Get a full game recap on page 8
TODAY
TOMORROW
92 / 72
93 / 75
Dr. Dog speaks to the Printz on page. 6
S P The
Serving Southern Miss since 1927
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Volume 93, Issue 6
Kappa Sigma suspended Greek Life to refocus policies after alleged hazing costs fraternity charter, house Lesley Walters News Editor
Following the alleged hazing incident that occurred August 28, University officials announced Friday that the Kappa Sigma fraternity’s USM charter was revoked and their fraternity house closed. Friday afternoon, 19 males moved out of the house, supervised by a patrolman of the university police department. The house and the property on which it stands are owned by the university. Associate Dean for Greek Life Trey Skaggs, a native of Gulfport, said there is no room to house the students on campus since there has been a waiting list for residence halls since the start of the semester. “When we went over Friday, we provided them with a list of every apartment complex in Hattiesburg with a vancacy,” Skaggs said. “I’ve heard that some have already moved into two different apartments, so I know that they are in the process of doing that.” George Napier, president of the Interfraternity Council and native of Mandeville, La., said many of the ousted students preferred to move off campus, and that it was fortunate that there are newly built complexes near campus for them to move into. He added that while moving off campus might be inconvenient for the students, losing their charter was much worse, even to members of other Greek organizations. “For some people ... this is all they have. This is their four years of college. To take that away is really a scary thing,” Napier said. “It might be hard to understand for people not in fraternities and sororities, but it is not just a student organization, it is not just the partying you see. It’s much deeper than that -- much more meaningful to the members.”An investigation into the alleged hazing incident began after an event to welcome new little sisters to the Kappa Sigma fraternity, according to Hattiesburg American reports. Two female students who attended the event were transported to a local hospital for treatment of alcohol poisoning. One of the students was released the next day. The other student, a sopho-
more from Waveland, had a blood-alcohol content of 0.47 - more than five times the legal limit of 0.08 -- and was kept in intensive care for further observation and treatment. She has since been released from ICU, but remains at Forrest General Hospital. President of the Student Government Association Melissa Cirino said “there are so many different emotions with this situation,” but her primary concern is with the student and her family. “I think we could argue all day about whose fault it is and where to place blame,” Cirino said, “but I think if we go back to the fact that rules were broken and people are hurt because of it ... things need to be changed.” Cirino added that while she is a representative voice of the student body, she has never been involved in Greek Life, which makes up less than 10 percent of the student population with approximately 1,200 members. “I think our administration and our student affairs division has been very, very generous with giving [Greek] organizations the opportunity for self-governance,” Cirino said, “but when that doesn’t happen ... and they get out of control, then what we’re seeing is a lack of selfgovernance.” Skaggs said the executive members of Greek Life are in charge of enforcing policies on an organizational level, while individuals who break the code of conduct are referred to the Dean of Students Office. Greek Life has its own judicial board that adheres to its own constitution and bylaws in addition to university policies. “This - what occurred two weeks ago - was on a magnitude that was above the [IFC]. That’s something that the university has to deal with,” Skaggs said. Skaggs said the scandal has created dialogue between different chapters on campus regarding alcohol education, risk management and prevention, and has led to the research and creation of a new policy in Greek Life regarding little sisters. He said most national fraternities and sororities suggest that little sisters be prohibited. FRATERNITY continued on page 3
Maggie Sanford/Printz
From left to right: Dean of students Eddie Holloway, university police chief Bob Hopkins, president Martha Saunders and vice president of student affairs Joe Paul meet to address the Aug. 28 alledged hazing incident that took place in the Kappa Sigma house on Fraternity row.
By the numbers: •Two students were the victim of an alleged hazing incident Aug. 28 of the Kappa Sigman fraternity house.
•Southern Miss has more than 1,200 students in Greek social organizations. There are 404 men and 863 women.
•The largest fraternities on campus are Sigma Chi and Pi Kappa Phi with about 60 members each.
•The last Greek organization at Southern Miss to get in trouble for hazing was the Zeta Phi Beta sorority, which was suspended in 2006 by its national office three years ago.
Student reactions to incident are varied Meryl Dakin Printz Writer
Hazing is not new to college campuses. The recent events among the Kappa Sigma community have sparked discussion and opposing viewpoints among students. In relation to the incident, Erin Read, a junior English major, said hazing is not as prominent as it used to be. Justin Roland, a sophomore English and philosophy major, agrees. “I don’t think it’s widespread, I don’t think it happens all the
time,” Roland said. “That’s why it’s so scandalous, precisely because it doesn’t happen all the time.” The outcome of the alleged hazing is well known by now - a sophomore little sister initiate remains in the hospital after over a week in critical condition due to alcohol poisoning. Some students blame the brothers of Kappa Sigma. “I’m guessing she was guilted into it,” Read said. “I know it was her choice but I think it was the guys who were irresponsible.” Paul Saputo, a senior Pi Kap-
pa Phi member, disagrees. “We take the juicy, easy story and blame Greek Life when the truth is harder to come by,” he said. “I and other Greek members blame USM administration policy for senselessly reaffirming that drinking is not a part of our culture.” Roland, who plans to join the Greek community this fall said he sees this as an isolated incident, and not as a black mark on all of Greek life. “I think [greek life] is a good way to get involved on campus. And I know it’s cliché but there’s also a lot of social bonding and
you can make a lot of friends,” Roland said. The first step to preventing another incident like this is better alcohol education, according to Read. This year USM implemented a school-wide alcohol education program for all freshmen. “I don’t think it’ll appreciably change anything because most people know that drinking is dangerous but they do it anyway. It’s just our culture,” Roland said, adding that he does not see any harm in such a program. John Barr, a freshman political science major, said he took part
in the alcohol education online course. “I think it’s a tedious thing that most people already know, but it’s still a good reminder about what can happen,” Barr said. Saputo’s idea of alcohol education begins with “healthy discussion” about lowering the drinking age, which he said Dr. Saunders has made “less entertainable.” “The truth is that we have double standards,” Saputo said. “We live knowing that beer is okay as long as it’s in a cup, and knowing that no one is gonna talk about it.”
This incident, though a tragedy in itself, may be a good warning sign to other fraternities starting informal rush this week. There will be two weeks dedicated to recruitment this semester, including Tuesday through Thursday of this week and September 30 through October 2. Barr said he does not expect to encounter any hazing as he rushes this fall since “other frats won’t want to be associated with this.” “I think people will be more cautious and I hope this turns out to be a good lesson for them to learn,” Barr said.
News
Page 2 news@studentprintz.com www.studentprintz.com/news
Credit card debt, use rises with students Bob Worth Printz Writer
As students receive their financial aid refunds this week, student loan debt will be on the minds of many, but another common debt students carry is often overlooked: credit cards. Nellie Mae found that in 2005, 66 percent of U.S. college students had at least one credit card, with an average balance of $2,169. Credit card companies have been accused of using questionable tactics on college campuses to attract new borrowers, who will often develop a life-long loyalty to their first credit card company. As stuSebe Dale IV/Multimedia Editor dent debt has grown, however, Actor Danny Glover speaks at Hattiesburg’s Palmer’s Crossing community to show his support for the university’s Center for Black Studies on Sept. 4. Glover was a concerns over exploitation of black studies student at San Francisco State University, the first school in the U.S. to establish a black studies department. students have resulted in restrictions on card companies’ access to campuses. The USM solicitation policy forbids the marketing of all credit cards on campus, except for one - the Southern Miss branded “affinity” card from Bank of Thursday, Sept. 11 • 7 p.m. – Volleyball v. SouthAmerica, which benefits the eastern Louisiana – Reed Green Alumni Association. • All Day – Permanent Collection Coliseum Barbara Ross, Director of Exhibition – Museum of Art Union and Programs, said that 11:45 a.m. – Wesley Foundation • 8 p.m. – Wesley Foundation Jam this policy, which has been in Thursday Lunch – Wesley Founda– Wesley Foundation effect for over five years, is a tion response to aggressive marketToday Wednesday, Sept. 10 ing by credit card companies. • 7:30 p.m. – Dr. Bruce Tychinski She said that Event Services • All Day – Southern Miss Men’s faculty recital -- Mannoni Perform• All Day – Permanent Collection Manager Jamie King “does Golf @ Scene City Classic – Chating Arts Center Exhibition – Museum of Art her best to make sure that tanooga, Tenn. credit card solicitation does • 12:10 p.m. – Communion – Dannot occur,” but that companies • All Day – Permanent Collection forth Chapel sometimes market on campus Exhibition – Museum of Art illegally. Ross encourages • 12:15 p.m. -- Workshop: Working students to ask all on-campus • 6:30 p.m. – War and Society while balancing academic responvendors for their solicitation Roundtable – Hattiesburg Public sibilities – TEC 102, Bobby Chain permit, and report any vendors Library Bldg. without a permit to University Police. Affinity cards have come under scrutiny because of potential conflicts of interest between Universities and students. In an affinity agreement, a school agrees to license a card and provide marketing information and
CAMPUS EVENTS
opportunities, often including students’ personal information and direct mail privileges, in exchange for a fee. The USM card is issued through the Alumni Association, which was not available for comment at press time. John Clark, a certified financial planner and associate professor of finance at USM, described the terms of the USM affinity card as “standard,” remarking that the rates were fair, “particularly for someone with no credit history.” Dean of Students Eddie Holloway attributes the rise in credit card use among students to a “culture of debt.” “Perhaps more than in years past, we are a credit nation,” Holloway said. “Students don’t ask the right questions of creditors.” Senior sociology major Melody Sharp, 25, of Hattiesburg, said she has finally eliminated her credit card debt. “I used my (financial aid) refund check this time to pay them off,” Sharp said. The interest rate on her student loans was less than half the rate her credit cards charged. Seeing her brother struggle with debt convinced Rebeca Busby, 23, a social work major from Wayne County, not to use credit cards. “My older brother had lots of problems with credit cards, lots of debt. After a couple of years, he finally paid them off.” Clark noted that opening a credit card account offers some benefits, such as building a credit history and making safe online purchases, but stressed that students should only charge essential items, and should never use a credit card for luxury items or impulse buys. The Nellie Mae study found that 71 percent of surveyed students used their credit cards for supplies and textbooks.
USM returns to third tier in annual survey Bob Worth Printz Writer
USM recently moved back to the third tier list for U.S. News and World Report’s 2008 College Guide following a slip in 2005 to the fourth, or bottom tier, in the annual survey. The guide reviews public and private universities nationally that offer undergraduate degrees. The rankings, which are updated annually, assess schools based on criteria that includes selectivity, peer opinion and financial resources. USM Dean of Students Dr. Eddie Holloway called the improved ranking “a tremendous day,” and said that the ranking will help USM to compete for faculty, administration and students. Vice President for Student Affairs Joe Paul said that while he welcomed the news, “the criteria of that ranking is not a particular motivator.” While university officials are “certainly encouraged” by the news that USM moved up in the ranking, Paul said “as a state University, our job is to
serve the needs of Mississippi students.” Freshman Journalism major Cory Gunkel, 18, from Gulfport, said “USM is pretty prestigious. I think it’s great we finally made it to the third tier.” Some feel a high ranking in the report can boost a school’s prestige and its ability to recruit talented students. Others have given harsh criticism to the methodology the magazine employs, as well as US News and World Report’s refusal to disclose the formulas used. In 2007, The Annapolis Group, which is made up of the presidents of 80 liberal arts colleges, elected to boycott the rankings, which rely in part on data from questionnaires sent to college administrators. In 2001, The San Francisco Chronicle alleged the rankings were disproportionately based on institutional wealth, and found that ordering schools solely by wealth created a list that was similar to the US News and World Report rankings.
Page 3|News
www.studentprintz.com | Tuesday, September 9, 2008
What’s your opinion regarding the situation with the Kappa Sigma fraternity?
Maggie Sanford/Photo Editor
University Police Chief Bob Hopkins and President Martha Saunders announce the university has revoked Kappa Sigma’s USM charter and closed their fraternity house during a press conference Friday. USM’s Kappa Sigma chapter was found responsible for a hazing incident on Aug. 28 which left two female students hospitalized.
“It’s a sad situation, people should think, Don’t tear yourself down just to fit in a crowd.”
Fraternity:
Continued from page one Little sisters are generally female friends or girlfriends of active fraternity members and may or may not be involved in a sorority. Often, their responsibilities include painting party signs, cooking and cleaning in the fraternity house. Active members vote on whom to induct as little sisters each year. “We’ve had little sisters on this campus for a while,” Skaggs said, “and that is something the Office of Greek Life is addressing ... We have put a suspension on all activities regarding little sisters at this point and in the up-
blogs videos breaking news exclusive content
8
Nickolas Marek Sophomore Gulfport
“If the girl was there drinking and not forced, then it’s not hazing. If she was forced then I don’t think they should be back.”
Hamp Connell Freshman Moultrie, Ga. “They should have known better. They shouldn’t punish the people who weren’t there.”
Eric Ilgen Senior Chicago
“They should have stuck with their policy, stuck with the rules. It’s a bad thing when you lose a fraternity.”
Esli Konink Junior The Hauge, Netherlands “It’s her decision to drink so much, but it’s also a decision of her friends. They had to help her. I think the school has nothing to do with it.”
PEOPLE’S POLL
Deagha Young Freshman Picayune
Sound off online.
coming week we’re going to be Was the administration right to revoke Kappa Sigma’s charter? working on getting that policy, www.studentprintz.com but right now we’re kind of in the research part of it.” A revised fraternity/sorority alcohol policy was introduced this semester, and has been posted on all of the doors of chapter houses. Skaggs said the Greek Life is in the process of educating all of its members about the new policy, which was reworked by Patrick Laughlin to prohibit beer pong, quarters, Printz Writer In the 1930’s they didn’t have the weather channel; in funnels and several other techthe ’30’s they didn’t have Jim Cantore out there, getting With Hurricane Ike finished niques and devices that encourage rapid alcohol consumption. raking the east coast of Cuba, upset about people being out on a boat in a hurricane the thoughts of many at one particular college in south -Jennifer Bonin, doctoral student Mississippi are on wishing the storm away and west. Bonin said she teaches this “Ike’s looking pretty omi- gory 2 when it slammed Cuba, in the past when hurricanes but with the span of the Gulf were even more frequent and awareness to her students, nous out there,” sophomore in the way, it is possible Ike intense than they are now, esupdating them in the first 10 West McKellar said. “I mean, could double in size. pecially if you were to look at minutes of each class on the it’s nice at first to think about “Global warming’s effect on the paleo-hurricane days,” Restatus of all the storms in the being free from classes a couhurricanes is not completely ese said. Caribbean and Gulf. Once ple more days this semester, understood yet,” said geology McKellar said that while Gustav came off the Cuban but the potential damage this hurricane could have sort of instructor Jennifer Bonin, a hurricanes seem to be more coast, Bonin also assigned a doctoral student at USM. “But ominous than in the past, it is project where everyone in her blots it out.” The meteorological web- what we do know is that the a relief to know we are better class would prepare their own site weatherunderground.com earth is definitely in a cycle. prepared for a new cycle of emergency kit. “I hope the South thinks of shows Ike on an unpredictable There was a cycle similar to storms. this in the 1930’s, and we’re “We are very aware now,” Gustav as being a training sestrajectory that points towards having one again.” Bonin said. “In the 1930’s they sion,” Bonin said. “The weathsoutheastern Texas, but that Geology professor Carl Redidn’t have the weather chaner service was dead-on accuhas not quite ruled out Missisese agrees, saying that storms nel; in the ’30’s they didn’t rate as to where that hurricane sippi’s Gulf Coast, accountin recent times only seem have Jim Cantore out there, was going to hit. I hope people ing for the Gulf of Mexico’s worse because they receive a getting upset about people besee Gustav as a drill, the way tendency to change both the lot of media attention. ing out on a boat in a hurrito do things the right.” intensity and direction of hur“There have been times cane.” ricanes. The storm was a Cate-
Hurricane season not over yet
‘‘
’’
all of this and more can be found online at studentprintz.com. check us out!
USM Homecoming September 15 outside the SGA office Eagle Alley Room 120
Deadline for submitting applications
September 22
Opinion Kappa Sigma decision appropriate
Page 4 opinion@studentprintz.com www.studentprintz.com
The
Student
printz Serving Southern Miss since 1927
Jesse Bass Opinions Editor
Nathan Hess Executive editor Abby McMullen Web Editor Sophia Benn Copy Desk Chief Lesley Walters News Editor Jesse Bass Opinions Editor Eric Nagurney Entertainment Editor Tyler Cleveland Sports Editor
I’m sure we’ve all heard by now that following an alleged hazing incident the Kappa Sigma Fraternity has had its charter at Southern Miss revoked. If you aren’t aware, USM has a brilliantly written alcohol policy. I won’t delve into the specifics of it here, but if you look it up for yourself, I’m sure you’ll see what I’m talking about. It’s worded quite cleverly, leaving nothing of grave importance out but still providing a happy amount of “wiggle room” for those of us who know how to follow the rules. Instead of staying comfortable with the freedoms they already had, certain individuals felt the need to
rock the boat and push the limits of the policy we are lucky enough to have. If half the hearsay I’ve heard about this incident is even halfway true, I am appalled by the stupidity and brash irresponsibility of the decisions of my fellow collegiates. And believe me, I am not a fan of temperance to any degree. I love alcohol.
To say the least, I am absolutely tickled pink that Kappa Sigma had their charter revoked. The administration making an example of them is definitely a step in the right direction. The merits of the Greek system are still up in the air as far as I’m concerned, but one thing I have undoubtedly made up my mind on is hazing. Remember when your parents used to ask you if you would jump off the bridge if everyone else did? Never have I found a more appropriate context for this analogy. I cannot imagine myself wanting to belong to a group so badly that I
would follow their “requirements” for membership at the risk of my own health (or life as the situation may be.) The only thing that hazing teaches anyone is that its okay to do abhorrently moronic things if the people around you approve and that you should throw your own logic and reason to the wind in the name of the group. I believe that hazing is nothing more than a power trip. It makes me sick to think about one of my fellow human beings forcing an impressionable person to do something stupid and harmful simply because said person wants something bad enough to do stupid things they will regret later for it. That is a prime example of taking advantage of someone—and what advantages are reaped? Only amusement at the cost of another? I feel sympathy for anyone affiliated with Kappa Sigma who didn’t participate in or approve of the alleged activities in question. I can-
not feel too sorry though, because common sense tells me this was not the first time this happened, and anyone currently involved in the organization at least passively consented by not trying to stop what was going on. I hope we all learned a lesson here. For those of us who support the hazing tradition I hope you learned to stop it, because President Saunders and the administration is not taking this lightly. I hope that all the observers of this continued media coverage learned that following the crowd isn’t always a good idea, especially when the crowd is walking off that figurative bridge we have all been warned about since square one. I know that the two girls who got the short end of this stick definitely learned something, so I can only hope for them that they come out of this okay.
Bob Worth is a staff writer for The Student Printz. Comments can be sent to printz@usm.edu
Jonah S. Taylor is a staff writer for The Student Printz. Comments can be sent to printz@usm.edu
Maggie Sanford Photo Editor Marcus O’Steen Circulation Manager Crystal Scretching Graphic Designer Publications Manager Maggie Williams
Immigrants need legal rights as well Bob Worth Printz Writer
The Student Printz is located in As one number was continuthe basement of Southern Hall ally revised upward, from 350 Room 013. Applications for to 750, finally settling at 595, employment are available and another figure sat stubbornly unshould be returned to the office. changed at zero. The first figure represents the number of workReaching us ers arrested on charges of imNewsroom: migration violations at Howard 601-266-4266 industries late last month, the Executive Editor: second, the number of charges 601-266-6431 against Howard’s management. Publications Manager: The harsh treatment the im601-266-6746 migrants received juxtaposed Newsroom Email: against the fact that, as of yet, printz@usm.edu none of Howard’s management Advertising Manager: has been charged, highlights the 601-266-5188 lack of both morality and comAdvertising E-mail: mon sense pervading current printzad@usm.edu U.S. immigration policy. Fixed borders are a fundamental characteristic of a sovereign
tinual uncertainty and fear while working for often criminally low wages, eliminates all room for debate as to our economy’s need for this presently illegal labor. The current clampdown on illegal immigrants is both unfair and unproductive. Arresting hundreds of people at a time out of a pool of 12 million is a farce. If a raid the size of the one staged at Howard were to take place every day, after one year only 217,000 people would have been arrested. Out of 12 million. Until the government offers a logical, evenly applied immigration policy, it’s hard to blame employers or immigrants for breaking the law in order to follow the status quo. Illegal labor is cheap and often beyond the reach of labor laws. We can toss around all of the appeals to morality and decency we want, but so long as employers are faced with an essentially
Classifieds for as low as $3.75! To place your ad, go to www.studentprintz.com and click “Classifieds” or call (601) 266-5188
Printz Writer
The government must act immediately to create a fair, actively regulated immigration system that meets the needs of business while ensuring the dignity and human rights of the immigrants who help to build our economy.
Jesse Bass is the Opinions Editor for The Student Printz. Comments can be sent to printz@usm.edu
Sebe Dale IV
state, and there is little argument that the U.S. is not justified, and indeed obligated, in securing and regulating those borders. Conversely, arguments claiming that immigration is not an intrinsic aspect of the modern economy are pure fantasy. It’s past time that both the government and Americans accept this. Of course, this doesn’t imply that any and all who wish to live and work in the U.S. should be allowed to do so. It does, however, mean that economic reality should play a part in our policy debate. In order to remain competitive and grow, the U.S. economy requires a constant influx of workers that our relatively low birth rate does not provide. The fact that U.S. businesses and government collude to create conditions which allow some 12 million people to leave their homes behind and risk an expensive, dangerous border crossing, only to live in a state of con-
Jonah S. Taylor
“Palin Scandal!” This was the appalling headline I saw the other night when I turned to the news. First of all, I’m sure by now all of America is aware that Sarah Palin was chosen as McCain’s running mate. Furthermore, I’m sure everyone has heard that Palin’s youngest daughter is, well, “knocked up” (to use good old American slang). Hear me when I say: big freaking deal! So what if she is pregnant? I’m not saying it’s a good thing, but it happens. Although I must say, the irony that the 17-yearold daughter of a conservative Christian politician being pregnant out of wedlock is almost too much to bear. Meanwhile, my confusion is in how this situation could be considered scandalous. Yeah, so her mom is the governor of Alaska and just happens to be a key figure in the presidential election. But what if the girl’s pregnancy had been announced three weeks earlier before any of us ever knew Palin’s role in the presidential race or that she was even connected to John McCain in any way? Would it have been a “scandal” then? I’ll tell you what a scandal is. A real scandal would be if Palin, herself was pregnant by someone that wasn’t her husband or if she was doing the nasty behind the scenes with an intern. (Even though that seems to be the only way one is considered a “good president” in this topsy-turvy country we live in today). My point is that the personal issues within one’s family, politician or not, are their own business and not ours. As painful as it is for me to say, I must agree with Barack Obama in saying that family should be off limits when it comes to politics. America can not judge Sarah Palin for her daughter’s actions or the fact that she didn’t run to the podium with wild enthusiasm to tell the nation that her unmarried teenager is pregnant. She may have stalled on announcing the news, which by the way is none of our business, but how many of us would rush to tell something like that to our friends, neighbors, co-workers or even to our church? The last time I looked there was a metaphorical line separating political issues and personal ones but somehow that line keeps getting erased and redrawn, each time leaving less space for privacy. Personally, I think someone needs to hunt down the creep with the metaphorical eraser and metaphorically beat the crap out of him!
Multimedia Editor
The Student Printz is published every Tuesday and Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. Printing is done by Signature Offset of Hattiesburg. The first four copies of The Student Printz are free. Each additional copy is 25 cents. Accuracy is important to everyone on the staff of The Student Printz. Please report any factual inaccuracies to the executive editor of The Student Printz as soon as possible. Opinions are expressed in The Student Printz are those of the writer and not necessarily those of The Student Printz, it’s publications manager, USM, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the USM Board of Student Publications.
Palin’s ‘scandal’ her business
unregulated market for cheap labor, it’s silly and overly idealist to expect them to defer to more expensive legal labor. The treatment arrested immigrants are subjected to in the face of employers receiving a pass is the tragic element of this situation. The accused are bussed far from home, often leaving families without a breadwinner, and always broken. Families receive little, if any, information regarding their loved one’s location and status. They receive inadequate legal council. Children are often left without parents.
Page 5|Opinion
www.studentprintz.com | Tuesday, September 9, 2008
College students need to learn responsibility I have recently discovered that as students, our behavior in public is downright unbelievable. Olivia Do people not Lightsey realize that Printz Writer when in public, others actually do see and hear them? I was at Wal-Mart one night last week, and was blown away by the behavior of my fellow Golden Eagles. There were groups of girls completely blocking aisles, groups of guys making fools of themselves, and professors refusing to acknowledge that they were associated with either group. Some of this would have been okay, if the students were actually shopping. But this was not the case. The students were just talking, and blocking entire aisles without even realizing it. In order to get down the cereal aisle, I had to practically yell “excuse me” before someone stepped aside to allow me passage. Even then, I got dirty looks from most girls in the bunch, since I had apparently forced these classmates of mine to take
two highly inconvenient steps out of the way. Another aisle was filled with a group of young men debating about whether they could buy cheap beer without being carded, since none of them was of legal drinking age. The elderly man, who I know to be a professor, on the same aisle looked disgusted by these boys’ immaturity. He appeared almost embarrassed to be associated with such a group. At the movie theater a week or so ago, I was thoroughly disgusted by a group of USM students who talked and text messaged throughout the entire movie. Many other movie-goers and I were unable to fully enjoy the movie due to my classmates’ inconsiderate behavior toward the people around them. I have repeatedly had this same experience at plays, concerts, and dance recitals on campus, where the offending students were disrespecting even their own classmates’ performances. As Golden Eagles, we do not only represent ourselves anymore. We also represent our parents, the organizations to which we belong, our sororities and fraternities, and the entire University of Southern Mississippi.
Corrections/Clarifications
The Student Printz values accuracy and works diligently to check facts before publication. However, if inaccuracies occur, we want to know. Please report errors to the editor at printz@usm.edu or by calling 601266-6431 or 601-266-4266.
Letters to the Editor
A letter to the editor forum will be open to the expression of fact or opinion that will be of interest or importance to The Student Printz readers. Letters which fit within the scope of First Amendment protection, and that meet other stipulations spelled out in this document will be published on a space-available basis as explained below. Each edition of the paper will include a letters column if letters are available. Letter writers may expect prompt publication of their letters in the paper’s opinion section, as space is available. Letters of up to 350 words will be allowed. Published letters must be free of libel, since the publication is held legally accountable for all content. Although personal controversy will be tolerated, it is the responsibility of the editor to check statements purporting the facts. The editor is also responsible for making decisions as to the pertinence of the letter to the USM community. Letter writers must sign all contributions and the editor must verify the signer and the writer are one in the same through personal conference. Letters will not be published without the contributor’s name. To send a letter to the editor email printz@usm.edu or send to campus mailbox 5088.
Stimulus programs do nothing for economy Special to the Printz When the electorate is unhappy about something, the hardest challenge for politicians is to do nothing. So as the economy limps along and Americans feel the resulting pain, it’s a good thing that Congress is in recess and the president is about to head off for a vacation in Crawford, Texas. It means they won’t act hastily on proposals to spend money to stimulate growth, which would probably be more effective on the spending part than on the stimulus part. How do we know? Because we just tried it. In February, faced with a mortgage crisis and a housing bust, our leaders in Washington agreed on a $168 billion package, consisting mostly of $1,200-per-family rebate checks that went out in the spring. Today, it’s clear that expensive palliative solved nothing. Harvard’s Martin Feldstein, the head of the National Bureau of Economic Research, was one of the many economists who urged this sort of program last winter. But in a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, he announced that he was wrong. The idea was to put money into the pockets of consumers, who would spend it, providing a needed infusion to companies that make and sell goods and services. But Feldstein says it didn’t work. “Recent government statistics show that only between 10 percent and 20 percent of the rebate dollars were spent,” he wrote. “The rebates added nearly $80 billion to the permanent national debt but less than $20 billion to consumer spending.” That’s not really surprising. When workers get a wage or sal-
ary increase, they spend more than before because they know they can afford it. But when people get a modest one-time windfall, they usually put most of it in the bank or use it to pay off debts. Members of Congress should take a look at the evidence before ordering another round. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggests laying out $50 billion, and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., has a $24 billion package heavy on what normally would be lampooned as wasteful pork barrel spending. Barack Obama has come out for additional rebates. But if this ploy didn’t work the first time, it’s not likely to perform any better the next time. At a time of uncertainty, Americans are not about to throw caution to the winds regardless of how many government checks they get. All a second stimulus program would do is enlarge the federal budget deficit, adding to the government debt that Americans will have to repay in the future. The economy is far more likely to get a boost from the decline in oil prices, which have dropped by one-fourth in recent weeks, cutting pump prices by some 37 cents a gallon. The Federal Reserve’s decision not to raise interest rates also helps. For the moment, though, nothing is going to provide general relief. A fiscal stimulus might be a tonic for politicians campaigning for re-election amid widespread anxiety. But the economy probably wouldn’t feel a thing. This is a column of opinion by the editorial board of The Chicago Tribune. It appeared in The Chicago Tribune on Monday, Aug. 25.
Do you want to hear people say that USM students are rude and obnoxious? Of course not! That is not the way we want our university to be perceived. Some people may not realize it yet, but we are adults now, and it’s time to act like it. It’s time to realize that when we are in public, we should be considerate of the people around us. It’s really quite easy. Pay attention to who is around you and how you may affect them. Walk on the right side of the aisle or sidewalk. Try not to block walkways. For goodness sake, act appropriately in restaurants! Don’t be too loud or rowdy, and treat your server respectfully—and yes, this does include tipping well. Regardless of where you are, watch your language, especially if there are young children around. Most importantly, remember that you are a walking and talking representative of the University of Southern Mississippi in all its many aspects, and that your actions really do affect other people and the way they perceive our university as a whole. Olivia Lightseyww is a staff writer for The Student Printz. Comments can be sent to printz@usm.edu
Correction In the Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008 edition of The Student Printz “Dress for success: how clothes can make sex hotter” contained information that should have attributed to Cosmopolitan.com. The Printz regrets the omission.
Entertainment
Page 6
entertainment@studentprintz.com www.studentprintz.com
Dr. Dog heads south to play in Hattiesburg Eric Nagurney Printz Writer
Philadelphia’s Dr. Dog are bringing their breezy indie-pop to The Thirsty Hippo tonight, along with openers Delta Spirit and Seth Kauffman. Tickets are $10 and doors open at 9 p.m. Last week, the Printz spoke with front man Scott McMicken (aka Taxi). Student Printz: You guys put out your fifth album Fate about a month and a half ago. How was your approach different from your last album, We All Belong? Dr. Dog
The Thirsty Hippo Tonight 9 p.m. $10
Scott McMicken: Mainly, the approach was very similar in the studio as We All Belong. I think the main difference [aesthetically] is that we wanted to make an album that was a little more concise and less dense. Essentially more like our live performance, at least according to our ideas of a good live performance. I think that we were trying to make an album that was a little more dynamic, which is kind of what we’ve been chasing after in our live bit. That’s kind of a new thing for us, defining ourselves as a live band, as we weren’t re-
ally one for so long. SP: What are your goals for a good live show and how is that different from a good recording? SM: Oh, it’s really a completely different set of goals. A live show is a lot more precarious, there are so many factors that are outside of your control. Of course, your decision making and everything is done right there and there’s no sitting back and deliberating about what is the best thing to do at any given moment. You kind of hope that the circumstances are nice and circumstances for a live show are defined by any number of things. The live show is really fun, because it’s completely different every night, even though for all intents and purposes it’s exactly the same every night. SP: How is playing a really small venue like the Thirsty Hippo different than playing bigger venues? SM: We’ve played Thirsty Hippos around the country and we’ve played baseball stadiums, too. If things are going right, it really shouldn’t feel all that different. We’re a garage band and we’re very accustomed to very poor sound situation. You do, Courtesy of Park The Van Records after a certain amount of tourPhiladelphia’s Dr. Dog takes their tour south to play at The Thirsty Hippo with Delta Spirit and Seth Kaufman. ing, get kind of used to having monitors or being able to hear And the people there are so close place? That feels good when you’ve as possible. yourself sing. It gets a little to you! It’s such a small little SM: I don’t book the tours, been out on the road for a while SP: So, how exactly does a harder to concentrate in a place stage, I could raise my knee and but I do know that we’ve always to get into a region where it’ll be dog go about getting a PhD? like the Thirsty Hippo, where hurt somebody. It’s an awesome liked [the South] a lot. The dif- a little more lighthearted. You go SM: It’s an honorary degree. they don’t have any monitors little place, it’s really cool and ferent regions in the country all into the South and people are a It’s like how Elvis got an honor anything. The show tends to they treat you well. have blanketed feelings about little more happy in general. Of orary degree from Harvard. A be a lot more rocking and raw SP: A lot of bands don’t stop them and the South is always, course, there’s exceptions, but dog’s not going to waste his time and you’re just kind of scream- in Mississippi, so what spurred you know everything they say is it’ll always be a point to try to sitting in class for eight years. ing and can barely hear yourself. you guys to stop here in the first true, the people are a lot warmer. do as much touring down South
King Konga to reunite for Star Osborn benefit Eric Nagurney Printz Writer
Hattiesburg rock band King Konga will reunite for a benefit concert at Hattiesburg Cycles on Thursday, September 11. The concert is being held in honor of Star Osborn, a friend of the band who was in a motorcycle accident on July 15th. The accident caused a major head injury and has left Osborn in a coma. “[Star’s husband] John was there for us when we were building our following, so now it’s time for us to be there for him and Star,” said King Konga vocalist Tony Lymon. King Konga has not preformed since the band’s break up after the release of 2001’s Something Good. Before their splitting up, the group released two albums, the aforementioned Something Good and 1997’s Monkey See, Monkey Groove. The band’s members met as Southern Miss students in the mid-1990s, some of whom performed in The Pride marching band. King Konga
Hattiesburg Cycles Sept. 11 4:30 p.m. Tickets $10
Opening the concert will be South City Records band Sypher, the winner of last year’s Rock War Challenge. Local bands Elise and Green Co will also take part in the benefit. Before the show, there will be a silent auction beginning at 4:30 p.m and going until 7:35. Items available at the auction will include gift certificates from the Keg & Barrel, a 42” plasma TV and a guitar signed by the members of Sypher. All proceeds from the concert will go directly to the Osborns’ medical bills and living expenses. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at www.starosbornbenefit.com. The show starts at 5:00 p.m. Submitted Photos
www.studentprintz.com | Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Page 7|Sports
Lady Eagles fall to Rebels SPORTS SCHEDULE Tuesday, September 9 7 p.m. – Women’s Volleyball at Nicholls State All Day – Men’s Golf at Scenic City Classic in Chattanooga
Friday, September 12 4 p.m. – Women’s Soccer at Southeastern Louisiana 6 p.m. – Women’s Volleyball vs. Texas A&M in San Diego, CA
THE STUDENT PRINTZ IS LOOKING FOR SPORTS WRITERS. APPLY WITHIN.
David Jackson/Printz Photographer
Elisha Tarbel a freshman forward/midfielder from Mandeville, La. goes to receive the ball after a pass. Tarbel has one shot on goal for the season.
Special to the Printz The Southern Miss soccer team’s unbeaten streak stalled at four games as they dropped a 1-0 decision at Ole Miss Sunday afternoon. The Golden Eagles were off to an impressive 3-0-1 start before losing a tight 1-0 game at the Ole Miss Soccer Complex to the Rebels. The four game unbeaten streak to start the season was the fourth best start in school history and is equally impressive considering that Southern Miss has played the first five games of the season over a 10 day period with none of those games at the Southern Miss Soccer Complex.
“Ole Miss played with a lot of enthusiasm and moved the ball very well today,” head coach Scott Ebke said. “We played better in the second half but we have to learn to be more disciplined and play with more fire if we want to continue to succeed.” The game was scoreless through the first half and into the 56th minute before the Rebels Hannah Weatherly scored the games only goal as she took a cross pass from Taylor Cunningham and connected from about five yards out. The two teams remained scoreless through the final 34 minutes to preserve the 1-0 Ole Miss advantage. Southern Miss (3-1-1) keeper Holly Cox saved six shots as
Southern Miss announces two games with Louisville Special to the Printz
beginning next season.” The Golden Eagles also Southern Miss Director of have non-conference games Athletics Richard Giannini scheduled next season at home announced Monday that the with Alcorn State (9/12) and Golden Eagles will play a Virginia (9/19) and a road home-and-home football series contest at Kansas (9/26). The 2009 meeting between with former Conference USA rival Louisville beginning next the two schools will be the 28th overall meeting season. with the Golden T h e HOME AND HOME SERIES Eagles holding Golden The Golden Eagles will play Louan overall 18Eagles isville in 2009 and again in 2012. 8-1 advantage. will travel Southern to Papa Miss, which John’s Stadium in Louisville for an also announced a three-game Oct. 10, 2009, game, while the series with Nebraska earlier Cardinals are set for a return this year, including a home date trip to Hattiesburg, Sept. 29, in 2013 with the Cornhuskers, also has Kansas coming to 2012. “We look forward to Hattiesburg in 2010. The school also has played renewing this great rivalry,” said Giannini. “The Southern host to Big 12 institution Miss-Louisville games have Oklahoma State, as well always been fantastic contests as Illinois of the Big 10 and we expect these two games Conference, California of the will be no different in the series Pacific 10 Conference and
Volleyball wins sixth straight Special to the Printz The Southern Miss volleyball team pushed its record to a season-best 6-0 start, defeating Nicholls State in three sets (2518, 25-18, 25-20). Stevi Cherry led the way with a team-high nine kills, followed by Angela Hlavaty and Lauren Sears with eight kills apiece. Maia Ivanova collected 14 digs with Ashley Petrinec adding 11. Lauren Sears also added seven blocks. Both team battled early in set one with neither team leading by more than a point. With the score tied at 13-13, Southern Miss used an 11-5 run to close out the 25-18 win. In set two, the Golden Eagles
got a strong service game from Kelsea Seymour down the stretch in guiding Southern Miss to a 25-18 win. Southern Miss finished the set with a .343 attack percentage, committing only three attack errors to its way to a 25-20 win in the final set. For the match, Southern Miss out hit Nicholls State .231 to .034. The Golden Eagles continue to dominate at the net, collecting 10.0 team blocks. Southern Miss returns to action on today in a rescheduled match against Southeastern Louisiana that was originally scheduled for Sept. 3. Game time is set for 7 p.m., in Reed Green Coliseum.
the Rebels fired 18 shots in the game. The Golden Eagles managed only four shots in the game, two on goal. The Golden Eagles will return to action next Friday as they visit Southeastern Louisiana. Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m. “We will have to play for a full 90 minutes on Friday, Southeastern is a good team and we have to play to our strength and move the ball better than we did today.” Southern Miss and Southeastern Louisiana officials will be monitoring Hurricane Ike’s impact on the area as the game approaches.
Sports
Page 8 sports@studentprintz.com www.studentprintz.com/sports
Missed opportunities add up for Golden Eagles Tyler Cleveland
the Eagle defense. First, AllConference defender Gerald McRath came up big with a strip in the end zone that was
‘‘
Sports Editor
The Golden Eagles put themselves in a position to win, but couldn’t capitalize Saturday at Auburn, falling to the Tigers 27-13 at Jordan Hare Stadium and giving Larry Fedora the first loss of his head-coaching career. It wasn’t for lack of effort, because there was plenty of that, evidenced by Austin Davis’s 268 passing yards, Shawn Nelson’s 12 catches for 118 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and senior Eddie Hicks’ 13 tackles. It wasn’t because they didn’t get the breaks they needed. The Eagles forced four turnovers, two of them coming on Auburn’s first two drives, and actually won the time of possession battle in a first half in which they were outscored 14-0. Southern Miss got everything it needed to pull off the upset; the ninth-ranked Tigers were just too good. “We put ourselves in a position to win, but Auburn is the number nine team in the country,” Fedora said. “Our players would tell you that they’re disappointed in the way that we executed because we felt like we shot ourselves in the foot a lot of times.” Southern Miss couldn’t get anything going in the first half, tallying just 83 yards of offense, but kept the game close thanks to a pair of forced fumbles by
wasn’t the noise, but it was basic things that we do every single day. That’s why I think we had a little bit of big-eyed
Our defense played great; they caused a lot of turnovers, but we didn’t execute. We’re a young team and we will have to get better. -Shawn Nelson, Tight end
recovered by linebacker Korey Williams. Rolando Barragan did it all by himself on the second Auburn possession, stripping Ben Tate and diving on the ball at the Southern Miss 15-yard line. With the game still scoreless early in the second, Auburn started to take advantage of great field position. The Tiger defense backed the Eagle offense into the shadows of their own goal post to start the quarter, which set up a 32-yard punt return that shortened the field to just 26 yards. The Tigers finished the 6play drive with a 1-yard run by Ben Tate to take a 7-0 lead. Auburn’s next drive, a 7play, 76-yard march down the field was capped by a 13-yard Tristan Davis run around the left side, giving the Tigers a 14-0 lead. In the first two quarters, Southern Miss had six drives, punted five times and missed a field goal. “I was bewildered on the communications problems that we had,” Fedora said. “It
’’
syndrome. We’ll go back into practice and work. We have a long way to go and a lot of room for improvement.” Auburn started their first drive of the second half from the Golden Eagle 32-yard line thanks to another spectacular Robert Dunn punt return, and capitalized by way of a 52-yard field goal by Wes Byrum. The Tigers struck again on the next drive, a 12-play, 75-yard romp that backup quarterback Kodi Burns capped with a 1-yard dive. Southern Miss was able to get on the board late in the third quarter when Davis ran playaction and found Nelson for a 1-yard score. Davis attempted to pass for the two point conversion, but could not find an open receiver. The Golden Eagle offense looked, for the moment, to be in sync. It followed up the first score with an 11-play, 90-yard drive for a second touchdown, a 17-yard strike from Davis to Nelson. After another Byrum field goal of 23 yards, Auburn
Cherry and Petrinec honored Southern Miss volleyball pleyrs Stevi Cherry and Ashley Petrinec were both named to the McNeese State Invitational all-tournament team over the weekend following the Golden Eagles tournament victory. Cherry finished the weekend with 24 kills, two aces and 13 digs with an attack percentage of .300. She recorded 11 kills in the win against Mississippi State. Petrinec tallied 21 kills, three aces, 20 digs and four total blocks. She had an attack percentage of .250. Petrinec recorded a season-high 13 kills against Mississippi State. Southern Miss plays its first home match Tuesday against Southeastern Louisiana at 7 p.m. The match was re-scheduled.
Portillo has top three finish After being washed out at Tulane by Hurricane Gustav, the Southern Miss women’s cross country team finally competed in their first event on Friday at the Southern Miss Eagle invitational. Southern Miss placed two runners in the top 10, led by sophomore Zuna PortilloRodriguez, who finished third overall covering the 5K course with a time of 20:39.61. Faith Ngobiro was 10th with a time of 2:25.91. Other Golden Eagle finishes included LaSheika Dinkins 16th with a time of 24:07.35, Terria Wheeler was 19th with a time of 25:53.14 and Cheris Fletcher finished 21st with a time of 27:03.34.
Football Top 25 Polls AP TOP 25 Team (1st place votes) Record, Points 1. USC (33) 1-0 1,577 2. Georgia (23) 2-0 1,525 3. Oklahoma (2) 2-0 1,458 4. Florida (4) 2-0 1,438 5. Ohio State (1) 2-0 1,347 6. Missouri (1) 2-0 1,336 7. LSU (1) 1-0 1,231 8. Texas 2-0 1,100 9. Auburn 2-0 1,067 10. Wisconsin 2-0 910 11. Alabama 2-0 865 12. Texas Tech 2-0 845 13. Kansas 2-0 825 14. East Carolina 2-0 762 15. Arizona State 2-0 744
16. Oregon 2-0 616 17. Penn State 2-0 607 18. Brigham Young 2-0 537 19. South Florida 2-0 493 20. Wake Forest 2-0 404 21. Fresno State 1-0 290 22. Utah 2-0 258 23. California 2-0 195 24. Illinois 1-1 164 25. West Virginia 1-1 163 Others Receiving Votes UCLA 150, Clemson 73, Florida State 50, Boise State 22, Tennessee 15, Georgia Tech 14, Oklahoma State 11, Vanderbilt 7, TCU 6, Kentucky 6, Virginia Tech 4, Tulsa 3, South Carolina 2, Arizona 2,
The Golden Eagles take down an Auburn receiver during Saturday’s game. Southern Miss fell to the Tigers 27-13, making it their first loss of the season. was just too far ahead for Fedora’s Eagles to catch up. On their Southern’s final three possessions, Davis threw his first two interceptions and came up just short on a 1-yard dive on fourth down, allowing Auburn to take a few knees to end the game. “We got in the way of ourselves in the first half and made execution mistakes. All of that comes back on me really,” Davis said. “In the second half we settled down and did what we could do by moving the ball. That’s something we can
look forward to.” Fedora seemed pleased with was the play of his redshirtfreshman quarterback, who completed 33 of his 50 pass attempts for 268 yards, two interceptions and a pair of touchdown tosses to Nelson. “In the first half (Austin) didn’t have a bunch of opportunities to do much,” Fedora said. “But in the second half, when the offense started worrying about themselves and stopped worrying about what was happening on the other side of the ball, I thought he did a
good job. There are a couple of throws I would have liked for him to hit... but overall I thought he did a good job of hanging in there, evading the pressure, and getting the ballwhere it needed to go.” For Nelson, it was a career day in both catches and yardage, but as he explained after the game, it didn’t feel like it without the win. “Our defense played great; they caused a lot of turnovers, but we didn’t execute,” Nelson said. “We’re a young team and we will have to get better.”
Upsets, surprises fill weekend
Sport Briefs Lady Eagles finish third The Southern Miss women’s golf team closed out the Chris Banister Golf Classic with a final round 294 to earn a third place finish. The season-opening tournament was hosted by Jacksonville State University and was played at the Silver Creek Golf Course. Sophomore Virginia Espejo picked up where she left off last year, finishing four-over par (220) to tie for fourthplace. Junior Samantha Holt closed out the tournament with a one-under 71 to finish in a tie for 11th-place. Junior Clara Viladomiu shot a two-over 74 to finish with 232 strokes and a tie for 20th-place. Juniors Rebecka Nilsson and Amy Roberts (80-78) tied for 27thplace. Nilsson closed with a final round 75, while Roberts shot a 78.
Courtesy of King Photography
Connecticut 1, North Carolina 1, Rice 1. Dropped From Rankings UCLA 23, South Carolina 24.
USA TODAY/COACHES POLL Team (1st-place votes) Record, Points 1. USC (34) 1-0 1,481 2. Georgia (18) 2-0 1,454 3. Oklahoma (3) 2-0 1,370 4. Florida (3) 2-0 1,306 5. Ohio State (1) 2-0 1,289 6. Missouri 2-0 1,212 7. LSU (2) 1-0 1,198 8. Texas 2-0 1,069 9. Auburn 2-0 1,017
Tyler Cleveland Sports Editor
I‘m a big believer that when it comes to Southern Miss there’s no such thing as a “good loss”, but S a t u r d a y ’s game at Auburn is about as close
as you can get. Regardless of what the score suggested, the Eagles played great down the stretch at Jordan Hare Stadium in front of 87,000, and had nothing to be ashamed of in that post game press conference. The guys just ran into a buzzsaw that is Auburn football. The Tigers were faster on defense, bigger on offense, more experienced at nearly every skill position except quarterback, and were playing at home in their SEC palace. Our third baseman/quarterback Austin Davis threw for over 250 yards and came out even on the touchdown/interception ratio, but the most impressive aspect of his performance was the poise with which he hung in the pocket, took shots, and got the ball where it needed to go. The message boards were abuzz Saturday night and Sunday, with fans saying it was time for Martevious Young and that Davis wasn’t working out. I’m here to tell you -- That’s crazy! Unless he switches back to baseball (that’s where the money is, Austin!) Davis could be a 4-
year starter, and if he is and stays healthy, he’ll break every school record that exists. Also, if you’ve been around enough people from the coast, you’ll know they take pride in being “coast certified”. Well I’m here to tell you, DeAndre Brown is coast certified. The way he’s playing and the way we’re throwing the ball around, Brown may break every receiving record at the school by next year. Also kudos to Shawn Nelson, who along with C.J. Bailey could compete for the “most improved player award” from last season to this season. Nelson finished with career highs in catchesand yards. However he declined the coronation in the post-game press conference because his team didn’t get the win. AHOY BCS GAME Georgia and USC fans better be glad I don’t get a vote in the polls, because those two teams would likely be situated just behind East Carolina in my poll this week. Nobody has done more to impress the voters of America than Skip Holtz’ Pirates, who in week one edged Virginia Tech and last week manhandled West Virginia on their own field. The Pirate defense is good, and quarterback Patrick Pinkney is comparable to the Vikings’ Tavaris Jackson. The Pirates are 14th in the Associated Press poll behind Kansas, Texas Tech, Wisconsin, and yes Ohio State. All of whom have not defeated a top 25 team. Even more outrageous,
the Pirates are 20th in the USA Today/Coaches poll, ranked behind South Florida and BYU, both who barely survived upset attempts by unranked teams while East Carlina was mauling the 7th-ranked Mountaineers. My complaints aside, ECU very well could be ranked in the top 10 or maybe even five when they come to Hattiesburg on Nov. 15. That would give the Eagles a chance to remind America that The Rock is somewhere ranked opponents go to die. BIG EASY IS BACK I know I should stick to college sports, but I had a chance to get down to New Orleans for the Saints season opener, a 24-20 win over the Buccaneers, and boy, are they good. The division champion Bucs were every bit as good as New Orleans, they just lacked style and Drew Brees. Brees is amazing on the field and a pain if your facing him in a fantasy league. Brees ripped the Bucs for nearly 350 yards and two touchdowns, while phenom Reggie Bush finished with 167 yards. If you get a chance to go down to New Orleans this year for a game, take it. The Louisiana Superdome is a great atmosphere for a game, even if the beer is $7, and Jason David is no longer playing on defense, so the ‘Aints might win some games. This is a column of opinion written by Sports Editor Tyler Cleveland. Comments can be sent to printz@usm.edu