The Student Printz October 2, 2014

THE

S TUDENT PRINTZ www.studentprintz.com

SERVING SOUTHERN MISS SINCE 1927

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Volume 99 Issue 12

FOOTBALL

ON CAMPUS

threat still USM faces tough test in rebuilding Second under investigation phase against MTSU Kathryn Miller Executive Editor

Joshua Campbell Sports Editor

Southern Miss is coming off a 41-23 loss in their conference opener against Rice and are in an awkward state in their rebuilding process.

With any rebuilding athletic program, football - collegiate or professional - there are three phases every team goes through before the rebuilding stage is complete. The first is establishing a strong infrastructure with a good coach that understands the big picture. The second is bringing in the talent and athletes that fit the coach’s plan. The third and most difficult phase is learning how to win.

Right now, the Golden Eagles are in the third phase in trying to learn what it takes to win consistently. Evidenced by the Rice loss, USM has the talent and team speed necessary to compete in Conference USA, but they make too many mental errors late in games to win consistently.

Looking at the Rice game, USM was in a good position late in the third quarter after scoring a touchdown to cut the deficit to just 20-16. But then, the wheels came off and the mental mistakes took over.

See FOOTBALL, 3

Susan Broadbridge/Printz Running back George Payne pulls away from the Rice defense during Southern Miss’ first conference game of the season Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Rock.

ON CAMPUS

The second Yik Yak anonymous threat was posted Thursday, Sept.

25 and the culprit is still unknown.

Campus police said they are investigating the case and are close to a resolution.

“We are waiting for a subpoena and warrant of information coming from these social media sites (such as Yik Yak),” said Bob Hopkins, UPD chief of police. He said in this case, they needed more information from Yik Yak to move forward.

Hopkins said it is more difficult to trace the individual in this case because his or her mobile device was connected to the university’s wireless network where no one is assigned an individual IP address.

More than 2,000 people can use the same IP address at one time.

An IP address is used to identify an individual network on one’s mobile device.

“It is a suitcase of IP addresses that lets people use their device, but (they) are not tapped into the university’s (main system),” Hopkins said.

According to Hopkins, the University of Georgia student who posted an anonymous threat on Yik Yak was connected to his individual IP address and the information found by police pointed directly to him. This was a similar situation for Brandon Hardin, the 20-yearold student who posted the first anonymous Yik Yak threat to USM campus Sept. 22.

Symphony Orchestra opens 95th season special opening. music director.

According to the School of The orchestra will open the Printz Reporter Music’s website, “Similar to first half by celebrating the The University of Southern glamorous openings at the bicentennial of “The StarMississippi’s Symphony Metropolitan Opera and New Spangled Banner” with an Orchestra season opens Oct. York City Ballet, this is the arrangement of the anthem 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Bennett Pine Belt’s chance to ramp by Luigi Zaninelli, a retired Auditorium.

The 95th up the glamor and enjoy a Southern Miss professor season debuts with “From first rate musical evening and clo-se the show with the New World.” with a very special program, Amit Peled, professor at the The School of Music world-class guest artist and Peabody Conservatory of encourages patrons to dress in the incomparable Symphony Music, performing Dvorák their best fashion for this very Orchestra,” said Jay Dean, Cello Concerto.

Christina Nollie

3

NEWS The DuBard School Annual event to help children ‘speak easy.’

5

FEATURE Felony A punishment longer than the sentence.

6

Andrea Beltran Landers, a cello player in the orchestra, feels honored to play such a wonderful piece of music.

“I would say this concert was a wonderful experience,” Beltran said. “I could feel a very special energy coming from each member of the orchestra in every note of Dr. Zaninelli’s arrangement of ‘The Star Spangled Banner.’

Mr. Ivan del Prado conducted

OPINION 5K training Tips for running your first race.

the symphony with vitality and personality, inspiring us through each movement.”

According to Southern Miss Now, this opening also marks the first concert on the renovated stage of Bennett Auditorium.

Season and individual tickets are on sale at southernmisstickets. com. Students with ID have free admittance if seating remains available.

8

SPORTS Basketball Player rearrangements change NBA outlook.

Page 2 | Thursday, October 2, 2014

Editorial Staff

ACROSS 1,14 10,21 film involved heathen temple worship, largely set around Hungary (3,5,3,9) 7 Without slowing down, write book’s plot (3) 9 Flower is touching, darling maintained (5) 10,21 One often appearing in court nearly succeded getting agreement from German family to do the slalom with actress (9,6) 11 Upriver it overflows with a sudden inrush (9) 12 Scary movie finally imported by Ireland in retrospect (5) 13 Leader of hockey team bursts into song, finding Joseph’s birthplace (9) 15,23 10,21 film lands former husband Spike in court (4,5) 17 Angel’s love depicted by French art Eliot collected (4) 19 Pet returning hot, covered in his prey’s whiskers (9) 22 National flag seen by rugby post (5) 24 Reddish purple flower out West is no hybrid (9) 26 Ocean-going ships, at the outset, each will need testing at the shipbuilders we are told (9) 27 Friend with good sense organs (5) 28 I call for silence ro some extent (3) 29 Quite recently suggesting Robin as opposed to Doris? (3,5,3)

Executive Editor Kathryn Miller kathryn.miller@eagles.usm.edu 850.565.0812 Managing Editor Alan Rawls gregory.rawls@eagles.usm.edu Multimedia/Web Editor Crystal Garner crystal.garner@eagles.usm.edu News Editor Nikki Smith ashly.smith@eagles.usm.edu Sports Editor Joshua Campbell joshua.m.campbell@eagles.usm.edu Design Editor Parker Brewer parker.brewer@eagles.usm.edu

Thursday, Oct. 2 USM Symphony Orchestra opening night, Bennett Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Assistant Photo Editor Kara Davidson kara.davidson@eagles.usm.edu

Friday, Oct. 3

Graphic Designers Cody Bass cody.bass@eagles.usm.edu

Women’s Volleyball: USM vs. Charlotte, Reed Green

Julie Gore julia.gore@eagles.usm.edu

Saturday, Oct. 4

News Content Adviser Chuck Cook 601.266.4288 chuck.cook@usm.edu Ad Graphic Designer Katherine Frye katherine.frye@eagles.usm.edu Advertising Manager Lesley Sanders-Wood 601.266.5188 lesley.sanders@usm.edu Advertising e-mail printzad@usm.edu

Find us online at: www.studentprintz.com

Instagram: Thestudentprintz

The Student Printz is published every Monday and Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. Signature Offset of Hattiesburg provides printing services.

DOWN 1,16 10, 21 film achieving top rate in the fall (8,8) 2 Foolish European expedition I’d mounted (7) 3 Exaggerates about league in Cantona’s country? (9) 4 Boredom is something of a rotten nuisance (5) 5 A fortune’s potentially made by horror film (9) 6 Earl in Roller to constantly change lanes? (5) 7 Idler used to be lively, though not first up (7) 8 Bearded man is a dam-builder (6) 14 See 1 15 10,21 film showing escape plot foiled with seconds to go (3,6) 16 See 1d 18 Pathé reels about religious memorial (7) 20 Tell Edward to go after opener for champagne kept on ice (7) 21 See 10 23 See 15 ac 25 Allowed to run off (5)

Upcoming events:

Photo Editor Susan Broadbridge susan.broadbridge@eagles.usm.edu

Social Media/Copy Editor Yolanda Cruz yolanda.cruz@eagles.usm.edu

THE S TUDENT PRINTZ

Department of Theatre “The Liar,” Theater and Dance Building, 7:30 p.m.

DuBard School Speakeasy, Trent Lott Center, 7-10 p.m.

“The Liar,” Theater and Dance Building, 7:30 p.m.

Coliseum, 7 p.m.

Phi Mu’s “Bonnamu,” The District, 5-7 p.m.

Football: USM vs. Middle Tennessee, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 11 a.m.

“The Liar,” Theater and Dance Building, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 5 Women’s soccer: USM vs. SMU, Hattiesburg, 4 p.m.

Editorial Policy

The views represented in The Student Printz’s columns and editorials do not necessarily represent those of the faculty, staff or administration of The University of Southern Mississippi. We welcome letters to the editor representing similar and contrasting opinions. To be eligilible for publication, all submissions must include name, class distinction, major, phone number and email address.

Submissions should be emailed to printzeditors@gmail.com by 5 p.m. Friday. Please limit them to 500 words or less.

The Student Printz reserves the right to refuse publication or edit any material on the basis of clarity, space or journalistic ethics.

Opinions Opinions expressed in The Student Printz are those of the writer and not necessarily those of The Student Printz, its publications manager, USM, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the USM Board of Student Publications.

Meet the candidates The Printz Multimedia Homecoming web series Homecoming elections are right around the corner! Get to know your candidates up close and personal before you hit the polls Oct. 7. The web series will air Oct. 2 and run through Oct. 6 on The Student Printz website. www. studentprintz.com

NEWS

Thursday, October 2, 2014 | Page 3

ON CAMPUS

DuBard School hosts annual fundraiser Karyn Lewis

Printz Reporter The DuBard School for Language Disorders will host the DuBard School Speakeasy from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. Thursday in the Trent Lott Center.

Established in the 1920s during the Prohibition Era, speakeasies were underground clubs that required a password in order to hide from police.

According to the Dubard School’s website, the school successfully hosted a gala in 2012 and decided to continue the event as an annual evening soirée.

Many wonder why the department has chosen to hold a speakeasy for the event. “It’s unique and different. It’s a fun

FOOTBALL

continued from page 1 “We missed an extra point; we mishandled a snap on a field goal; we gave up three or four big third down and long (plays) that continued drives,” said head coach Todd Monken.

“Their first drive and then when we cut it to 20-16, another big third down we allowed them to convert. Offensively, missing big plays that we had opportunities to make and turning the ball over twice in our end that led to 10 points.”

Those are the types of mistakes that can be corrected with mental toughness, an extremely underrated quality of any good football team. USM

play on words, and to say in the simplest terms, we are helping children speak easy,” said Catherine Lott, communications coordinator at the Dubard School for Language Disorders.

Lott said tickets may be purchased online only.

Recipients will receive an email including the location and a password that will get them into the speakeasy.

Guests will remain in a holding area once inside to assure that there are not any “unwanted guests,” or in other words, police.

Once all rules are covered and the coast is clear, the ballroom will be available to guests to enjoy cocktails, or “giggle juices,” along with nonalcoholic beverages. Hors

d’oeuvres inspired by the era will be served along with upbeat jazz music. A photo booth will also be available, so feel free to come dressed in 1920s themed attire.

The Dubard School is working with the Southern Miss jazz band and dance department, who will perform the Charleston and similar dances.

“Our goal is to make this as themed as possible,” Lott said. “There are a lot of events going on in the fall. At the same time, there are a lot of evening gala’s. We wanted something that we could introduce to the Dubard School. No one is doing a 1920’s themed event in town,” Lott.

will need to develop mental toughness in order to learn how to win tough games and it starts this weekend against Middle Tennessee State (3-2, 2-0).

When evaluating the Blue Raiders, it is evident that their strength is their offense.

They routinely move the ball well and are averaging 38.6 points per game.

“They are throwing the ball quickly on the perimeter,” Monken said. “They go up tempo. They really spread the field. In the end, I think they do a really good job of running it. I know he comes from a background similar to us in terms of throwing it, but they are doing a really good job of running it.”

Their strength offensively is

easily their ability to chew up yards in the running game. They have four players who have at least 150 yards rushing and are averaging over 220 yards on the ground per game.

“I think three of them at one point each had 100-yard games last year,” Monken said. “The Whatley kid (Reggie Whatley) is a little faster, a little more explosive. Plus they have a couple of bigger guys. They do a nice job of rotating them and keeping them fresh.”

Sophomore quarterback Austin Grammer is the straw that stirs the drink offensively for MTSU. He has 10 total touchdowns so far and is the type of dual-threat quarterback that has given the Golden Eagle defense fits so far this

ON CAMPUS

USM hosts 2014 choral conference

Brittny Roberts/Printz

The Southern Invitational Choral Conference for 2014 was held Monday night in Bennett Auditorium and was left with standing room only.

Featured in the picture above is the Southern Miss Men. The night also featured the Southern Miss Women’s Chorus, Southern Miss Student Soloist (Lori Birrer), Gautier High School Chamber Singers, Southern Belle Tones, Spirit of Southern, Southern Miss Concert Choir, Southern Miss Faculty Duet (Jonathan Yarrington, Taylor Hightower and Sam Porter) and The Southern Chorale.

season.

However, Grammer has a tendency to have a couple of errant throws each game so it will be key for cornerbacks Kalan Reed and Picasso Nelson Jr., to turn those throws into interceptions to establish momentum.

With the USM defense in for a tough challenge, the offense will need to step up huge in order to keep the game close. It would be smart for USM to try to establish its running game in order to keep the Blue Raider offense off the field.

“We have got to be more balanced,” Monken said. “In the end, it is about moving the ball, scoring touchdowns however we need to do that. It starts with being able to control the ball, get first downs and a big part of

that is being able to run it.”

While USM has used several backs this year, it appears that sophomore running back George Payne will be called on to shoulder the load.

“We have to do a better job of getting George more opportunities,” Monken said.

“George is a hard guy to bring down. He is a physical runner.

That is obvious.”

The Golden Eagles are in for a tough test this weekend and are still trying to learn how to win.

They will have to seriously limit the mental mistakes, establish the running game and make MTSU turn the ball over a few times to get a win.

Kickoff is at 11 a.m. in Murfreesboro, Tennessee at Floyd Stadium.

FEATURE

Page 4 | Thursday, October 2, 2014

GREEK LIFE

BonnaMu to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Mary Beth Wolverton Phi Music Fest, BonnaMu. Printz Reporter

The ladies of Phi Mu are gearing up for the first CPC philanthropy event of the year, the fifth annual

On Friday, Phi Mu will host BonnaMu in The District as a fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network. The event will run from 5 to 7 p.m., with games, food,

music and raffles. All proceeds will benefit their philanthropy.

Local cover band, Carter Road, will play from 5 to 6 p.m.

The band will be followed by a step show from 6 to 7 p.m.

Zach Odom/Archives

The band 49 Drive was one of the acts to perform at Phi Mu’s annual festival benefiting Children’s Miracle Network April 13, 2013 at Pride Field.

Sororities and fraternities will compete to win points with a dance that shows off their individual style and incorporates the themes of BonnaMu, including Children’s Miracle Network, musical festivals and Phi Mu. Matt Balcer, a junior communication studies major and member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, is excited for BonnaMu this year.

“I’m not competing in the step show this year, but I have in the past. I know all of Greek Life is excited about the event,” Balcer said.

Sororities and fraternities will also set up booths for games, which attendees can play during the event. Greek organizations have been partnered together to decorate the game booths as part of a competition. The step show, booth decorations, a Band-Aid drive and participation in the games at BonnaMu will eventually decide a winner for the philanthropy competition.

Hannah Curtin, a senior marketing major and member of Phi Mu, is in charge of organizing the event. She said one of the

major changes this year was the decision to give the event more of a theme.

“In years past, we had a beach theme so people dressed up and decorated their tents like the beach. We thought BonnaMu would give people a little something more to look forward to,” Curtin said.

Curtin also felt that moving the event from its traditional spring time slot to the fall would help the event succeed.

“We expect a good turnout this year since we are moving it to the fall,” she said. “We’re excited to see everyone come out and participate.”

Lakelyn Taylor, a sophomore communication studies and Spanish double major and member of Alpha Delta Pi, expressed her anticipation for BonnaMu. “I am really excited for it this year. I think that any organization that supports the nurturing of the next generation is good and worthwhile.”

BonnaMu is open to the general public and more information can be found on the open Facebook event page.

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FEATURE

Thursday, October 2, 2014 | Page 5

LIFE

Felonies come with heavy burdens Ardan Thornhill Printz Reporter

Twenty-year-old Brandon Hardin, a business major at The University of Southern Mississippi, was arrested last week on a felony charge of a computer threat to cause injury.

“The red will flow tomorrow in JGH. I recommend missing class,” the Yik Yak post read.

A $40,000 bond was posted Sept. 24 for Hardin. Glenn White, Hardin’s attorney, told the Associated Press that the student comes from a well-respected family and carries a 3.7 GPA. As of now, Justice Court Judge Gay Polk-Payton has ruled Hardin is no longer allowed on the USM campus without invitation.

If convicted with the felony, Hardin will become one of nearly 130,000 Mississippians living with a felony conviction.

When Ryan Bowman, 25, of Indianapolis was arrested as a teenager, little did he think that what followed would change his life forever.

“Three charges of burglary times, three charges of criminal gang activity, car theft, possession of firearms,” Bowman said. “I spent 13 months fighting my case in county jail, then spent my time incarcerated for four years, 11

HEALTH

Model: Trey Stewart- A.J. Stewart/Printz Ball and Chain: a photo illustration depicting how felony charges can keep you from obtaining jobs, loans and a high quality of life.

months and two days.”

Bowman was charged at 19 for a crime he committed at 17, so he was tried as an adult “with no sympathy.” Now, Bowman lives with a record that continues to have its repercussions.

A felony conviction occurs when an individual is found guilty of a serious crime. Felonies in Mississippi range from murder - the most serious felony crime in the state - to sexual battery, kidnapping, aggravated assault, robbery, bad checks and larceny.

Immense amounts of fines follow a criminal conviction. From attorneys to court fees, convicted felons face paying back fines for many years after their arrest.

“I had to pay $1,500 in restitution, $700 in court costs, $13 dollars a day when I was on (five months of) house arrest,” Bowman said. “Not only that, I

had to pay for probation, which costs $85 a month and get drug tested every two to three weeks at roughly $30 a pop. It’s tough.”

While debt can be paid, many rights taken away by a felony conviction cannot be simply bought back.

Loss of rights due to a felony conviction takes many forms, from disenfranchisement to exclusion from voting, even revoking the right to possess firearms.

Hattiesburg Police Lieutenant Jon Traxley has seen many felony convictions during his time with the Hattiesburg Police Department.

“Once you are convicted in the state of Mississippi, you lose the right to the possession of a weapon,” Traxley said. “That’s not just guns. That’s machetes, boxcutters, any of those types of blades are considered weapons.”

A felony conviction can even go as far as taking away the right to vote. “Depending on the type of charge, you may not be able to elect an official,” Traxley said.

According to “The Sentencing Project,” in 2010, an estimated 5.85 million people in the United States (2.5 percent of the nation’s voting population, excluding Washington, D.C.) could not vote because of a felony conviction.

Mississippi ranks second behind Florida for the highest percentage of disenfranchised voters, totaling 182,814 voters or 8.27 percent of the voting population.

And if job hunting was not already difficult in the current economy, imagine living with a felony.

“Any kind of job that receives federal assistance or grants in the state of Mississippi cannot hire a convicted felon,” Traxley said.

“Take, for instance, the City of Hattiesburg receives grant money.

Most felony convictions bar people from working in the city because of that, and many employers will not consider it.”

Bowman recalls his hard time finding a job.

“When I was released from prison, I was put on house arrest, but the world seemed brand new and exciting,” Bowman said. “I felt finally free, but was soon faced with the difficulty of finding a job.”

While it is generally illegal to throw out all applications that check ‘yes’ to criminal past, many still do.

Bowman said it seemed like everywhere he applied, he was denied for his felonies or house arrest. He eventually found a job roofing and remodeling homes for a company located in Indianapolis.

Financial aid and Pell Grants also are harder to obtain if felonies are involved.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, if an individual’s incarceration was for a drug-related offense or if an individual is subject to an involuntary civil commitment for a sexual offense, his or her eligibility may be limited as well.

To read the rest of this article, visit StudentPrintz.com

University offers community for recovering addicts Mary Sergeant Printz Reporter

The University of Southern Mississippi offers a community to help students battling addiction whether it be narcotics, alcohol or eating disorders and offers help for recovery.

The Collegiate Recovery Community, (CRC), provides a nurturing, affirming environment in which individuals recovering

1/3

from addictive disorders can find peer and staff support while attaining a college education.

The community requires its students to have completed at least three semesters’ worth of hours, been in remission from addiction for six months, have documentation of completing a treatment program or been involved in a support group and a few other requirements.

The program was brought to

At least 1/3 of alcoholics fully recover.

Source: reneweveryday.com Courtesy Photo

Mississippi by Eileene Mcrae, the outreach coordinator at Cumberland Heights Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center. She met with several of the universities and colleges in Mississippi to introduce the idea. Now, several of the schools in Mississippi and surrounding states are participating.

The CRC offers students a place to go when they are feeling overwhelmed and are tempted to resort back to their addiction.

Many of the students involved are non-traditional students who have come back to school after working toward recovery for at least six months.

“We want to let them know it’s an anonymous program,” said Jodi Ryder, health education promotion and wellness coordinator for Student Health Services.

“CRC is a place for (students) to know ‘hey I’m not the only one,’” she said.

Recently, the students involved in the program have participated

in conferences and fellowship with students in similar programs at other universities. During tailgating for Southern Miss games against Mississippi State and the University of Alabama, the Collegiate Recovery Communities from those respective universities invited the Southern Miss students to come enjoy sober tailgating with them.

Charles Osborne, a graduate student in social work, is a recovering addict who spends much of his time advocating for the CRC and other addiction recovery programs in the Hattiesburg area.

“When we are given the opportunity to succeed, we can do great things,” Osborne said.

“This organization is going to cater to the needs specifically to those in recovery who have that need and that drive to do great things.”

Osborne is also involved in Southern Students About Service, a student organization under the CRC. The group is for the students

to help support one another in their goals toward recovery.

“My main message is that if someone needs any kind of help, whatever addictive behavior they are battling with, there is an easier, softer way and there are people out there willing to help those people coping with those addictive behaviors,” Osborne said.

The Collegiate Recovery Community currently offers a 12-step program for narcotic addicts and hopes to expand to offer programs for alcoholics and those battling eating disorders. It also offers service opportunities, personal and academic support and other outlets to help its students towards a successful recovery.

“That’s our goal,” Ryder said, “to help students be successful in college and (end) their addiction.”

Interested students can visit Student Health Services, contact Jodi Ryder at Jodi.ryder@usm. edu or Charles Osborne at charles. osborne@eagles.usm.edu.

OPINION

Page 6 | Thursday, October 2, 2014

HEALTH

Editor’s column part II: Running tips for beginners Nikki Smith News Editor

Unless you have been living under a rock, it is possible that you have heard someone talking about running a 5K. With a distance of 3.1 miles, this race is common among experienced runners and beginners alike.

According to the Pine Belt Pacers online calendar, there are five local 5Ks on Saturday alone. As common as these races are, many ask, “how do you prepare for something like that?”

I began running less than a year ago and completed my first 5K in February. The distance was intimidating at first because I could not run for three minutes, much more three miles. But with a little advice and encouragement I accomplished my goal, and with these tips from some Southern Miss runners, you can, too.

1.

Download a running app or online training program.

Getting started is always the hardest part. Vicki TrulyCopeland, assistant director of family housing, encourages beginners to consider an online training program to keep from doing too much too soon.

I used the Couch to 5K app for iPhone to train for my first race. The program is

split into three workouts each week consisting of walking and running intervals. With workouts lasting only 30 minutes, this program will fit into even the busiest student’s schedule and have you ready to race in just eight weeks.

Couch to 5K is not the only option available. If you prefer an online program, many websites, including Runner’s World, offer printable programs for all races. So whether you’re training for a 5K, 10K, half or full marathon, there are many resources to help you get to the next level.

2.

Reward yourself. It is easy to get bored with your training or just get tired.

Copeland said a good way to combat those feelings is to reward yourself. Whether it is with something sweet or a new outfit, treat yourself when you make improvements. “And be sure to listen to your body and take a rest day when needed,” Copeland said.

3.

Find a friend or group to keep you motivated. While there are many runners who swear by running alone, I prefer to run with a group of friends.

The ladies I run with each week are what force me out of bed and onto the Longleaf Trace.

Meeting friends to run is the best way to keep you motivated

LETTER TO THE andEDITOR Dear editor, honest. It would be a shame I strongly oppose your calls to shut down the social media application Yik Yak (‘Yik Yak dangers outweigh benefits,” Sept.

29 issue). The fact that a few bad apples have used Yik Yak to cause mischief and chaos is no reason to ruin anonymous commenting for everybody. In fact, the idea that we should react to threats by closing a communication service is very dangerous.

Yik Yak’s anonymous bulletin board is a unique system, and people use it in interesting ways.

Anonymity can bring out the worst in people, as we saw with last week’s incident, but it can also bring out the best.

When people are anonymous, they say exactly what is on their minds, without fear of being judged for who they are. Benjamin Franklin did exactly that when he was our age, writing a series of letters to the editor under a false name. Moreover, an anonymous writer faces no consequences for saying something unpopular.

Anonymity makes people brave

to lose this new way for people to express themselves.

I am alarmed to see how popular it is to shut down an app in the name of security. Can’t we see; this is the stuff dictators and other enemies of freedom love!

Just a few years ago in the Arab Spring, we saw tyrants try to stop revolution by cutting off the common people’s Facebook and Twitter. How would ending Yik Yak be any different?

It is ironic that, out of all voices, a student newspaper like the Printz would be the first to react to threats by bringing down free expression. I would expect the press to support people’s ability to speak, even if they occasionally acted abusive and unlawful.

While we all condemn violence and intimidation, we should not blame Yik Yak for those who abuse it. Students should be free to “yak” without harming anyone.

Sincerely, Vincent Kennedy Freshman Political science major

Courtesy Photo Nikki Smith and Emily Blackwell after the All-American Glow Run 5K in Bay Springs, Mississippi, July 4. Smith placed first in the 20-29 age group.

and helps to make the time pass quickly.

Jenny Boudreaux, assistant director of communications for the Alumni Association, said running is better with company and accountability is key.

“I believe that the best way to improve your running is to surround yourself and run with people (who) are faster than you,” Boudreaux said. “Yes, it will be hard but if you’re like me I have a hard time pushing myself when I’m alone. Finding a running buddy or a few is a sure way to get better.”

4.

Sign up for a race. The best way to get motivated to complete your workouts is to go ahead and sign up for a race.

Once you’ve committed to it – and paid for it – you’re less likely to back out.

“If you’ve been thinking about running a 5K, sign up today,” Boudreaux said.

“Making that initial commitment is the hardest part. Once you’ve signed up, the only option is to follow through and train.”

Make it fun and sign up for a theme race or one supporting one of your favorite charities.

The anticipation and knowing that you’re helping others will help push you to the finish line.

5.

Make a new playlist.

For those who like to run alone, a good playlist is crucial.

Nothing is better than running on a cool morning as the sun comes up, but music helps. I’ve had a few bad runs when the only thing that got me back to my car was one of my favorite songs. The boost you get from hearing an encouraging song can help you power through that last mile.

A few of my favorites that complete my running playlist are: “Campus” by Vampire Weekend, “Daylight” by Matt & Kim and “1901” by Phoenix.

6.

Don’t be too hard on yourself. Jim Coll, chief communication officer for university communications, said the toughest challenge for beginners and experienced runners is comparing yourself to others. He said the best races are not about what place you finished in, but if you fulfilled your potential.

“All races are different, even those of the same distance. A 5K in June is different than a 5K in October. A 10K in Hattiesburg is different than a 10K in Birmingham,” Coll said.

“The temperature, humidity, hills, number of turns and the

size of the field all affect your time in a race. You can make a mistake when you judge your time versus a previous time at the same distance. You may run the same time, but have made tremendous progress.”

No matter how long you have been running, you will have good runs when you feel like you could keep going for a couple more miles, and you will have terrible runs when your legs feel like lead and your lungs could collapse. It happens. Don’t freak out and quit. Push through and you will be glad you did.

“It’s okay to walk some, especially during your first 5K,” Boudreaux said. “A mile is a mile.”

“Running, like many forms of exercise, is not always fun,” Coll said. “But it’s not all about fun; it’s about fulfillment. The feeling you get when you hit a goal, or finish your first race, in many cases means much more than simple enjoyment. Running can change or add value to your life.”

“Most important: have fun and now that you’ve started running - don’t ever stop,” Copeland said.

OPINION

Thursday, October 2, 2014 | Page 7

FOOTBALL

Predicting the 2014 College Football Playoff Jacob Kemp Printz Reporter

It seems like only yesterday that the college football season got underway, but we are close to the midway point already. Teams have disappointed and have failed to meet expectations, but for the majority, the season has been predictable.

Florida State is still the top team, despite being underwhelming. Oregon and Oklahoma are at the Noles’ heels after several impressive wins and of course Alabama and Auburn are right in the thick of things.

However, only two of the above teams will make the new college football playoff.

Alabama, Auburn and Oregon will all fall short of making the playoff. However, Florida State and Oklahoma will hold on and make it in.

Two very surprising teams nobody will see coming will make up the rest of the field.

Georgia and Michigan State will join the Seminoles and Sooners in the college football playoff. I know you think I’m crazy, but here are the facts.

Florida State - The Good News: They play in one of the easiest conferences in college football, the ACC. They have already passed their toughest test so far, Clemson, without Heisman trophy-winner Jameis Winston.

They play only one more ranked team in ninth-ranked Notre Dame the rest of the year.

The Bad News: One loss and they’re done. With a couple of strong teams in the SEC and PAC-12, a one-loss ACC team will most likely not make the playoff. They play Notre Dame in two weeks, but they get them at home. It should be a very winnable game and they finish their conference schedule against teams such as Virginia, Lousiville, Miami (FL) and SEC disappointment Florida.

Oklahoma - The Good News: They are arguably the most impressive team in college football right now. They dominated an improved Tennessee team that took Georgia to the wire and last week, they put on an offensive

clinic against West Virginia, the same West Virginia that took Alabama to the wire. They also play their toughest remaining games at home.

The Bad News: They have a tough remaining schedule and with one loss, they will be done, similar to Florida State. They travel to TCU this week, which should show more of where they are at and they have the Red River Rivalry against Texas the following week. Texas has been down this year under first-year head coach Charlie Strong, but it’s a rivalry game and anything can happen. They then have a huge test against seventh-ranked Baylor Nov. 8, but again, they get them at home and Oklahoma is a ridiculous 89-5 at home since Bob Stoops has been head coach.

If they drop a game now though, they will need a miracle to get back into contention for a playoff spot since the Big 12 no longer has a championship game.

Michigan State - The Good News: They play in the Big 10 and that should be argument enough. The Big 10 as a whole is off to an embarrassing start, especially with Ohio State falling off the map and the Spartans getting whacked by Oregon.

However, they host Nebraska this week and if they get past them, they only play one more ranked team at home, Ohio State, the rest of the season. They also did the one thing you can do early on in a season - lose. You can lose in the college football world, but you can only lose once and it needs to be early. If you lose, lose early and the Spartans did when they traveled to hostile Oregon.

The Bad News: They did not pass their only test, facing Oregon.

Oregon jumped out early in the game, but the Spartans climbed back and took the lead going into halftime. However, they did not score a point in the second half as the Ducks poured it on late.

If the game was in East Lansing or at a neutral site it would be different, but it wasn’t and they lost by a big margin. They will need to blow out Nebraska and Ohio State to jump ahead in the rankings.

Georgia - The Good News:

Rob Kinnan-USA Today Sports.

Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston throws a pass during the first half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter Finley Stadium Sept. 27.

They easily have the best-case scenario out of any SEC team.

That might sound crazy, but consider this: Georgia plays Missouri, Florida, Vanderbilt, Kentucky and Auburn. Only Missouri and Auburn present any real threat. They miss out on some of the tougher teams out of the SEC West like Texas A&M, Alabama, LSU, Mississippi State and Ole Miss. Meanwhile, the SEC West favorites, Auburn and Alabama, have to not only play each other, but also play all of the other teams, which are ranked. It will be very rare and unlikely for an SEC West team to come out of that gauntlet without more than one loss. Georgia also lost early in the year like Michigan State, giving them enough time to catch back up in the polls if they run the table and win the SEC. The Bad News: They have not passed the eyeball test and have not looked so good. They lost to a two-loss South Carolina team and barely squeaked out a win against Tennessee this past week.

Georgia will have to improve over the next few weeks if they hope to beat Florida and Auburn later in October and November.

They have leaned heavily on running back Todd Gurley so far. Georgia will need to have quarterback Hutson Mason step up and win them a game or two on his arm if they hope to make it in the playoff. However, Florida has looked mediocre and they get Auburn at home, with Auburn

likely coming off a war against Texas A&M the week before.

It is certainly still early in the season with conference play just starting to take

off, but look for these four schools to be the last ones remaining when it comes time for the first ever College Football Playoff.

THE CAREER CAFÉ IS A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS DESIGNED FOR FRESHMEN AND SOPHOMORES.

Wednesdays, 2-2:30 p.m.

McLemore Hall 125

Refreshments will be served. Seating is limited. R.S.V.P.: 601.266.4153

Wake Up and Smell the Coffee - October 8 Presenter: Toni Anderson, Student Success Center

Calling all freshman and sophomore students . . .it’s time to wake up and smell the coffee! Learn tips to make your transition smoother. Career Services is serving up red velvet cupcakes and coffee. R.S.V.P. by October 6.

Chocolate and Choices – October 15 Presenter: Mary Beard, Career Services

Don’t know java when it comes to choosing your major? Now you’ve got “Chocolate and Choices!” Come for the knowledge; stay for the coffee . . . and brownies. R.S.V.P. by October 13.

SPORTS

Page 8 | Thursday, October 2, 2014

FOOTBALL

Davis wins starting job for rams Joshua Campbell Sports Editor

St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher announced that former Southern Miss standout Austin Davis will be his starting quarterback moving forward.

Davis broke nearly all of Brett Favre’s passing records in his five-year stay at USM. Despite joining the team as a walk-on, Davis is still the school leader in passing yards and touchdown passes. He also shares the school record for the most touchdowns in a single game with six, a record sophomore quarterback Nick Mullens tied last year against UAB. Incumbent starter Sam

Bradford tore his ACL late in the preseason and is out for the year. With Bradford on the shelf, the Rams turned to veteran journeyman Shaun Hill as their new starting quarterback. However, Hill suffered a quad injury in their season opener, allowing Davis to get all the snaps.

Fisher had been adamant that Hill would be the team’s starter when he returned from injury, but Davis’ play forced Fisher’s hand into changing his tune. Davis has completed over 72 percent of his passes, an incredible feat in the NFL, while throwing for 754 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions.

Davis’ best performance came in a 34-31 loss to

the Dallas Cowboys when he completed 30-42 pass attempts for 327 yards with three touchdowns. For the first three quarters, he played nearly flawless, but two late fourth quarter interceptions cost the Rams the game.

Still, Davis has clearly shown Fisher enough to bench Hill, who is now healthy, and roll with Davis as the guy.

“We’re going to go ahead and start Austin for the remainder of the season,” Fisher said.

“It’s not that Shaun lost the job. It’s that Austin earned an opportunity to keep it. Shaun understands. He’s a team player. In my parting comments with Austin, I told him not to look over his shoulder. So he’s going to take this team and run

Jeff Curry/USA TODAY Sports On Sept. 21, St. Louis Rams quarterback Austin Davis drops back to pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome.

with it.”

Davis will make his third NFL start this Sunday

against the Philadelphia Eagles (3-1) on the road at noon.

BASKETBALL

Power shifting among NBA teams James Johnson Printz Reporter

In just a few weeks, we will see LeBron James in his wine and gold number 23 jersey for the first time in four years. We will see the return of Kobe Bryant and Derrick Rose; both will be back on the floor, after suffering leg injuries causing them to miss the majority of last season.

Derrick Fisher will make his coaching debut. The league will miss Paul George, who is still recovering from the broken leg he suffered during the FIBA World Cup and is expected to miss the entire 2014-2015 NBA season.

With James leaving the big three in Miami and teaming up with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love in Cleveland, the NBA is bound to look different for the first time in four years.

The Western Conference did not change for the most part.

The playoff picture will look similar, although last year taught everyone not to sleep on the Spurs. However, the Oklahoma City Thunder will not lose their number one

spot in the West this season.

This is how I think the West will look come playoff time: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Oklahoma City Thunder L.A. Clippers San Antonio Spurs Portland Trailblazers Houston Rockets Golden State Warriors Memphis Grizzles Dallas Mavericks

As a surprise team in the West, I like the New Orleans Pelicans as a potential playoff team, and they have the talent to do it. The performances of Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans are key.

With Jrue Holiday back from injury and Anthony Davis’ potential starting to blossom, I can see NOLA making it close to an eight seed.

For the first time in four years, the Eastern Conference is up for grabs. Never has a team gone from having the number one pick in the draft one season to instant championship contender the following year.

That is what happened in Cleveland, thanks to James

returning and the addition of Kevin Love to go along with All-Star Kyrie Irving.

I think the East will look like this come playoff time.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Cleveland Cavilers Chicago Bulls Washington Wizards Toronto Raptors Miami Heat Brooklyn Nets New York Knicks Atlanta Hawks

The Miami Heat have had to make the biggest adjustment this offseason because life without LeBron James will be incredibly difficult for the Heat. The duo of Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade should be enough to keep Miami relevant in the playoff discussion, but that is assuming Wade stays healthy. The future Hall of Fame shooting guard appeared in only 54 games last season, and even with that maintenance program, as the Heat called it, he visibly regressed at the end of Miami’s playoff run.

Personally, I think Wade

has enough in the tank to be a productive player, but without LeBron to take the attention away, his physical and shooting limitations will be magnified, leaving a slightly inferior player to what we expect.

Miami’s big move this offseason was the addition of Luol Deng. Deng is likely overpaid at this point, simply because he isn’t a dynamic offensive option and his body has what seems like a million miles on it. But in year one, it is reasonable to expect near All-Star production from Deng, and the Heat will need it.

The Cavaliers’ biggest contenders for the Eastern Conference title are the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls were very busy in the offseason, but their biggest addition will be a healthy Derrick Rose.

The former MVP appeared to be rusty during his time with USA Basketball at the FIBA World Cup, but Rose emerged from a long basketball schedule healthy, and that is encouraging. It is easy to

forget just how explosive and efficient he was at his pre-injury peak, and even 90 percent of Rose would be a game-changer for an otherwise impotent offense and the landscape of the east.

In addition to Rose, Chicago added Pau Gasol to the fold, and alongside the veteran, the Bulls have two high-profile rookies in Nikola Mirotic and Doug McDermott. Mirotic has the reputation of being NBAready, and with McDermott serving four years in college, many expect him to be an early contributor, especially as a perimeter shooter. As a result of that trio and the combination of Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson, the Bulls have one of the deepest front-courts in the NBA, and they are utterly loaded from a talent standpoint.

With all of the NBA’s top players in action and the separation of the big three in Miami, this season has the making to be one of the more exciting seasons in recent history.