position at the bakery represents much more than a means of income. It represents endless opportunities to help others.

“That’s been the most important thing in my life, putting a smile on somebody’s face, making them feel loved,” she said. “I look forward to coming

to work every day.”

Frequent bakery customer, junior kinesiology major Jerrod Haulcomb said Brand’s presence and charm constitute much of the bakery’s overall appeal to students.

“We all love her,” he said.

“The food is OK, but I come in here mostly because of Raven.”

Even as students continue to pack the bakery dining floor each afternoon, many stopping by to see their favorite cashier, Brand admits she would still like to see changes to the bakery that better accommodate students’ interests and incomes — things she will continue to work toward.

Though Brand is happy with her current occupation, she remains ambitious in regards to her future, which she hopes will include completing her education and opening a business of her own. However, to the relief

of frequent bakery-goers, Brand said she does not intend to forget about the students she loves.

“I would love to have my own business where the Mississippi State students could eat free at least twice a day,” she said. “I would hire people I could trust, people who are on the same page with me, who are all for giving back to the community.”

Additionally, Brand said she is determined to become an example for the students at MSU and for her own children.

“I want to have something accomplished because I don’t want my kids growing up, thinking it’s OK not to succeed,” she said. “I just have to have faith. I don’t ever give up on anything I want to do.”

Brand said the sweetest things in the bakery are the chocolate chip cookies, but MSU students now say otherwise.

Raven Brand greets and serves customers at State Fountain Bakery with a smile.

PHISHING

continued from 1

Phishing is essentially when one whose account has been individuals on the Internet getting compromised, and then try to gain access to personal we’ll have emails going out.” information by tricking a user Ritter said ITS monitors for to log in to a genuine looking “red flags,” which means if a website. multiple log in into the MSU Thomas Ritter, security account from two different and complicountries at the ance officer at same time is deInformation If the email tected, ITS will Te c h n o l o contact the indisounds too vidual and ask for gy Services, good to said phishing an explanation. emails come “We have a lot be true, it to the univer- probably is. ” of monitoring the sity every day health of our enviin a variety -Thomas Ritter, ronment, which is of forms. He ITS security and the red flags type said most peoof report. Also ple know not compliance officer we keep track of to email their where these atpassword to tacks have come someone else. from,” he said.

“Sometimes within hours, Ritter said his first recomsometimes within minutes mendation to every MSU stuof giving away their creden- dent is if the student is unsure tials, we’ll have logins as that of an email and needs to check person. The typical process its legitimacy, ITS help desk is they log in and they start will tell if you if it is sent from sending spam as fast they MSU. can,” he said. “Literally I have “If the email sounds too had alerting go off, and with- good to be true, it probably is,” in minutes we’ll have some- he said.

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4 | FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

THE REFLECTOR

OPINION

OPINION EDITOR: ALIE DALEE | opinion@reflector.msstate.edu A LITTLE BIRDIE TOLD ME

EXPRESS YOUR VOICE AT REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

VMAs show that actually, Miley, you can stop

Y

ou could hear the little monsters roaring with delight when it was announced that Lady Gaga would open this year’s MTV Video Music Awards. A performer who has enthralled audiences with everything from meat dresses to coke-can hairbows, Gaga is no stranger to, well, the strange. So it was no surprise when the VMAs began with a close up on Gaga’s eyeballs, whose lids could have fit toothpicks between them.

While the shot of Gaga’s wide eyes and white face was, simply put, terrifying, her voice carried the melody of “Applause” beautifully with great bravado and lovely pitch. I was mesmerized by the intense delivery of the lyrics and the powerful melody.

However, the spell was swift-

ly broken when, in true Gaga style, the song was transformed from a compelling tune to a strip show. As the song gathered steam, Gaga continued to shed layers of clothing, and she finally ended the number in a seashell bikini top and racy thong.

The song is catchy enough to stand alone sans sex and nudity, but does this matter to Gaga?

Apparently not, because the song quickly turned from an impressive musical feat to an advertisement for mermaid sex.

The seductive tone of the night was set, and it did not depart throughout the show.

It was no surprise that Miley Cyrus’s performance was a far cry from her “Party in the U.S.A.” days of tank tops and cut-offs. Miley’s fans and haters alike have been looking forward

to a live performance of her hit from college and become finansingle “We Can’t Stop” since cially independent. However, the music video was released in just because I don’t want to deJuly. Our appetite for obsceni- pend on my parents after gradty was satisfied. It uation doesn’t goes without saying mean I expect to Maturity that Miley’s perforstop accepting is so mance was, ahem, their guidance much vulgar. Comedian and advice. They Kevin Hart even more than raised me. They went as far as to sexual know what’s best suggest Miley get a for me. They have pregnancy test after independence.” taught me what the medley’s conit means to be clusion. mature. Maturity Since her Hannah Montana is so much more than sexual days, Miley has made it ada- independence, which is what mantly clear that, as an adult, Miley Cyrus has portrayed it to she can do whatever she wants, be. It is not making out with a even at the expense of her poor married man onstage or using father’s achy breaky heart. Val- a foam finger as a phallic symid. I can relate to that. Living in bol just because “you can.” It my parents’ home this summer is always having jumper cables reinforced my desire to graduate in your trunk and a pitcher of

RED HERRINGS

lemon water in your fridge. It is the capability to make your own decisions and manage your own finances.

According to Huffington Post, The Parents Television Council is currently charging MTV with marketing sex to minors and pressing Congress to pass the Television Consumer Freedom Act, thus giving viewers the option to only pay for the cable networks they want.

“MTV has once again succeeded in marketing sexually charged messages to young children using former child stars and condom commercials — while falsely rating this program as appropriate for kids as young as 14. This is unacceptable,” said director of public policy, Dan Isett, of The Parents Television Council.

CATIE MARIE MARTIN

Catie Marie Martin is a junior majoring in English. She can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu.

Our pop culture is no longer driven by talent, passion or even monetary greed. It is driven strictly by sex. Which star has the most curves? Which star has the least? Which singer can dance the most provocatively?

Whose songs make the listener feel most like they, too, can twerk like Miley Cyrus?

This constant bombardment of sexual imagery in music has defaced the integrity of America’s music industry, and it is high time to return to the days of harmony and meaningful songwriting.

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Too much of a good thing : why TV shows need to be shorter Motor City aims for a renaissance

I

M

emento Mori, Latin for actors and good writing that all ‘remember that you will peaked and plummeted after their die,’ is one of those uni- halfway points. Perhaps “plumversal truths that really does apply met” is the wrong word. It’s more to everything. People, animals, of a repetitive dip in quality. Some plants, milk and even Taco Bell opinions may differ on when this Doritos Locos Tacos eventually go dip occurs (especially you “LOST” beyond the veil. They croak, they fans, who tend to be adamant first sputter and pass on. It seems like half or second half admirers), with an obvious truth, but one that the exception of certain standout has yet to permeate Hollywood episodes and plot points from latwith its many sequels, reboots and er episodes, most of these shows television shows. It would be too would have been vastly improved difficult to cover the 52,790,148 if they had just ended at say, season Superman and Wolverine reboots, five or so.

The thing is, at some point a so for this article the main focus is centered upon our good friend the show has exhausted all reasonable TV and why so many shows have plot points that develop the main gotten longer in length than every characters or add anything to the edition of “War and Peace” ever story. When a show starts scraping the bucket for ideas, it ends published. up pulling a Let’s start “How I Met with a classic.

When it’s time to Your Mother” Remember die, it’s time to and exaggerwhen “How ating certain I Met Your die, and plot points Mother” was sometimes it’s (ahem, nine a great TV show? Was better to hold your breath seasons? Really?) until it sometime and finally chunk that around sea- freezer-burned ice cream some characters become son three or expired sour cream so unlikable or four? (looking at What about that’s been clogging up you, Ted Mos“Scrubs,” by) that it bewhich had its peak in the fourth or fifth sea- comes hard to care what actually son? For that matter, what about happens to them. But isn’t that the “Friends,” “LOST,” and “The Of- point of a TV show? People watch fice”? Seems like a motley crew, but because they care about the gang they all have roughly two things in on “That 70s Show,” and to think common: each show lasted longer someone thought a season minus than eight seasons and each show, Eric and Kelso would be just as at one point, was held in high re- good as having the whole gang? gard/commercially popular. Some Well, it’s like an ice cream sundae could even be considered legend- minus the ice cream. It just doesn’t ary, depending on how one defines make any sense.

This is not to say that a show the word (if Turk’s “Poison” dance and Michael Scarn aren’t legendary can’t ever go beyond four seasons. to you, then we have a problem). Some shows have enough steam Point being, these are all great and character development to shows with original premises, good chew through that they actually

CLAIRE MOSLEY Claire Mosley is a junior majoring in accounting. She can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate. edu.

utilize every episode to tell their story without diluting it. “Breaking Bad” is a good example of this.

Walter White’s character arc and its effect on everyone surrounding him truly needs every episode in order to show audiences what it means when someone is corrupted.

Yes, I know it might seem silly to complain about being given more of a good show to watch and enjoy, especially considering the hundreds of shows that weren’t given enough of a chance to shine (RIP “Firefly”), but sometimes there really can be too much of a good thing. When “The Office” has an absent Michael Scott and “Scrubs” is sans J.D., there is a definite problem. When it’s time to die, it’s time to die, and sometimes it’s better to hold your breath and finally chunk that freezer-burned ice cream or expired sour cream that’s been clogging up shelf space for too long. Now, while you finish that up, I’m going to go watch some TV. I hear “New Girl” is a must-watch. Hopefully, it’ll stay that way.

••REFLECTION•• Managing Editor

Editor in Chief

News Editor

Kristen Spink

Kaitlyn Byrne

Anna Wolfe

Multimedia Editor

Life Editor

Opinion Editor

Zack Orsborn

Daniel Hart

Alie Dalee

Sports Editor John Galatas

Photography Editor Kaitlin Mullins

Copy Editor Emma Crawford

CONTACT INFORMATION

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Editor in Chief/Kaitlyn Byrne

Letters to the editor should be sent to the Meyer Student Media Center or mailed to The Reflector, PO Box 5407, Mississippi State, MS. Letters may also be emailed to editor@reflector.msstate.edu.

Letters must include name and telephone number for verification purposes. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish a letter.

325-7905 editor@reflector.msstate.edu Managing Editor/Kristen Spink 325-8991 managing@reflector.msstate.edu News Editor/Anna Wolfe 325-8819 news@reflector.msstate.edu Opinion Editor/Alie Dalee opinion@reflector.msstate.edu Sports Editor/John Galatas 325-5118 reflectorsports@gmail.com Life Editor/Daniel Hart 325-8883 life@reflector.msstate.edu Photography Editor/Kaitlin Mullins 325-1584 photo@reflector.msstate.edu Multimedia Editor/Zack Orsborn multimedia_editor@reflector.msstate.edu Advertising Sales/Julia Pendley 325-7907 advertise@reflector.msstate.edu

CORRECTIONS

EDITORIAL POLICY The Reflector is the official student newspaper of Mississippi State University. Content is determined solely by the student editorial staff.

The contents of The Reflector have not been approved by Mississippi State University.

The Reflector staff strives to maintain the integrity of this paper through accurate and honest reporting. If we publish an error we will correct it. To report an error, call 325-7905.

Be Soft. Do not let the world make you hard.

Do not let the pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.

-Kurt Vonnegut.

n the northern United States, town Records. In place of these, I close to the Canadian border, see an open door for architects.

While having over 70,000 lies a slice of Americana which many have come to cherish over abandoned buildings technically the decades yet has become a classifies parts of Detroit as a ghost victim of insurmountable finan- town, I believe an architectural recial burden. This past summer newal may be what brings these Detroit, known to many as “The areas back to life. To put things in Motor City” became the largest a more local perspective, this goal city in the nation to file for bank- has been accomplished in Jackson ruptcy. Due to many of its major with its Renaissance approach to businesses and automobile manu- the Fondren Business District. facturing headquarters outsourc- Like present day Detroit, this ing to other areas, the city sadly section of Jackson was the victim remains as a shade of what it once of extreme urban decay, yet over was. The question now is what time many of its once-abandoned can be done to salvage Detroit? buildings have been restored, My answer to the question is sim- and it has become a thriving ple: Detroit needs an economic community for architects, artists and young twenty-somethings. renaissance.

It would not be a simple goal I believe with the right vision this could to achieve, help save but it is Moving past the Detroit. possible. ideology of being However, The good dependent on architecturt h i n g al renewal about fil- automobile manufacturing, alone will ing for Detroit could rebuild itself not be bankruptenough to cy is it is by basing its economy on bring the an official public services and by city’s ina c k n ow l - specializing in come back edgment, manufacturing new to a posithe city has tive status. nowhere to technologies.”

There has go but up. to be a Consider it a reboot for Detroit. In hook.

Once enough buildings have order to get people to return to the once-thriving city, certain been renovated, there need to be needs must be handled. Efficient reasons for people to stay in the public lighting and employing city. Moving past the ideology of additional patrol officers are the being dependent on automobile first key steps to making the area manufacturing, Detroit could resafer and making people feel more build itself by basing its economy comfortable in the area. Looking on public services and by speat the situation, it is irrational to cializing in manufacturing new think the automobile companies technologies. This idea has taken who once roosted in the city will hold in other parts of the counpack up and leave their current try. Parts of the Rust Belt, such as headquarters, and it is doubtful Pittsburg, have staved off financial to think there will be another Mo- devastation by switching to a sys-

T.J. LEGLER

T.J. Legler is a senior majoring in cultural anthropology. He can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu.

tem where businesses in the retail and healthcare sectors have helped these places stay relevant.

My next major idea of economic Renaissance deals with refitting abandoned manufacturing buildings for reuse. After having the architects come in to redesign the structures and bringing in construction workers to refurbish the buildings, they should begin to be used for the purpose of making items that will be in high demand in the near future. There have been many talks over the years of becoming a “green” and “sustainable” economy, and while the effects of these words may not be as imminently felt in the South, areas such as the Great Plains and Mojave Desert have become renewable energy centers. Seeing as how the majority of photo voltaic solar panels are currently assembled in China, I believe it would be a smart move by American companies in these emerging fields to take up shop in Detroit in the hypothetically refurbished manufacturing buildings. Detroit could once again provide jobs in manufacturing, and we could increase the amount of global market share the U.S. has in emerging technologies.

Even though bankruptcy may seem like the end to the great city of Detroit, I believe it is only the beginning. With nowhere to go but up, the city can rise like a phoenix from the ashes in an economic renaissance where the economy flourishes as a service and retail hub, while also becoming a major producer of the goods of tomorrow’s world.

LIVING BY MY WITS

New Jersey vetoes medical marijuana

A

s we sit here, medicat- (other than lozenges) to be ing ourselves with caf- developed and dispensed as feine to stay awake for treatment. Finally, the bill proclass and ibuprofen to ease posed that the requirement of that tension headache, parents two letters of recommendation look for ways to end their for minors to receive cannabis children’s seizures. Husbands, treatment be reduced to one wives and children hope their letter. cancer-ridden loved ones will The major controversy sureat something and be in less rounding this bill is of ethical pain today. A woman with concern. Is it wrong for chilchronic migraines wishes there dren to receive cannabis treatwere something to help her ment? I don’t think so. Who get out of are we, as a nabed. tion, to withTechnically Recenthold treatment speaking, ly, controfrom children NSAIDs are versy is simply because sweeping marijuana is a drug. So is the nation caffeine. That being classified as a as states drug? Technisaid, the majority of us develop cally speaking, their own use drugs everyday.”

NSAIDs are marijuaa drug. So is caffeine. That na laws.

Most recently, New Jersey being said, the majority of us conditionally vetoed a bill use drugs every single day.

The entire nation could regarding medical marijuana take a note or two from New treatment for minors.

In case you aren’t familiar Jersey’s conditional veto. Govwith this bill, here is some ernor Chris Christie agreed to background information. pass the bill if the new edible The bill, S2842, proposed cannabis forms were availthree changes to New Jersey’s able only to children, and the current medical law. First, it two-letter recommendation would prohibit limitations stay in place. In passing this on the number of strains sold bill, New Jersey improves the medically in the state. The bill lives of many children but still would also allow edible forms puts guidelines in place to reg-

CLAIRE WILSON Claire Wilson is a junior majoring in communication.

She can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate. edu.

ulate their treatment.

Personally, I resent living in a state without medical marijuana. I’ve watched as loved ones suffered, and I’ve hoped for something to ease their pain. Although the federal government still classifies marijuana as a drug, it benefits people with many different diseases and ailments. It decreases the pain and increases the appetite of cancer patients. It reduces the number and intensity of seizures that control the bodies of epileptics. It calms the neural activity of people living with multiple sclerosis and does so much more.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 | 5

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

AN IN-CLASS DISTRACTION ...

8-30-13

BULLETIN BOARD CLASSIFIEDS POLICY

The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday; the deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. Classifieds are $5 per issue. Student and staff ads are $3 per issue, pre-paid.

Lost and found: found items can be listed for free; lost items are listed for standard ad cost.

HELP WANTED

Old Waverly Golf Club in West Point, Miss., is looking to hire servers and bartenders who are hard-working, dedicated and available nights and weekends. If you are interested, please send resume to bre@ oldwaverly.com.

CLUB INFO

The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday; deadline for Friday’s paper

is 3 p.m. Tuesday. MSU student organizations may place free announcements in Club Info. Information may be submitted by email to club_info@reflector.msstate. edu with the subject heading “CLUB INFO,” or a form may be completed at The Reflector office in the Student Media Center. A contact name, phone number and requested run dates must be included for club info to appear in The Reflector. All submissions are subject to exemption according to space availability.

LADIES SOCIAL CIRCLE

Fall recruitment 2013 begins Aug. 27 with an interest meeting in McCool 202 at 7 p.m. Recruitment runs from Sept. 3 through Sept. 5. Come for fun, food and friends.

PRE-VETERINARY CLUB

Welcome back BBQ at Ballew Hall auditorium Sept.

4 at 6:30 p.m. Bring your friends for good food and a fun time. All non-pre-vet majors are welcome.

SOCIOLOGICAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION

All majors welcome.

Stimulating discussions with diverse individuals and the chance to attend or present at research conferences.

Thursday, Aug. 28, in Bowen 250 at 5 p.m.

STUDENTS FOR A SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS

Interested in a greener future?

Come to SSC every Thursday at 6 p.m. in McCool 111. Opt-in for the Green fund.

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6 | FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

LIFE EDITOR: DANIEL HART | life@reflector.msstate.edu

LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT INTRODUCING: KOYE DAVIS

Columbus native raps his way into Starkville

COURTESY PHOTO | DESMOND HARRIS

Okoye “Koye” Davis is a Starkville rapper forging his own hip-hop path.

BY ERIC IRBY Staff Writer

Starkville may not be a metropolis, but this college town serves up creative musicians at every turn. From experimental rock to trip hop, rock bands and hip-hop collectives currently seem to dominate the town’s music scene. But, as the city’s musical tastes fluctuate, unexpected artists and styles of music can result.

One new face of Starkville’s hip-hop scene hailing from Columbus works his way forward. With his smoky, relaxing melodies and lyrical quips, Okoye “Koye” Davis is poised and ready to introduce his music to Starkville and beyond.

Davis, senior finance major and Columbus, native, said he began his rapping career not only as a way to escape Mississippi but also as a way to carve a niche for himself in the world.

“I needed a way to get out of Mississippi, and I wanted

to make a name for myself. I only get one chance to live, so I may as well lay it all on the line,” he said.

Davis said he discovered music as not only a literal escape, but also as a figurative respite.

“I really enjoy making music. It’s an escape,” he said.

“It relieves stress and helps me express myself all at once.

I love it.”

Davis acknowledged hiphop’s current incarnation has a variety of diverse themes, and it is a struggle to stand out in a genre constantly in a state of flux. Davis said his path into rap music draws on his Mississippi roots to carve out his own space in hip-hop.

“Rap as an art has seen everything. There’s nothing I can do about that,” Davis said. “My thing is to recreate southern music by combining it with sub genres of rap into one new sound.”

Though Davis calls himself a hip-hop rapper, he resists being pigeonholed into a label. Koye’s tunes spin out

into various subgenres, which he said keeps his music from falling under single, simple descriptions.

“My genre is mainly rap in the general sense, but I can’t place anything on it specifically because I make some many different songs,” Davis said. “I make turn-up music. I make chill music. I make introspective music, and not all of my music is just rap because I also do R&B.” Davis may be a relatively new voice spitting rhymes at Starkville’s music scene, but he already garners a following and buzz.

David Glass, graduate student and entrepreneur, has become a supporter of Davis’s music after viewing one of his performances. Glass said he finds Koye an excellent wordsmith, above all else.

“He’s like a Kendrick

COURTESY PHOTO | JESSIKA HAYES

Davis, second from left, works in a growing Starkville hip-hop scene.

MARKET TRENDS

COURTESY PHOTO | SMALL POND GRAPHICS

The community market features local goods and a relaxed atmosphere.

Starkville Community Market offers locally produced goods as farmers’ markets grow

BY CALEB BATES Staff Writer

One patch of downtown Starkville surrounded by ornately welded fencing holds more than chunks of broken concrete and grass. On Sat-

urday mornings in summer months, the Starkville Community Market fills a vacant lot on E Lampkin Street with tents, music and local goods.

The Starkville Community Market’s 2013 season ended last month after a successful

Lamar, J. Cole type of rapper who spits real ish,” he said.

“His lyrics go hard.”

Tailor “Endian Dope” Anderson, sophomore biological sciences major, another rapper/singer helping shape Starkville’s hip-hop scene, said he admires Davis and even elevates his writing above the level of most songs.

“It’s so unique,” Anderson said. “His music sounds like poetry.”

Jemario “Jookie” Gordon, sophomore international business major, manages Endian Dope and is also drawn to Koye’s work. Gordon said he finds Davis’s music to be a new spin on the hip-hop and rap flowing from Starkville.

“I think it’s refreshing,” Gordon said. “And I think he has a lot of potential to go far and do extraordinary things with music.”

summer of local commerce and fresh food.

The market operates as a showcase for Mississippi farmers and artisans under the direction of Jennifer Prather, market manager, who has managed the market since its conception five years ago.

Prather said the Starkville Community Market is more than a typical farmers’ market, as the market displays not just fruits and vegetables, but almost any goods Starkvillians and Mississippians have to offer.

“What I think a lot of people don’t know is that we offer way more than just local produce,” Prather said.

Every Saturday during summer, the market spotlights local artists, bakers and small business owners in addition to the eight farmers providing the market’s fresh produce.

The market also features live music by Starkville musicians and has offered free classes on painting, gardening, cooking and more.

According to the U.S.

Department of Agriculture, farmers’ markets like the Starkville Community Market have rapidly increased in popularity and number in the past 20 years. Since 1994, the number of farmers’ markets has increased by nearly 500 percent, as consumers have become more conscious about their health and the origin of their food purchases.

Prather said farmers’ markets give shoppers insight into the amount of processing behind the food they buy, which is information not found in larger supermarkets.

“When you’re buying direct from the farmer, you can find out how the food was produced and make more informed decisions,” Prather said.

Buying straight from growers also reduces overhead costs caused by packaging, transportation and distribution. This can save consumers money. Farmers may also benefit from selling directly, because produce doesn’t have to be grown in extremely large quantities to be sold in bulk at lower wholesale prices.

The Starkville Community Market’s fresh produce

COURTESY PHOTO | JESSIKA HAYES

Koye performing at Rick’s Cafe with Hello, Healer, Wolf Cove and Pell.

This past summer, Davis recorded “Heart of the Ville,” a track featuring the vocals of budding new singer James “Walker” Bishop, senior communication major.

While working with him, Bishop said Davis was an efficient, no-nonsense worker in the studio and, at the same time, an innovative songwriter.

“I feel as an artist he tends to be a very creative lyricist,” Bishop said. “Working with him on ‘Heart of the Ville’ was a great experience. He sent me the lyrics, the instrumental and we went straight to the studio.”

Davis stands alongside the growing number of young artists emerging in Starkville like Endian Dope, Wolf Cove, Hello, Healer and TFG. Davis said he admires his fellow musicians and

looks forward to performing in Starkville’s brewing creative environment.

“It’s amazing. I can’t even put how great it is to be a part of this uprising in words,” he said.

Even with the stiff competition arising in the surrounding area and Mississippi as a whole, Davis remains confident his work ethic gives him potential to stand out.

“With this new sound my producer and I are creating, I’m expecting to be the most talked about artist in a few years,” Davis said. “Lord willing, we’re working hard.”

With his charming persona and hardworking spirit, Davis leaves little doubt he will continue climbing the musical ranks in Starkville.

To hear more of Davis’s work go to soundcloud.com/ koye-3.

attracts students concerned with eating healthier, more locally produced foods.

One student, Molly White, sophomore education major, said the community market provides her with healthier food, as well as more information about what she eats.

“It’s awesome to be able to know where your food came from and how it was grown,” White said.

Local growers usually take a more holistic approach to the production of their crops.

Their smaller farms allow them to focus carefully on growing smaller batches of crops while large scale agri-

cultural operations growing massive quantities of food often use genetically and chemically modified plants.

Although the Starkville Community Market has ended for the year, Prather already plans the market’s future.

Along with bringing a broader range of events to next year’s community market, Prather considers expanding the market beyond May, June and July.

“If there’s enough interest, I’d love to see a fall or winter community market,” she said.

More information on the Starkville Community Market may be found at visit. starkville.org.

COUIRTESY PHOTO | SMALL POND GRAPHICS

The market sells products from fruits and vegetables to baked goods.

TRAVELING RIGHT How to look good on the move this Labor Day weekend as a result, I spend a CONTRIBUTING WRITER and fair amount of time people

ADAM SULLIVAN Adam Sullivan is a junior majoring in communication. He can be contacted at life@reflector. msstate.edu.

I hear the gate agent in the terminal next to mine exclaim, “Zone four, it’s time to soar!” as he shepherds the last remaining passengers onto their flight.

Fortunately, I was not deciding who flew and who didn’t, as there were some outfits that would have landed passengers on the “no fly” list.

I fly relatively frequently,

watching in airports. It is mind boggling to see some of the outfits people sport when taking to the skies.

As Esquire notes, “At either end of the travel-clothing spectrum are the tracksuit and the actual suit.” With Labor Day coming up, many of us will leave town over the weekend. Let me provide you with some easy, travel appropriate outfit advice so you can avoid the extremes.

First, let me begin by saying pajama pants are never OK. Put on some real clothes, even if you have the earliest flight available. If you must wear clothes devoid of structure or fit, at the very

least, put on sweat pants.

However, there are other options just as comfortable that don’t make you seem unaware of your appearance.

When I fly, I opt for a nice pair of chinos. Sometimes, if I feel particularly flashy, I wear colored chinos, but, as a general rule, classic khaki chinos are foolproof.

When selecting a top, it is important to keep in mind that you have to get through security with it on. Avoid tops with excessive amounts of metal, unless you want to get to know the TSA agent a bit better. For instance, I once flew while wearing a snap-button shirt.

The snaps were made of metal which, of course, set

off alarms while I was getting scanned. I was then patted down to confirm I wasn’t hiding weapons in my buttons.

Getting searched is annoying and really puts a damper on the day, so it’s best to avoid wearing metal.

Now, my go-to shirts for flights are polos. They have structure, fit and a very clean look. They require the same amount of effort as putting on a T-shirt but look worlds better.

Esquire also recommends wearing a jacket that’s nice enough to pass for dressed up but relaxed enough to pair with jeans. According to the magazine, travelers should choose “an unstructured one with multiple pockets to deal

with all the paraphernalia of flight.”

Shoes are an easily overlooked item. The proper shoe selection is important in breezing through security.

When selecting shoes, I advise choosing a pair you can speedily slip on and off.

I am not saying this is an opportunity to break out Crocs (there is never an opportunity for that.)

Instead, look for a pair of loafers or deck shoes. I am a big fan of Sperrys, which are easy to get on and off and look classy paired with chinos. Choosing the right shoes saves time and makes your fellow passengers in line love you a little more.

Nothing is worse than get-

ting behind the person who decided to wear knee-high lace-up boots that take four hours to remove. Don’t be this person. Choose appropriate shoes.

Lastly, when flying, wear few accessories. Accessories are just more opportunities to slow security lines. I go so far as to wear a nice ribbon belt with no metal on it so I can breeze right through the security clearance wearing it.

There is nothing better than the feeling of walking past fellow travelers fumbling around and getting re-dressed after security. By choosing the right clothes, you bypass your check point and make your way without missing a beat (or a flight).

FRIDAY AUGUST 30, 2013 | 7

SPORTS

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

JUST FOR THE RECORD

Manziel suspension does not Dogs face tough slate in 2013 follow past NCAA precedents T

T

The half-game suspension he NCAA should suspend itself. It’s that would be acceptable if there plain and simple. On was no other precedent for Wednesday, Johnny Manziel, this matter, but the NCAA “Johnny Football,” received a has made it clear that any vihalf-game suspension in his olation of its rules will be met season opener for violating with stiff penalties.

In 2009 Dez Bryant, an NCAA rules.

The NCAA presented All-American wide receiver photographic evidence and for Oklahoma State, was sushad multiple brokers admit pended for almost the entire to paying the redshirt soph- season for violating NCAA omore in exchange for auto- rules.

One might think, “Bryant graphs.

The NCAA held a five- obliviously did something far worse than achour meeting cept thousands with Manziel The halfof dollars for and his family game autographs, Tuesday and deemed they suspension like what Manziel did, to rehad enough would be ceive such a evidence to harsh punishsuspend the acceptable if there ment.”

Heisman-win- was no other Bryant took ning quarter- precedent for this a couple of back. matter, but the dinners from The NCAA his mentor decided only NCAA has made Deion Sandhalf of a game it clear that any ers, a former s u s p e n s i o n violations of its NFL superstar. against the rules will be met Bryant did lie Rice Owls, a their team that will with stiff penalties.” about relationship struggle to at first to the compete in the new-look Conference USA, NCAA, and that is the reason would be sufficient punish- many believe the suspension was so harsh. ment for what transpired.

In 2010, former All-AmerThere was enough evidence to decide that a suspension ican wide receiver AJ Green needed to be handed out, but from Georgia was suspended that suspension was more of for four games because he a slap on the wrist than any- sold one of his game jerseys thing else. Manziel will still for $1,000. That amount is play Alabama on Sept. 14, far less than anything Manhe will still play Mississippi ziel received for his autoState on Nov. 9 and he will graphs, but Manziel got off be in the team’s bowl game at with only a half-game suspension. the end of the year.

BLAKE MORGAN

Blake Morgan is a sophomore whose major is undeclared. He can be contacted at sports@ reflector.msstate.edu.

Ohio State and Southern California should also be quite upset over this ruling.

Ohio State was suspended from any offseason play last season because four former players sold personal memorabilia to the public in exchange for money and free tattoos. USC was suspended from any offseason play in 2011 because of Reggie Bush’s rule violations. Bush even had to send his Heisman trophy back to the NCAA. Every one of those players deserved punishment for the rules they violated, but the least that should be expected from then on out is consistent punishments for rule violators. However, it seems, if a player is dynamic on the field and plays quarterback for an SEC school, then the suspensions can be a little less.

Manziel will not get away with breaking the rules. He will be suspended for half of a game against Rice on Saturday.

The NCAA can decide any punishment for any violation of the rules. This is the punishment the NCAA has decided to hand out to Johnny Manziel. The next move that should be made by the NCAA is a lengthy suspension to themselves, just to think about what exactly they have done.

he Oklahoma State Cow- fense and come away with a solid boys come into the sea- victory.

Next, the LSU Tigers come son-opener ranked No. 13 in the nation and picked to to town for what I expect to be win the Big 12 by many publi- a fantastic matchup. The Bullcations. The Cowboys ranked dogs haven’t beaten the Tigers fourth in total offense last season since 1999, but for the Tigers, (547 ypg.) and averaged 46 points this is setting up to be a classic per game. This will certainly be trap game. LSU faces Georgia a test for the young Mississippi the week before and Florida the State University secondary. How- week after MSU. Home-field ever, look quarterback Tyler Rus- advantage will be huge for the sell to have a big day against the Bulldogs, and I could see this Cowboy secondary that ranked game coming down to the final No. 110 in pass defense last sea- possession.

The Bulldogs stay in Starkville son. In the end, the high-powered offense of OSU may be too for homecoming the next weekmuch for the Bulldogs to handle. end against Bowling Green. This The Bulldogs return from will be Dan Mullen’s first game Houston to host their home against the team he was the quaropener against the Alcorn State terback coach for from 2001Braves. The Braves are coming 2002. Expect to see the Bulldog off a season in which offense was defense shut down the inept ofscarce. I expect a heavy dose of fense of the Falcons.

MSU faces senior running Kentucky for back Ladarius The Battle the final game Perkins as the of the of the four-game Bulldogs cruise stand. to victory.

Golden Egg home Kentucky will Auburn, Ala., is shaping up to be be led by firstis the site for the year head coach Bulldogs’ SEC a fierce game with Mark Stoops. It opener as MSU a lot on the line for is likely for the faces off against both teams.”

Bulldog defense the Auburn Tito shut down the gers. This has been a heated series as of late, Kentucky offense that was one of and I expect the same out of this the worst in the country a year year. Auburn’s speed, home-field ago.

The Bulldogs then travel to advantage and quirky offense will likely keep them in the game, but Columbia, S.C., for a game with in the end, I see another Bulldog the South Carolina Gamecocks.

The talk of the offseason has been victory.

After Auburn, the Bulldogs superstar defensive end Jadeveon return home for the first of a Clowney. Both he and his team four-game home stand to face are poised for a big year, and they the Troy Trojans. By this point in will probably be too much for the the season, the Bulldog secondary Bulldogs in their home stadium.

Texas A&M is up next, and afwill be settled in and have a few games under its belt. I expect the ter a blowout in last year’s “Snow Bulldogs to force some turnovers Bowl,” MSU will seek revenge. against the pass-oriented Troy of- The game will be played at the

PATRICK BESSELIEVRE Patrick Besselievre is a sophomore majoring in finance. He can be contacted at sports@ reflector.msstate.edu.

always-daunting Kyle Field, and Johnny Manziel will look to target the young Bulldog secondary.

It will be closer than last year but probably end with the same result.

Next up for the Bulldogs is Alabama. Not much to say about this one. Alabama is just too good. Nick Saban will have his team ready as always and hungry for a win.

The Bulldogs then travel to Little Rock to face the Arkansas Razorbacks. Little Rock has been a tough place for MSU, but I think this year is different. Brett Bielema takes over the helm at Arkansas, and even though he has had great success, it might take a year or two to implement his power running offense. Bulldogs win this one with a tight victory.

The Battle of the Golden Egg is shaping up to be a fierce game with a lot on the line for both teams. Ole Miss broke a threegame Egg Bowl win streak for the Bulldogs last year, and MSU will look for revenge. Without a doubt, emotions will run high.

The teams are evenly matched on both sides of the ball, but with the home-field advantage I see a Bulldog victory.

Bulldogs face tough task in nationally-ranked Cowboys

BY FORREST BUCK Staff Writer

The 2013 college football season has arrived, and the Mississippi State University Bulldogs will kick off this Saturday against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The Bulldogs are coming off an 8-5 season, although they did not finish on a high note, losing their last two games.

Last year, MSU defeated most of the teams it was expected to, but MSU was exposed against elite competition.

The Dogs hope to avoid that this season as they start the year against a potential elite opponent in Oklahoma State, who comes into the season ranked No. 13 in the preseason polls. Head coach Dan Mullen said his team has focused on game one more than in season’s past as they face an offense that finished fifth in the nation in total offense last year.

“I think sometimes in your preparation, you’re looking past what we need to do in game one to make sure we get in everything we need to get in, and that switches to what we have to do to win the game,” Mullen said.

“Not that you don’t want to win those other games, but I think there’s a lot less margin for error and flexibility to do those things.”

The Bulldogs come into the year with a lot of question marks. It has been well-documented throughout the spring and preseason the team has lost talent at the receiver and defensive back position — the three best players from both groups have graduated or moved on the play in the NFL. This is especially relevant for the upcoming game Saturday because OSU can score and do it quickly.

MSU will need strong play from its secondary to slow down the Cowboys’ passing game, and it will need its new group of receivers to step up and make plays because the MSU offense will have to score points if they hope to make this a competitive game, let alone win it.

Running the football figures to be a strength for State this season, with one of the best backs in the SEC in LaDarius Perkins and a veteran offensive line that returns four starters, including preseason All-American Gabe Jackson. By running the ball effectively, the Dogs can burn some clock and keep the explosive Cowboys offense off the field.

However, it cannot just be about the running game.

Quarterback Tyler Russell must also play a key role if the Bulldogs are to win this game. He must make smart decisions, take care of the ball and avoid turnovers.

Regardless of what the offense does, it will be MSU’s defense that determines the outcome of this game.

OSU’s offense presents many challenges for an opposing defense, and it has a chance to be even better this season than this time last year. It all starts with sophomore dual-threat quarterback, J.W. Walsh, who played well last season, splitting time as a true freshman. He complet-

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ed 66.9 percent of his passes and threw 13 touchdowns to only three interceptions while also running for seven touchdowns.

MSU defensive coordinator Geoff Collins said the Cowboys’ offense is a complete threat to the Bulldogs.

“They have a high-tempo offense with great skilled players,” Collins said. “They have a great quarterback who makes great decisions and another one who can run really well. They have the total package.”

The Cowboys lost their star running back Joseph Randle, but Jeremy Smith and Desmond Roland both ran well a year ago in spot duty and should make for a dynamic duo in the backfield this year in larger roles.

As good as the Cowboys are in the backfield, the true strength of the team is their receiving corps, which is one of the top five units in the nation.

Headlined by Josh Stewart, this receiving group has at least six guys that can step in and legitimately contribute to the offense. OSU’s Tracy Moore also brings back talent to the receiving group, and Collins said any of the Cowboy’s receivers could pose a down-field threat.

“They’ve always had a Justin Blackmon or Dez Bryant and I think (Moore) fits that role really well. The one game against Arizona he had three touchdown catches,” he said. “Every one of their guys is a threat.”

Baring some kind of meltdown by the Cowboys on offense, expect them to win this game. The biggest strength of OSU’s team is its receivers meanwhile, the MSU secondary has to replace three very good starters from a year ago and lacks the necessary experience and proven talent to really deal with the Cowboys’ high-powered attack.

Their defense should be improved this season led by defensive tackle Calvin Barnett, who is one of the best in the nation.

Overall, I believe the Cowboys just have too much talent on offense for the MSU defense, which is young and in a period of transition.

The MSU offense simply does not have enough firepower to win a shootout with an elite offensive team.

STOCK PHOTO | THE REFLECTOR

Senior quarterback Tyler Russell and the Bulldogs travel to Houston, Texas, to face Oklahoma State Saturday.

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SPORTS

THE REFLECTOR

STAT OF THE DAY:

THE MSU FOOTBALL TEAM HAS WON ITS LAST FOUR SEASON OPENING GAMES BY AN AVERAGE SCORE OF 52-9 AGAINST MEMPHIS AND JACKSON STATE.

Today in Bulldog

History In 1997, MSU claimed a season-opening win 13-10 over Memphis. Jackie Sherrill's squad went on to finish the year 7-4 for its first winning season since 1994.

ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Soccer fanbases rise with beginning of season STOCK PHOTOS | THE REFLECTOR

FIRST SERVE

| Mississippi State volleyball begins its 39th season

with the Maroon Classic Friday and Saturday in the Newell-Grissom Building.

The Bulldogs will first face the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks at 1 p.m. on Friday followed by a 7 p.m. nightcap against the University of Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans. MSU will resume play Saturday when it faces UALR at 1 p.m. and SEMO at 7 p.m. to finish the weekend competition.

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Editor’s note: This is part one of a two-part series focusing on the fanbases of the English Premier League. Watch for part two to run Tuesday, Sept. 3.

just bought the rights to the league and every game for every team will be available on TV, as well as online, which is a huge breakthrough for American fans and the sport in general.

The EPL is made up of 20 ootball is back. No, not that football — we’re teams. The bottom three each talking about football of season are relegated and three the no-hands variety, otherwise new teams are promoted, so you known as soccer. Only in recent should probably avoid picking a years have we seen its popularity team who is terrible and won’t be in America begin to really take around very long. A few words to know — instead of ‘field’ they off.

Say what you want about say ‘pitch,’ ‘captain’ is ‘skipper,’ ESPN, but its World Cup and ‘coach’ is ‘manager’ (just like baseball), ‘team’ expanding socis ‘club’ and unicer coverage in Only in forms are called general has done big things for recent years ‘kits’.

Arsenal: promoting ‘the have we Steady, reliable beautiful game.’ winners. The The fact that seen its popularity FIFA is one of in America begin to Gunners have finished in the the highest sell- really take off.” top four annualing video games ly since 1997 — of all time probhowever, much ably doesn’t hurt either. FIFA 14 releases Sept. 24, to the chagrin of their fans, they by the way, which will probably are lacking in the hardware debe around the same time my partment having not won a magrades plummet worse than the jor trophy since 2005. They are value of an Alex Rodriguez base- very fun to watch because of a wide-open, up-tempo style and ball card.

Anyway, rejoice, because the always seem to have good, young English Premier League season players. MLB comparison: Athas returned. It’s OK if you lanta Braves.

Aston Villa: An otherwise medon’t know many (or any) of the teams. This article is intended diocre club that hasn’t achieved to give you an outlook on who anything of note since winning is who in England, bandwagon the 1982 European Cup. It has potential and comparison of a very miserable fan base. Aston each club with a baseball team Villa appears to be slightly im(America’s pastime, of course) proving, but do you really want to hopefully give you a sense of to support a team whose owner is the same guy who runs the whom to adopt as your own.

Trust me — I threw myself Cleveland Browns? MLB cominto the EPL in 2009 and picked parison: Kansas City Royals.

Cardiff City: This is unchara team (more on that in Part II) and I’m certainly glad I did. And tered territory as the Bluebirds as for TV coverage, NBC Sports compete in the EPL for the first

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JOSH COOKE Josh Cooke is a senior majoring in communication. He can be contacted at sports@reflector. msstate.edu.

time in 2013. One of two Welsh teams in the EPL. The Bluebirds make a good story, but likely will be relegated by season’s end. MLB comparison: Minnesota Twins.

Chelsea: Owned by a Russian billionaire who throws money around like 2 Chainz at a gentlemen’s club, Chelsea essentially buys up every other club’s good players and is hated by the entire league. Their skipper, John Terry, is considered the biggest jerk in England (he cheated with a teammate’s girlfriend and was also suspended last year for racially abusing another player on the pitch. Other than that, he’s a great guy). Chelsea is the casual American soccer fan team of choice. Bandwagon potential couldn’t be higher for any club.

Remind me, how is it fun to root for these guys again? MLB comparison: Los Angeles Angels.

Crystal Palace: Back for their first stint in the EPL since 20042005, they are a hard-working club but lack the talent to do much damage at this level. MLB comparison: Houston Astros.

Everton: Tim Howard of team USA is the goalie, and in the last few years, Landon Donovan has spent time there as well, so this is a fun team to root for from an American perspective. Everton has been in the top division for a record 110 seasons. It can compete with and beat the powerhouses from time to time, but are not strong enough to crack the top four. MLB comparison: Cincinnati Reds.

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