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TUESDAY OCTOBER 30, 2012

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Reflector The

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THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

MSU reinforces honor code with integrity week

BY TEVIN FOWLER Contributing Writer

Cheating is an issue prevalent in educational institutions nationwide; the role of the student honor code and the upcoming events is to help reduce this number at Mississippi State University.

Monday was the start of Academic Integrity Week at MSU. Academic Integrity Week is hosted by MSU’s Honor Code Office, library and several other departments throughout campus.

The purpose of the week is to educate students on the importance of following the Honor Code and to show students proper ways of following the Honor Code to avoid violations.

The events end Thursday at 7 p.m. at Taylor Auditorium in McCool Hall.

Symone Bounds, first year graduate student obtaining a master’s in public policy and administration, is the assistant program coordinator of

Academic Integrity Week.

Bounds said this is the first year MSU is having a week dedicated to educating students of the honor code.

The idea of having a week dedicated to promoting the Honor Code started when the department looked at other universities such as Texas A&M, University of Virginia, Duke University and Maryland University.

James Orr, director of the Honor Code Council, said since the Honor Code was installed at MSU in 2005, keeping up with students who have violated the Honor Code has been more organized because there is a central location to keep up with sanctions.

“The idea behind having an honor code at MSU is not to punish students for violating the honor code,” Orr said.

“With the Honor Code we are also looking to educate our students and promote outreach program which can help students avoid violations and academic misconduct.”

SEE HONOR, 2

STEPHANIE GODFREY | THE REFLECTOR

MISS MSU PAGEANT

| Top: Jasmine Murray of

Starkville is Miss MSU 2012. Murray is a freshman communication major and the daughter of Lisa Murray and Samuel Murray. Right: Lindsey Bishop of Conehatta, left, was selected the second runner up, while Laura Lee Lewis, right, of Brookhaven is the first runner up. The Miss Mississippi State University pageant was held Thursday in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium.

JAY JOHNSON | THE REFLECTOR

MSU athletic director Scott Stricklin spoke with students in McCool Hall Monday to begin academic integrity week.

Students prepare for academic advising

BY MASEY SMITH Contributing Writer

JAY JOHNSON | THE REFLECTOR

MSU Staff Council considers changes to tobacco policy

BY CHRIS PEREZ Contributing Writer

Mississippi State University’s Staff Council was presented a proposition earlier this month to revise the current tobacco policy on campus.

Bill Kibler, vice president of Student Affairs, has proposed a revised policy that would allow tobacco use in designated areas around campus.

The policy would make MSU 100 percent tobacco-free beginning fall 2014.

Kibler said the proposed re-

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BAD DAWGS..............................2 OPINION ............................... 3 CONTACT INFO........................3 BULLETIN BOARD....................4

vision would provide a small increase in restriction, but not enough to be noticed at first.

“We want to provide the campus community a period of transition rather than abruptly prohibiting smoking,” Kibler said. “The main thing is getting everyone on board by communicating with them about the fact that campus will be tobacco-free in 2014.”

The current MSU tobacco policy on campus requires tobacco users to stand 25 feet from anything that would have the likelihood of allowing second-

CROSSWORD .................. ......4 CLASSIFIEDS...........................4 LIFE......................................5 SPORTS....................................8

hand smoke. Kibler’s proposed revision would designate areas located 25 feet from each building, primarily at each entrance.

Kibler said when the campus goes tobacco-free in 2014, all forms of tobacco will be prohibited.

“If someone wants to smoke a cigarette on campus, the only exception would be if they smoked in their own personal vehicle,” Kibler said.

Kibler said he knows there will be tobacco users that will be upset with this revision.

SEE SMOKE, 2

POLICY

Preparation is the key to a successful advising meeting.

Many students, especially freshmen, reach the advising period without researching major requirements or compiling a list of necessary classes.

Wesley Ammon, director of academic advising, addresses students’ lack of forethought when compiling a schedule for the upcoming semester.

“Students should come to the advising session with a sample schedule and let the adviser evaluate their work,” Ammon said. “Demonstrat-

ing that they made the effort shows maturity and makes the session go much smoother.”

A popular way to create an accurate schedule before meeting with an adviser is to utilize the CAAP Compliance feature, located underneath the “banner” tab of the MSU student homepage.

“Probably the best thing a student can do to prepare is to run a CAAP and see where they stand,” Ammon said.

The CAAP Compliance generates “what-if ” evaluations for any student’s major.

It provides information concerning credit hours and highlights the areas that have not been completed and what

a student needs in order to complete the criteria.

Barbara G. Stewart, academic coordinator, said students should also develop a relationship with their advisers.

“It is so important from the beginning to make contact with the adviser and make the relationship more personal,” Stewart said.

Some students do not address all areas of concern when meeting with an adviser.

Jennifer Spears, junior social work major, said she feels that she did not rely enough on her adviser during her freshman year.

SEE ADVISING, 2

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ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR

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NEWS

TUESDAY , OCTOBER 30 , 2012

SMOKE

BAD

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“Not everybody is going to agree with this,” Kibler said. “No matter what we do, how we do it, or when we do it, you’re not going to have everyone agree with it.”

Robert McMillen, project director of the National Social Climate Survey of Tobacco Control, said even though people may not agree with this proposal, there are benefits of a tobacco-free campus.

“Numerous research studies demonstrate that tobacco-free environments lead to substantial reductions in the number of people who smoke, the amount of tobacco products consumed, and the number of people exposed to tobacco hazards,” McMillen said.

A recent study published in the online journal Preventive Medicine compared students at Indiana and Purdue University after Indiana implemented a tobacco-free campus. The study found that a tobacco-free campus policy changed social norms and reduced tobacco use among college students.

“A 100 percent tobacco-free campus is the best option for the health and quality of life of the students, faculty, staff and visitor’s to MSU’s campus,” McMillen said. “The current policy

ADVISING

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only provides protection from tobacco smoke near buildings and does not reduce exposure, eliminate toxic litter, improve air quality or influence social norms for the majority of the campus area.”

Kibler said he believes this revision will send a strong message showing MSU’s continuing commitment to health and wellness on campus.

This ongoing effort to increase health and wellness is something other schools have been doing across the country.

“There are over 700 colleges and universities across the nation that are 100 percent tobacco free,” Kibler said.

Southeastern Conference universities that have implemented tobacco-free campuses include Kentucky, Arkansas, Florida and Ole Miss.

McMillen said he believes that as with all policies, education is the first step in enforcement and implementation.

“One of our goals is to make sure that MSU students, employees and visitors are all aware of the policies,” McMillen said. “Creating an atmosphere where everyone is responsible for the betterment of their school is key to implementing and then enforcing the tobacco-free ban.”

continued from 1

“I felt confused and did not ask my adviser everything that I wanted to during my freshman year, but now I have a plan and a goal when I come to advising,” she said.

Due to the nature of the advising process, students often can become confused or intimidated when meeting with their advisers.

Ammon said students should be comfortable asking questions and gathering necessary information from their adviser.

“Students should feel free to ask whatever questions are on their mind, regardless of whether they think the question is dumb,” he said. “It’s much better to ask than to leave with unanswered questions.”

Undergraduate advising started on Oct. 23 and extends to Nov. 9.

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DAWGS

Friday, October 26 • 1:47 a.m. A student reported being assaulted by three unknown males outside the ATO house.

• 2:25 a.m. An Aramark employee was arrested in Starkville for no seat belt and no insurance.

• 4:07 a.m. A student was arrested in Starkville for hit and run and driving under the influence.

• 3:27 p.m. A student reported his calculator was stolen from Thompson Hall on Oct. 18.

• 4:31 p.m. A student reported his vehicle was burglarized while parked in the Griffis Hall parking lot.

• 11:40 p.m. A student was arrested in Starkville for possession of drug paraphernalia.

JAY JOHNSON | THE REFLECTOR

MSU’s current tobacco policy limits smoke near campus buildings but does not eliminate its side effects.

HONOR

continued from 1

The Honor Code at MSU sets the university apart from other colleges. MSU is the only public university in Mississippi that has system set up to keep track of violations.

Bill Kibler, vice president of Student Affairs, said having the Honor Code at MSU and educating students about the importance of following and respecting the Honor Code is beneficial to the student and the university.

Kibler said the ultimate goal for the honor code is to have students realize the importance of integrity once they graduate and begin their careers, so they will be aware that cheating will not be tolerated at their jobs and also the students’ actions will reflect the university from where they graduated.

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Saturday, October 27 • 12:00 a.m. A student was arrested for driving under the influence.

• 12:09 a.m. A student was intoxicated in Hathorn Hall parking lot. The subject was transported to OCH. • 11:03 a.m. An employee reported two books were stolen during a book signing at Cullis Wade Depot.

• 3:33 p.m. A student reported his bicycle missing from the bike rack at McCain Hall.

• 11:53 p.m. A student reported being threatened by his roommate in Magnolia Hall. Student referrals were issued.

Sunday, October 28 • 1:46 a.m. A student reported the lion outside the SAE house was vandalized.

• 4:36 p.m. A student reported being assaulted by two unknown males on Bully Boulevard.

Citations:

• 9 citations were issued for speeding.

• 2 citations were issued for running a red light.

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OPINION

TUESDAY , OCTOBER 30, 2012

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the voice of MSU students

FACE-OFF

DARK ANGEL | KIMBERLY MURRIEL

LET’S TALK ABOUT CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

ONE LITTLE SPARK | WHITNEY KNIGHT

Death penalty needed in society Death is not our decision to make

C

apital punishment, also poorly represented (usually by known as the death a public defender) because they penalty, is one of the couldn’t afford to hire a good most hotly debated topics in attorney.

There are a number of cases our country. Some argue the death penalty is constitutional that can prove this. Opponents and is an appropriate punish- of capital punishment also ment for capital crime, murder claim the death penalty is inhumane and cruel because they in particular.

Others believe the death see death as the worst kind of penalty is unconstitutional and punishment.

While these are very accurate qualifies as cruel and unusual punishment and see it as re- and convincing arguments, I venge. Those individuals feel don’t think abolishing the death the death penalty represents penalty is a good idea. I think “an eye for an eye” analogy that the abolishing of the death should not exist in a civilized penalty is mostly centered on society. In my opinion, capital ideology. I recognize death senpunishment should remain le- tencing is executed unfairly, but abolishing it is not a wise decigal and not be abolished.

However, I understand and sion either.

Much of the reasoning becan even identify with arguhind my stance ments oppoempathy nents of capital The death penalty isfor my victims and punishment may provide some more imporpresent. Let’s antantly, their alyze the other closure for the families. I know perspective for victims’ families.” some families of a moment. Opvictims by hoponents of the death penalty claim the capital micide disagree with the death punishment is unfair and inhu- penalty and vehemently oppose it. Then again, there are famimane.

Those who say capital pun- lies whose loved ones have been ishment is unfair claim the slaughtered (in very vicious courts use capital punishment ways in some cases, I might to discriminate against mi- add) who support the death norities and underprivileged penalty.

Who’s to say who’s right and citizens. Based on extensive research, reviewing many crimes who is wrong? Can you realand court cases and even wit- ly say a family of a deceased nessing this discrimination, victim is wrong to want their sadly, their claim is true. There loved one’s killer sentenced to are more cases of minorities death given the vicious way the convicted in homicide cases loved one’s life was taken away? and receiving the death penal- Yes, I know there is a possibility ties than there are of caucasians the court can convict the wrong convicted of homicide and re- person, but what if that person ceiving the death penalty. We really did do it? Can you really also know homicides involving call the pursuit of justice “venparties of different races result geance?”

Think of the pain, anguish in an uproar and usually includes very harsh sentencing of and grief the family feels as a the minority party. To ignore result of a loved one’s untimethese facts would be delusion- ly death. People react to grief al. They also claim innocent differently and have different people have been executed, and feelings.

While some believe seeking keeping the death penalty in tact risks more innocent people death against the perpetrator who murdered a loved one is being executed.

Although this is hard to vengeance, some see it as jusstomach, I’m afraid that this is tice. It is only natural to want true, as well. With our broken the criminal to pay for what he and flawed judicial system, we or she has done.

I know the death of the all know sometimes innocent people are wrongly convicted, criminal won’t bring the victim mainly because those individu- back (because nothing will) but als lacked a fair trial and were the death penalty may provide

“

C

KIMBERLY MURRIEL Kimberly Murriel is a senior majoring in communication.

She can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu. some closure for the victims’ families (heavy emphasis on the word “may” because this is too complex to be certain). Families of those who were murdered by someone on death row may find it easier to live knowing the person who killed their loved one is deceased, instead of having tax dollars pay to keep him or her alive.

Other families of victims feel otherwise and think seeking death may make them feel worse or make them feel vengeful. The point here is no one can decide this but the families themselves.

I’m sorry, but I just can’t stomach the idea of saying a grieving family is wrong, immoral or evil for wanting their loved one’s killer executed, just as the loved one was killed.

Imagine if this situation happened to you. It’s easy to judge when you’re on the other side of the fence. One can never know how he or she may react to a tragedy until it actually happens to them.

Now if you have experienced a tragedy like this and you still feel as though capital punishment is nothing short of revenge and you have “forgiven” the person who took your loved ones life, then I am happy for you (although I am very sorry for your loss).

However, to force that ideology and belief on other families is wrong. They are different and feel differently than you do, and it is wrong to assert that you are right and they are wrong.

I agree our criminal justice system is very flawed along with procedure of the death penalty and something needs to be done about it, but I think trying to outlaw capital punishment is too rash and may cause more harm than intended.

apital punishment is into oblivion. Let’s take these a dangerous and in- one at a time. For Christians, efficient solution to after death, a soul either goes a non-existent problem. As a to heaven or to hell. Sending country, we have the resources a soul to a place of peace and to imprison criminals who have plenty can hardly be seen as committed horrible crimes for punishment. And Christians life without possibility of pa- must have compassion, a trait role. We also have the resources that would never allow them to confine them in such a way to send a fellow soul to hell on they can do no further dam- purpose, nevermind that as beage. Why, then, do we insist on lievers saving people from hell death as a suitable punishment? is their job.

Practitioners of Judaism No matter how carefully we use our judicial system, no and Islam have similar views matter how many appeals we on life after death and similar allow, wrongful conviction will mandates of compassion which always be a possibility. Nation- should prevent them from senally, 139 people have been freed tencing a soul to eternal damfrom death row after they were nation. The next group of belief found to be innocent. As long is after death all people cease to as the death penalty is in place, exist.

Sounds permanent, but we will risk executing innocent people. It is a simple fact of life again, I fail to see how that is retribution for a crime like and human error.

The argument I most often murder. To me, being forced to hear for keeping the death pen- live in a prison, and be stripped alty is it is cheaper than hous- of all freedoms and thinking about your ing criminals in jail for the rest As long as the death crimes, would be better of their lives. penalty is in place, punishment.

In the past, this may have been we will risk executing Finally, pracof true. Howevinnocent people. It’s titioners Buddhism er, under the a simple fact of life and Hinducurrent system, ism believe in criminals on and human error.” reincarnation. death row typically cost taxpayers much more At first glance, this is the first than prisoners spending life belief in which I would be okay without parole. This is because with sentencing someone to capital punishment cases re- death. Karma brings the guilty quire more expensive trials and back as a lesser creature: built in more appeals with a public de- punishment, and we don’t have fender in order to cut down on to do anything!

However, those of these faiths wrongful convictions.

In 2011, a study of the death believe strongly in non-violence penalty in California reported and compassion and believe the cost of housing a death- even the guilty should be able row inmate was $1,000,000 to live out their current lives to per year more than the cost of the end.

Three different beliefs on life housing criminals with life sentences without parole. The idea after death, none of which logthat killing our criminals is less ically support the death penalty expensive than feeding them is as a morally just punishment (which is not to say that they simply untrue.

Beyond the impracticality of don’t do it anyway in many the death penalty, I have never cases).

All this brings into question understood why it should be seen as a just punishment at all. what exactly should be the Life after death is debated in “capital” punishment. What is pretty much every religion, but the worst fate you can think of? as far as I can tell, no matter To me, the worst punishment your religious affiliations, you you could possibly give me is to believe after we die we either take away every freedom I have.

To be confined in a room (1) go somewhere bad or somewhere good; (2) come back to by myself, to be told when I this earth or (3) just fade out could do the most basic hu-

“

DO YOU SUPPORT CAPITAL PUNISHMENT? YES. 28 VOTES ONLINE

The

Reflector Editor in Chief Hannah Rogers

Managing Editor Kaitlyn Byrne

Life Editor Zack Orsborn

Multimedia Editor Eric Evans Sports Editor Kristen Spink

Campus News Editor John Galatas

Photography Editor Jay Johnson

Copy Editor Candace Barnette

News Editor Emma Crawford

Opinion Editor Mary Chase Breedlove Copy Editor Rachel Burke

CONTACT INFORMATION

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Editor in Chief/Hannah Rogers

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/Kaitlyn Byrne 325-8991 managing@reflector.msstate.edu News Editor/Emma Crawford 325-8819 news@reflector.msstate.edu News tips/John Galatas 325-7906 news@reflector.msstate.edu Opinion Editor/Mary Chase Breedlove opinion@reflector.msstate.edu Sports Editor/Kristen Spink 325-5118 sports@reflector.msstate.edu Life Editor/Zack Orsborn 325-8883 life@reflector.msstate.edu Photography Editor/Jay Johnson 325-1584 photo@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.

18 NO. 7

WHITNEY KNIGHT Whitney Knight is a junior majoring in English education.

She can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu. man functions, would be a fate worse than death. Of course, the problem with punishing humans is no two humans will have the exact same fears. Still, I think in a country built on the idea of freedom in all pursuits, stripping our worst criminals of those rights is only poetic justice.

The main logical problem with capital punishment is the question of what exactly makes it okay for us to murder someone, when that’s often exactly what we are punishing them for? Taking a human life is always wrong. No matter how sanitary the needles for execution are, or how far removed the executors are from the gritty facts of reality, those who sentence people to death are still taking a life. The life of a person who under a life sentence might still be able to repent and do some small amount of good.

What it really comes down to is whether or not you believe people who have done horrible things are still people.

We often strip those who commit violent crimes of their humanity, probably out of fear we could be capable of such atrocities. But criminals are still people, and no one ever gave us the right to play God with their lives.

As long as we have the resources to house criminals and keep them from hurting more people, we are morally obligated to use a punishment that is just and adjustable in case new evidence can exonerate them.

Maximum security prisons can offer a fate much worse than death in retribution for society’s worst crimes. Eliminating the death penalty can save money, provide a quick fix for the justice system and help a lot of us sleep at night.

I’M NOT SURE.

3

Zack Orsborn | The Reflector

THE SNITCH | HANNAH ROGERS

Win or lose, always hail State

W

hen I came to Mississippi State, I didn’t quite understand football. (And, by that, I mean I didn’t realize the offense and defense were separate entities and, on occasion, mistook college football for the NFL. You don’t have to tell me, I understand how pathetic that truly is.)

Then, throughout two years as a student and Reflector staff member, I began to not only understand the nuances of a football game, but also why our football team matters to us.

As I read and participated and interviewed and edited, I came to realize our football team — and the coaches and the athletic department — believe in the team’s potential and working to be better. Naysayers may criticize dreaming of the Bulldogs winning the SEC West or find the idea we believed we could beat Alabama laughable. I find it inspiring.

From the local businesses to the student organizations to alumni, the people who participated in the We Believe: 8-0 movement did so in support of a team that believes in itself, its coaches and its fans.

And, even though the scoreboard clearly didn’t go the way we desired, it doesn’t mean we

still don’t have faith in this team her future — even if it requires or each other. extra hours and no additional I’m no sports analyst, but incentives for the professor. I’ve there’s no shame in losing to seen local businesses come out the number one team in the na- in droves to support student ortion. And it’s a compliment to ganizations and charity events.

Dan Mullen and his program I’ve seen true friendship bethat every year since he became tween students. And through all head coach, expectations for the this, I’ve learned what it is to be Bulldogs have risen and we’ve part of the Bulldog family. consistently improved. Not all The world, despite what it of the SEC West teams can say may appear at times, isn’t a terthat. rible place.

Football, like all sports, isn’t And it’s places like MSU, just about winning. Sports are places that exhibit faith, hope mirrors of and optilife. They’re that Sports are mirrors of life. mism, a microcosm illustrate They’re a microcosm of the good. of the world around us.

The supthe world around us.”

And for our port for We team to believe in itself, to work Believe, which spread across the hard, to strive to be better — United States and the globe, that positively reflects our town shows beyond our years physand our university. ically here, there’s something Until I came to MSU, I was worth holding onto after we a pessimist. (To some degree, I leave. still am.) But everyone here beTo me, believing isn’t about lieves in something greater than winning. (Of course, we can themselves — they believe in a still go 11-1. I really think that community. is possible. But if we don’t, it And, since I’ve arrived here in won’t make me lose hope in our the fall of 2009, community has program or love the Bulldogs been what I have experienced any less.) It’s about more than a on a day-to-day basis. game or a season. It’s our conI’ve seen professors dedicate victions. themselves to an individual It’s what makes our fan base student in order to better his or True Maroon. We do things

“

HANNAH ROGERS Hannah Rogers is editor in chief at The Reflector. She can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu. together; we need each other. I believe that losing to Alabama won’t dim fan support for our team. I believe when football season is over, no matter what the record shows, we’ll still be anticipating next season, expecting better things. I believe that, beyond football, we all come together and support each other because we’re Bulldogs and that’s what we do.

And, win or lose, I will always hail State.

And, as long as I’m here and beyond, I will do my best to give back to my university for all it has given me in the classroom and out. Because State has given me the courage to hope for a better future and to take the gifts given to me here and help build it. And that’s why I believe.

4 | TUEDAY , OCTOBER

30 , 2012

THE REFLECTOR

AN IN-CLASS DISTRACTION ...

10-30-12

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 Bartending. Up to $300 / day. No experience necessary. Training available.

Call 800.965.6520 ext. 213.

Seeking two female students to assist with a sampling program before the football game on Nov. 7. Work is for four hours up through 30 minutes before kickoff. Pay is $18 per hour. Email work@ brandextensionstaffing.com for more info.

Personal assistant needed to organize and help. Basic computer skills needed, good with organization. We are ready to pay $870 per week. Interested person should email resume for consideration: markthompson147@aol.com.

Personal assistant is urgently needed with a good salary. He or she must have good qualities to work. Interested applicants should contact: ronaldjuan1212@gmail. com.

FOR SALE Classic comics and albums. The largest collection of comic books and albums in the area. Also movie posters, sports memorabilia, DVDs, CDs and beer signs.

Located in Ziggy’s Buy & Sell, 434 Highway 12. Details on Facebook.

VISIT reflector @reflector-online.com

New and used vehicles. First time and college student purchase programs.

Contact Anthony Lowe at 327.3673 or 418.9107. Premier Ford-Lincoln, Inc. 2120 Highway 45 North, Columbus. idontlietoyou.com.

FOR RENT

100 King Richard Road, 3B, 2B brick house near campus. Two-car garage, fireplace, fenced yard. $1250.00. Call 228.324.2289 after 4 p.m. Available Dec 15.

MISCELLANEOUS Think you might be pregnant? Free testing and confidential counseling is available.

Call LifeChoices Pregnancy Care in Columbus at 662.327.0500.

us on Facebook, “MSU ASM,” for membership information.

SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC. PaRHOnormal Activity costume contest: Oct. 31 at 12 p.m. on the Drill Field. First place prizes for winners in categories of funniest, scariest and school spirit. For more information, email djk84@msstate. edu.

CLUB INFO

YOGA MOVES CLUB

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.

School or work stressing you out? Get moving into Yoga Moves! Try our moves to get into shape and our relaxation techniques to handle the stress. Yoga Moves meets at the Sanderson Center in Studio C, Thursday evenings 5 to 6:30.

Like Yoga Moves Club-MSU on Facebook.

WESLEY FOUNDATION Insight Bible study and worship on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. at the Wesley Foundation Worship Center on East Lee. Boulevard next to Campus Book Mart.

MSU CATHOLIC STUDENT ASSOCIATION The MSU Catholic Student Association invites you to join us for Sunday mass at 5:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 607 University Dr. All are welcome to $2 Tuesday night dinner at 6 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/msstatecsa MSU STUDENT CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MICROBIOLOGY Contact msuasm@yahoo.com or like

Solutions for 10-26-12

STARLIGHT DANCERS HIP HOP TEAM Starlight Dancers will be hosting their first event, called The Knockout: Pink Edition, on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. in the Colvard Student Union Ballroom. It is a breast cancer awareness program. Other MSU organizations will be performing.

Donations are accepted.

SOCIOLOGICAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION The Sociological Student Association is based in the Department of Sociology.

Undergraduates of all ages are welcome.

Meetings are held the last Thursday of every month in Bowen Hall room 250 at 5 p.m.

STUDENTS FOR A SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS SSC meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. in McCool room 212. Come and meet really cool people who all share interests in saving the environment. Don’t forget to opt-in for the Green Fund.

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LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

tuesday , october 30, 2012

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stephanie godfrey | the reflector

McKenzie and Rachel Woods shows off their personality and use of space in her dorm. By rearranging a dorm room, students can acquire more space.

Redecorating dorm rooms gives extra space

By Kali Horman

Contributing Writer

Students on campus may be getting to the phase where they are looking for a change within their living arrangements. For the approximately 4,500 students on campus, options for decorating are more limited than those off campus, but both groups can do several things to make a room appear brand new without spending a lot of money.

Ann Bailey, the director of housing, said she believes Pinterest is a great place to start looking for new ideas.

“From what I have seen from Pinterest, everything old is new again,” Bailey said. “You can do a lot of creative things with old items.”

From an old trunk to store clothes and bedding, to the plastic tubs one can buy at Walmart, there are plenty of decorating ideas that double as storage.

Libby Durst, sophomore agricultural information sciences major, said a good idea is to purchase multi-purpose items.

“I have a storage container from Walmart that also functions as a chair or footstool,” Durst said. “I also have an over the bed shelf that makes use of

the limited space we have. Since it’s above my bed, it doesn’t take up any extra space, and it’s where I put my books and decorations.”

Durst also said using the wall space to make your room more personal is important.

“Kirkland’s usually has pretty good deals on their decorations like mirrors and picture frames that are cute.

Posters are also an easy way to add a personal touch,” Durst said.

Abigail Wellman, freshman marketing major, said students should utilize all of the space given to them when

storing items in a dorm room.

“I lofted my bed and put my dresser underneath it.

Then, I added an extra set of drawers from Walmart,” Wellman said.“In my closet, the ceiling’s really high so you can stack boxes up there. And on my nightstand I put different baskets and boxes for decoration and storage.”

Ria Bennett, freshman architecture major, may have the cheapest way to redecorate, though.

“Just mix up the furniture,” Bennett said. “Or switch sides with your roommate to give the room a different feel.”

How not to Insta-suck, social network no-no’s

By Catie marin martin Staff Writer

This is what they call “hardhitting journalism.” I’m not afraid to tell it like it is. I know I’m going to step on some toes with this, but if we’re being honest here (and I intend to be), I don’t really care because I recently did a background check of my own insta-history, and it turns out I have committed every insta-crime in the book.

Let’s just take a minute to really investigate what Instagram is all about. Instagram started out as a cool and different way for people to document special moments via snapshots and share them on social media. But no longer is it a harmless new way to keep a photo-journal. Like so many other social networks, Instagram has become yet another method of putting pressure on society to lead picture-perfect lives; lives that display what the Internet deems photogenic. This is exhausting. I should be able to drink a cup of coffee without

wondering what it would look meal or your tasty triple-chocolike behind an Instagram filter; late brownies. That is cruel and I should be able to enjoy a night unusual punishment, especially out with my friends without for those of us who burn water. worrying if the notorious iP- Not to mention Instagramming hone red-eye is going to show your morning cup o’ joe. I’m up on social networks; I should pretty sure coffee has been dark be able to read a book without and hot since its creation, and feeling I’m pretty sure obligated Instagram has become yet it will continue to docube so until another method of putting to ment it the apocalypse. pressure on society to lead It ain’t going online in a desperate picture-perfect lives; lives nowhere. attempt 2. Texts — that display what the to feel culSo you’re havtured. So, ing a rough Internet deems without week, and your photogenic.” further parents are adieu, technologically here are some things that, in my advanced enough to master the humble opinion, should remain art of composing an encouraging off Instagram. text message. Congratulations!

1. Food/coffee — We know But, it’s a text message. It’s prihow proud you are of your Pin- vate. Putting a filter on a “Good terest-inspired treats, but there is morning, beautiful” message no reason to turn Instagram into from your boyfriend does not a food porn site. I don’t want to make it any less sickening. And check Instagram after a nice long if your parents wanted the entire workout and be bombarded world to know they are proud with pics of your hearty holiday of you, they would have written

“

it in the sky with an airplane or broadcast it on the Jumbotron.

3. Sunsets — This one is up for debate. As an out-of-stater, I will be bold enough to make the statement Starkville sunsets are among the loveliest I have seen.

That being said, discretion must be used where sunset pictures are concerned. There is nothing more annoying than scrolling down the insta-feed and seeing 10 pictures of the same sunset through 10 different filters. So, sunsets are generally appropriate Instagram material but not in excess. Instagram at your own risk.

4. Throwback Thursday — You can ask anybody who knows me. Throwback Thursday is literally the bane of my existence. We don’t need an alliterated day of the week to celebrate how cute we were as children. Yes, that picture of you with your mom on your first day of kindergarten is adorable, and you did look beautiful at your senior prom, but, please, spare us the shame-

less self-promotion.

5. Feet — This one is like a bad Dr. Seuss story. One foot, two foot, red foot, blue foot. Feet in Chacos (which makes you granola), feet in oxfords (which makes you hip), feet in cowboy boots (which makes you Southern), bare feet (which makes you a free spirit). We all know what they look like. A filter doesn’t change the fact feet are feet are feet are feet.

6. Selfies — No. Just… No.

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LIFE

tuesday , october 30, 2012

THE REFLECTOR

Halloween costumes should not be lame, be creative

HALLOWEEN

COSTUME IDEAS FROM THE REFLECTOR STAFF ROCK THE JUMBOTRON RACHEL BURKE, COPY EDITOR

KE$HA

HANNAH ROGERS, EDITOR IN CHIEF

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HONEY B00-BOO’S PIG, GLITZY ZACK ORSBORN, LIFE EDITOR

RAP-0-SARUS JAY JOHNSON, PHOTO EDITOR

KRISTEN SPINK, SPORTS EDITOR

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REF THAT THROWS FLAGS CONSTANTLY

MARY CHASE BREEDLOVE, OPINION EDITOR

80’S MOVIE CHAR CHARACTER

ERIC EVANS, MULTIMEDIA EDITOR zack orsborn | the reflector

and an eye roll. All because Regina George has given bunny rabbits a bad rap. You know what’s way funnier than a slutty cat? An actual cat. I was a cat for Halloween in the third grade, and it was freaking adorable. Plus, last time I checked, real cats don’t show much skin.

They’re furry! If you’re going to dress up like a cat, wear clothes.

2. Sarcastic T-Shirts — Halloween is nothing if not an opportunity to share your individuality with everyone in your neighborhood. If your costume of choice is a plain white tee with the words “This Is My Costume” hastily scribbled on the front, what message are you sending? Have some dignity. Show some self-respect. If a legible T-shirt message really is your cup of tea, harness the opportunity to display that witty

By Catie Marie Martin Staff Writer

When did Halloween costumes go from ghosts and ghouls to sexy animals and apathetic T-shirts? Honestly, probably about the same time “Mean Girls” became a cult classic, and Regina George’s bunny costume became the standard for a quality costume. It’s time to take it up a notch. Slutty animals have seen better days; let’s not beat that dead horse any longer. Here are some ways to transform some of the worst Halloween costumes of all time into something fresh, new and unique.

1. Animals — Why? Why, why, why, why, why? When did being an animal for Halloween become so taboo? At this age, the slightest indication of considering being an animal for Halloween earns you a condescending glance

one-liner you’ve been saving all this time. Or better yet, wear regular clothes and tell everyone you’re a Muggle.

Keep it clever; keep it simple.

3. Couples costumes — When did couples costumes like “plug and socket” become a thing? Come on.

What is your grandmother going to say when she sees those pictures on Facebook?

She’ll probably have a heart attack on the spot. There are so many less offensive ways to get creative with your significant other. Celebrity couples, literary lovers and Disney darlings are all fair game. Pick something unique to your relationship; don’t be afraid to show your personality as a couple.

4. Pretentious TV characters — Nine times out of 10, if your costume is obscure enough to warrant a nametag, it’s verging on

pretentious. Dressing up as your favorite “Downton Abbey” character is creative, but if you have to explain your identity to every other person at the party, odds are, you are trying too hard.

Don’t try to outsmart your friends with an overly witty costume. Sometimes less is more.

5. Decades — Cool! You put on a tie-dye T-shirt! So you’re, like, a hippie! No. If you’re going for a decade’s theme, pick an actual historical figure from an actual decade. Anyone can throw on a poodle skirt and call it a night, but it takes someone special to claim the identity of Sandra Dee from “Grease.” Pick a historical figure you admire and impersonate him or her for the night. Elvis may have left the building, but you can still purchase his costume for $64.99 at Party City.

Haunted houses scare YouTube offers laughs, gasps

By Christine BowMan Staff Writer

Several haunted houses are located just a short drive away from Starkville to start a Halloween night adventure.

Alabama is home to two haunted attractions: Sloss Fright Furnance and The Atrox Factory.

According to the Sloss website, this entertainment venue occupies an old oil factory. Sloss offers options to make your experience especially frightful. The first is called “Furnance Trail,” which is about half a mile long, and the second option, “Woods Trail,” is shorter. It is $20 to do both routes.

Sloss also offers a waiting area environment, called RoadKill Café, with all sorts of activities, including palm readings, fire-eaters, illusionists and horror movies shown on a 25-foot screen.

The Atrox Factory, in Leeds, Ala., is $18 a ticket and $23 on

Halloween night.

Caitlyn Atkins, sophomore biological engineering major, has been to both Sloss and Atrox.

“Atrox was definitely scarier because it was more realistic.

They can also reach out and grab you, where at Sloss this is not the case,” Atkins said.

Atkins said both experiences were overlaid with eerie music and horror films playing in the background.

“If going to Sloss, make sure to research it first, because it’s in an old factory and they incorporate parts of the history of the building into the experience to make it more creepy. It scared me, but I still want to do it again,” she said.

She said the most intense part of Sloss was when participants ventured down into the underground area. “It is such an adrenaline rush, and everyone should give it a try. You don’t have to go to an extreme house; there are plen-

ty of options that are more fun than scary,” Atkins said.

The House of Shock in New Orleans, La., is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and it was featured on Good Morning America earlier this month.

It is $25 a ticket. According to its website, the House of Shock offers an Outdoor Halloween Festival open all October long. They serve food from Hell’s Kitchen and have a variety of music acts lined up for each night. On Halloween, Jason and the Krugers are set to perform their unique genre horrorcore.

Chattanooga, Tenn., presents Ruby Falls Haunted Caverns which charges a $23 entrance fee and is located 250 feet underground, creating a terrifying attraction.

Devil’s Dungeon in Nashville, Tenn., extends over 25,000 square feet of spooky action, guaranteed to give everyone who dares to enter an unforgettable experience.

By Christine BowMan Staff Writer

YouTube is sweeping the nation with some top-notch videos this fall.

First, there is Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” which shows yet again her girl power style of bashing those ex-boyfriends, who seem to have done everything wrong. This artistic video complements Taylor’s older look and the song could probably go on to stand with the rest of her break-up anthems including “Picture to Burn” and “Should Have Said No.” “Felix Baumgartner’s Supersonic Freefall” will give viewers the chills, as the man is shot into outer space and free falls back down to earth. In doing this, he breaks a world record. The video is worth a click.

Samsung Galaxy S3 and the iPhone 5 have been the talk of the technological world with clever advertisements that have resulted in a duel between the two companies’ marketing departments. The “iPhone 5 vs Samsung Galaxy S3 Drop Test” video is sure to raise curiosity among the American public, who are trying to decide which phone they cannot live without.

“First World Problems” by Nigahiga pokes fun at this generation’s habit of posting #firstworldproblems on social media

sites for petty issues. An example of a first world problem is when the remote control is all the way across the room from the man sitting on the couch who wants to watch TV. Viewers cannot help but get a chuckle out of this one.

October is national anti-bullying month and “Amanda Todd’s Story: Struggling, Bullying, Suicide, Self harm” is an earth shattering video about a girl who was bullied and the results were devastating. This video’s purpose is to raise awareness about bullying, especially cyber bullying. It has received quite a lot of views. On Oct. 21 the number was already up to 11,202,351 view.

As surprising as it may be, the Ohio State Marching Band does deserve that second place spot.

Their flawless formations depict scenes from video games including Zelda, Pokemon, Mario, Halo, Pacman and Tetris. The impressive halftime entertainment had received 13,499,086 views on Sunday, and at the 6:00 mark the band members form a horse that “gallops” across the field. This draw-dropping feature makes this band stand out from the other college level musicians.

Finally “Gangnam style,” which had 518,368,080 views on Sunday, has taken center stage of the pop culture world. This South Korean singer, Psy, made this video’s bright colors and strange dance moves convey a sense of constant dancing and high energy.

The dancers never stop moving and the words are indecipherable to the American ear, other than the phrase “Gangnam style” and “hey, sexy lady.” This video contains explosions, horses, group dance numbers and crazy outfits.

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I don’t know what I love most about this video: the accident that occurs, or the fact she’s wearing a freaky clown mask. Seriously, I don’t understand the mask.

dog TerriFed oF deer Head

This dog is just precious. You should watch all of the videos involving him.

I’m honestly not a fan of scaring animals, but there is something hilarious about watching him freak out over taxidermy.

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Maybe I love this so much because I play the flute, but I dare you to watch this and not laugh.

any Bad-lip reading involving poliTiCS Let’s lighten up the election season by laughing at what the candidates look like they were saying. I recommend “More Mitt,” and “Trick the Bridesmaid,” followed up with “Eye of the Sparrow.”

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SPORTS

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

Soccer ends season with double overtime win over Ole Miss Rebels on senior night

By Forrest Buck Staff Writer

This past Thursday, the Mississippi State soccer team wrapped up its season on a high note as the Dogs beat Ole Miss 3-2 in a thrilling double overtime victory.

With the win, State’s final record is 9-10-1 and 2-10-1 in SEC play.

Thursday’s game was a tough, hard-fought game as State had to overcome a lot to earn the victory. Early in the game, sophomore Shannen Jainudeen went down with an injury and did not return. Freshman Gracie Irby was also injured later in the game.

The girls also had to overcome the fact Ole Miss outshot them 22-8 and seemed to control possession of the ball for most of the night.

Despite all of the adversity, MSU got out to a 2-0 lead with less than 20 minutes to go, and the Dogs seemed like they had the game all but wrapped up.

Then the Rebels came roaring back with two quick goals of their own to tie the game and force overtime.

Neither team was able to score, which forced a second overtime where Elisabeth Sullivan scored her second goal of the game and 23rd of her career to bring home the win and the Magnolia Cup for MSU. Sullivan broke the record for career goals at State and was named the SEC player of the Week.

Sullivan’s performance was key, but goal keeper Skylar Rosson’s performance might have been even more crucial in the victory as she played what might have been the

tuesday , october 30, 2012

FOOTBALL

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7

continued from 8

The game was also the first In the second quarter, MSU time this season State lost the forced Alabama into three conturnover battle. Russell threw secutive three-and-outs, the only his second interception first time the Tide has done of the season on third and goal that all season. from the one-yard line.

The State defense gave up Jameon Lewis lost a fum- just three yards on nine plays ble on a kickoff return, and during that time. Lawrence said the Dogs turned the ball over the guys got all the first-play on an Alabama punt. In addi- jitters out of their systems and tion, State converted two third started playing normal football. downs in the first half that were “It took us realizing these called back because of a penalty. boys are the real deal, and Head coach Dan Mullen they’re here to play,” Lawrence said the little things, such as said. “We regathered ourthe turnover ratio, come down selves, gathered our focus and to attention to went back detail and comout there and To win these games, knew what we plete focus. you have to have “To win had to do and these games, complete focus for 60 just settled you have to down.” minutes. We obviously The Bullhave complete focus and exdidn’t do that, and we dogs also had ecute for 60 made some critical their longest minutes. We drive of the mistakes.” obviously season of 97 didn’t do that, yards in the Dan Mullen, and we made quarter. head football coach third some critical No. 18 mistakes,” Mullen said. “We MSU can build on these dedidn’t score touchdowns in the fensive and offensive highlights red zone. All of the little things heading into this weekend’s you have to do in great games, game against No. 16 Texas give them credit for. We didn’t A&M. Fittingly, this game will do them tonight.” be the first top-20 matchup A positive first for State came at Davis Wade Stadium since on the defensive side of the ball. 2001.

“

courtesy photo | the reflector

Members of the soccer team celebrate their vicory over Ole Miss with the Magnolia Cup. best game of her career with 10 saves, including a very difficult save in OT on a shot that would have won the game for Ole Miss.

Rosson said she was thrilled with the victory and how she and her teammates played.

“This was great. Beating Ole Miss is what you want to do every single season.

We played for each other, and we never gave up, even when they scored the two goals,” Rosson said. “This was really special to me, I’ve really enjoyed being a Bulldog and playing for them for so long. This meant the world to me.”

Thursday night was also senior night and the last game the senior players will

play because the team did not make the SEC tournament, so the players were emotional after the game.

Senior Captain Madison McKee said she was excited her team played so well and ended the season on a positive note.

“Beating Ole Miss is the only way to go out. I just wished we played like this all season,” McKee said. “I wish we were still playing, but it was a fun season, and we did our best.”

Head coach Neil MacDonald said he was proud of his team and the season the girls had.

“We’ve had a lot of adversity throughout the season, but the girls have never given up,” MacDonald said.

“I’m delighted for them.

Great team performance, and they deserve it.”

Though the season did not go as well as the team had hoped it would, beating Ole Miss certainly alleviates some of the disappointment and shines a little bit of a bright spot on the season.

Next year, Sullivan and captain Morganne Grimes will be returning for their senior year, and a lot of young players played big minutes for the team this year. Also, goal keeper C.J. Winship was forced to start in some big games this year and played well.

All of this experience from this year will provide MSU with a solid base from which to build for next season.

25

TOP

FOOTBALL TEAMS IN ASSOCIATED PRESS POLL

1. ALABAMA 2. OREGON 3. KANSAS STATE 4. NOTRE DAME 5. LSU 6. OHIO STATE 7. GEORGIA 8. FLORIDA 9. FLORIDA STATE 10. CLEMSON 11. SOUTH CAROLINA

12. LOUISVILLE 13. OREGON STATE 14. OKLAHOMA 15. STANFORD 16. TEXAS A&M

17. MISSISSIPPI STATE

18. USC 18 19. BOISE STATE 20. TEXAS TECH 21. NEBRASKA 22. LOUISIANA TECH 23. WEST VIRGINIA 24. ARIZONA 25 25. UCLA

zack orsborn | the reflector

Cross country finishes year at SEC championships

By Forrest Buck Staff Writer

The Mississippi State University men’s and women’s cross country teams both competed in the SEC championships last Friday in Nashville. Neither team was predicted to finish in the top 10, yet both did.

The Lady Bulldogs finished with 259 points, which earned them a 10th place finish, and the men finished with 237 points, which placed them eighth.

In a news release, head coach Houston Franks said he was OK with the finish but his team had higher aspirations.

“It’s nice to finish higher than we were picked, but that’s far from our aspira-

tions and how good I think we can be,” Franks said.

In the women’s 6K, senior and Masterson team leader Renee Masterson led the way for the Bulldogs.

She finished with a time of 21:46:47, which was the best of anyone on the team and 34th overall at the tournament among the women.

In a news release, Masterson said SEC competition is very tough and also shared

Columbus Seventh-day

her coach’s point of view that the team could have done better.

“The SEC has a lot of fierce com- Vernier petition, and the difference between being fifth and 10th as a team is just a matter of a

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few points,” Masterson said.

“We gave it our all, but we didn’t execute the race exactly how we wanted.”

For the men it was junior Cameron Vernier leading the way with a time of 25:09:38 in the 8K, which was 41st overall among the guys.

Senior Phillip Johnson, who is one of the leaders

for the men’s team, finished fourth for the team and 51st overall at the tournament.

Johnson said he shared a feeling of unsatisfaction, despite the top 10 finish.

“I was proud of my team for moving ahead of our preseason ranking, but none of us are satisfied,” Johnson said. “I have not raced incredibly well on an individ-

ual level, but our team has worked together very well to take care of business at most of the meets this season.”

Both the men’s and women’s team had only one senior as top finishers in the race, so most of the team’s best runners will be back next season, which bodes well for the future of the program.

SPORTS 8

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TUESDAY , OCTOBER 30 , 2012

THE REFLECTOR

STAT OF THE DAY:

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT SAN DIEGO CHARGERS THURSDAY, 7:20 P.M. NFL NETWORK

420: THE NUMBER OF DIGS BY

FRESHMAN ROXANNE MCVEY, LEADING THE SEC.

Dogs fall, no longer undefeated

BY KRISTEN SPINK Sports Editor

Saturday’s game was a game of firsts for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Along with the team’s first loss of the season came numerous statistics uncharacteristic of the Dogs.

MSU won the coin toss before the game for the first time this season, and from there, things went downhill fast.

Devon Bell’s first field goal attempt was blocked for the first time this season on MSU’s opening drive.

Senior offensive lineman Tobias Smith said it was tough to start out so well and not get any points on the board.

“It’s hard to drive the length of the field on any good team like that and just get a field goal blocked,” Smith said. “It was kind of demoralizing, but I knew we had a lot of football left to play.”

It was the first time Johnthan Banks did not look like one of the best cornerbacks in the country.

A.J. McCarron’s first two touchdown passes were thrown to a receiver within a few feet of the mid-season All-American.

ON THE TUBE:

SPINK ON SPORTS | KRISTEN SPINK

Loss only grows fan support for Bulldogs

T

MICAH GREEN | THE REFLECTOR

Johnthan Banks and A.J. McCarron show good sportsmanship after MSU recorded its first loss in Tuscaloosa Saturday.

Senior linebacker Cameron fense in most aspects.

Russell was hurried and Lawrence said it was frustrating because the defense made silly knocked down play after play, forcing him to throw some unmistakes.

“We’ve never had anyone come characteristic, off-target passes.

Smith said with more big out and do that to us,” Lawrence said. “Just mental errors, not games soon, a key focal point for keeping proper leverage, not set- the offensive line will be protectting the edge on the run game, ing Russell.

“Tyler is a tough guy, and every just simple things that we’ve done right all year long, and you can’t time he came into the huddle I not do that against the number could look into his eyes and tell he was ready,” Smith said. “We one team in the country.”

The first half was the first time definitely need to protect Tyler MSU has been shut out in a half better and keep him clean, and since last year’s game against Ala- if we do that, I think it will be a bama. State’s offense just seemed different outcome.” a second slower than the Tide deSEE FOOTBALL, 7

he highly-anticipated matchup between the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide and the then No. 11 Mississippi State Bulldogs did not go as the Dogs, nor State fans, were dreaming.

While no one can pinpoint exactly what went wrong for the Dogs, fans have already put the game behind them and are looking forward to this weekend’s top-20 clash with Texas A&M. I think the game was headed south for MSU before the clock even began to run. Here’s why.

Alabama has played in countless big games against big opponents in the past few years. With one exception, the Tide has won every one of those games. Those guys know what it’s like to have a lot of hype building up to a game, and they know how to handle it.

On the other hand, this was the biggest game on the biggest stage MSU has played in quite a while. The thought of knocking off the No. 1 team in the nation was on the forefront of so many minds, it almost seemed to become a reality before the game even started.

While the “We Believe” phenomenon was one of the greatest movements to support a team by a fan base, I think it almost gave State fans the idea MSU was expected to knock off Bama.

Therefore, the loss was much more disappointing because of the extremely high expectations going into the game.

Don’t hear me wrong — I think the “We Believe” movement was incredible and clearly showed how much State fans support this football team. But I also think it unfortunately made the loss that much tougher to handle.

Watching the players warm up for the game, the Tide seemed calm and collected like it was any other game. The Bulldogs were excited, jumping around and getting themselves hyped up, which is great but can add pressure to a team.

The first quarter showed just that. Alabama came out confident and played like the No. 1 team in the nation. State came out tight, blowing coverages and missing uncharacteristic throws and catches.

I’m not bashing MSU by any means. I can’t imagine the pressure to perform when you go into one of the most hostile environments in the nation and play against the best team in the nation with a chance to go on top in the West.

I think our guys fought hard and never gave up, which is all a fan-base can really ask out of a team. And the cool thing to me is, I think our fan base believes that as well.

KRISTEN SPINK Kristen Spink is the sports editor of The Reflector. She can be contacted at reflectorsports@ gmail.com.

The support shown to the Dogs after the loss was just as great as the support for the team before the game. The encouraging tweets and the number of people who were at the Bryan Building at 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning to welcome the Dogs home are just a few testaments to the amazing fan base at MSU. To be honest, I really don’t think many other schools, including Alabama, have that supportive of a fan base as MSU. The unity brought by the “We Believe” movement seemed to encompass the country. Bulldog fans from all over came together to support their team. And even after the loss, those same fans are still supporting their team and believing in the Dogs.

So keep it up, Bulldog fans.

This season is a long way from over, and the Dogs need your support now more than ever.

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