Thursday, October 15, 2015
Volume 100 Issue 16
www.studentprintz.com PAGE THREE
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NEWS Sleep
Recent research links sleep deprivation to weight gain.
PAGE EIGHT
PAGE SIX
F E AT U R E
OPINION
S P O RT S
Hattiesburg honors Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Network brings back millennials’ favorite ‘90s shows.
Transfer safety stands out in first six games as a Golden Eagle.
October
Nickelodeon
Football
NASCAR meets physics in latest forum Nan Buti
Printz Reporter Accomplished physicist and author Diandra Leslie-Pelecky finessed the audience at this semester’s second University Forum hosted by the Honors College, “The Physics of NASCAR,” Tuesday at 6 p.m. in Bennett Auditorium. Leslie-Pelecky is a nanomaterial researcher and educator who visited The University of Southern Mississippi to discuss the physics behind the nation’s most esteemed motorsport, National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). “Some of this is going to be about politics, some about literature and some about science,” said Andrew Haley, University Forum director. “We have an amazing internationally renowned polymer science program here and much of what (LesliePelecky) was talking about had to do with polymers.” Being America’s top spectator sport with 75 million fans, NASCAR is able to design and manufacture an astoundingly high-speed car that must maintain precision on the track at the same time as keeping its driver safe. In her presentation, LesliePelecky explained, in simplistic and comprehensible terms, the science behind the complex manufacturing of such cars. “I want students to understand that science is in everything they do,” Leslie-Pelecky said. “When you come off the expressway and you’re going into a turn and have to slow down—that’s physics. You cannot escape science.” One could say Leslie-Pelecky is a NASCAR guru, considering her extensive interaction with NASCAR drivers, race shops, crew chiefs, engine builders and pit crews. Leslie-Pelecky earned two undergraduate degrees, one in
physics and another in philosophy from the University of North Texas. She earned a Ph.D. in condensed matter physics from Michigan State University. She authored the book “The Physics of NASCAR” and is
“If you look at all the major problems that our country is facing right now, every one of them is going to need science to solve–energy, the environment, escalating healthcare costs–those are all things that need
served as a prominent researcher in the field of nanomedicine. Her research focused on magnetic nanoparticles–small spheres with diameters a fraction of the width of a human hair. In addition to
Mary Alice Truitt/Printz Author and physicist Diandra Leslie-Pelecky speaks on “The Physics of Nascar” at the second University Forum event of the semester.
the co-editor of the book “Biomedical Application of Nanotechnology.” As heavily involved as LesliePelecky is, she still finds ways to progress toward productivity and greatness for all. “I want people to think for themselves,” Leslie-Pelecky said.
science. If the citizenry in general doesn’t understand science, how will they make the right decisions?” Leslie-Pelecky is a former professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she spent most of her academic career. She
fundamental studies of magnetism in these materials, she developed nanoparticles for medical diagnoses and treatment processes including drug delivery, magnetic resonance imaging and chemotherapy. Her research has been supported by the National Science Foundation,
the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Energy, the Office of Naval Research and other federal and state funding agencies. She has written over 60 peer-reviewed scientific papers. She is currently working on two television pilots, one about racing and one about robotics. “Everything I write has something to do with science, and I want to picque people’s interest and get them thinking,” Leslie-Pelecky said. “I want them to go after they see something I’ve done and I want them to talk about it more.” Leslie-Pelecky has been involved with science education for K-12 schools, future science teachers and the public since graduate school. She helped found the Michigan State Science Theatre project. Her education and outreach endeavors have been supported mainly by the National Science Foundation. Leslie-Pelecky blogs about the science of auto racing at Building Speed. She appears every other Friday on the SiriusXM “Speedway” satellite radio program (NASCAR Channel 90) to comment on current tech-related events. She has served as a guest, contributor and writer for motorsports programming on ESPN, H2 and VOOM HD, as well as the National Science Foundation’s Science of Speed web series. “This is one way to showcase the kind of research that is being done at the university in a fun way, but it also is a way to get students involved in a more accessible way of talking about science,” she said. The next University Forum, “The Gay Rights Revolution,” will feature lead attorney in the landmark U.S. v. Windsor Supreme Court case, Roberta Kaplan, on Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Thad Cochran Center Ballrooms.
ON CAMPUS
USM Hall of Fame welcomes 7 inductees Julius Kizzee News Editor
The University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association will induct seven of the university’s most prominent individuals into its Hall of Fame class of 2015 on Friday, Oct. 16. Several inductees include Brett Favre, Jim Borsig and Tom “Bones” Malone, among others. Although all of the inductees went into their
separate career fields and proved their worth to society, they all made a special impact while they were on the USM campus. Gilbert C. Van Loon, Class of ’81 Loon received a bachelor of science in business administration from USM in 1981. After receiving his degree, he enrolled in law school at the University of Mississippi, receiving his juris doctor cum laude in 1985.
He has also been listed in the “Best Lawyers in America” for the law of employee benefits, climaxing with being awarded as the 2011 Lawyer of the Year for Mississippi for the law of employee benefits. Gail C. Megason, Class of ’81 Megason received her ACS certification in chemistry in 1981 shortly after enrolling in medical school in Jackson in 1985. After leaving college, she trained
in bone marrow transplant work in Seattle, then started a pediatric stem cell transplant program at the Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson. She is currently the medical director for the hospital and leads a division of eight physicians, four fellows and two nurse practitioners. Todd Buchanan, Class of ’90 A former Student Government Association president and attorney general, Todd Buchanan left his
mark on the USM community in many ways. He was also Sigma Alpha Epsilon president, a university cheerleader, Mr. USM and had an ROTC scholarship. Currently, he is the youngest national president ever of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He also contributed to the newly built Scianna Hall. HALL OF FAME, SEE PG. 3
Page 2 | Thursday, October 15, 2015
INFORMATION MEET THE STAFF OF FALL 2015
EDITORS & STAFF
Dirty Birds •
•
•
On Saturday, Oct. 10, university police reported vandalism at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon house around 7:21 p.m. The case remains open. On Sunday, Oct. 11, university police reported a theft at 101 M. K. Turk Circle near Racquetball Court #2 around 4:48 p.m. A second theft case was reported around 6:51 p.m. at the same location. Both cases remain open. On Monday, Oct. 12, university police reported a theft outside Wilber Hall around 3:40 p.m. The case remains open.
Police Contact Information
When reporting, the following information should be provided: • • • • •
Nature of the crime or emergency Name, address and phone number of the caller Location of incident Description of the scene and suspects Description of any vehicles involved, especially license plate numbers
University Police 911 (emergency) 601.266.4986 (non-emergency) Bond Hall, First Floor West
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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 eligible 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.
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Expressed in The Student Printz are those of the writer and not necessarily those of The Student Printz, its publication manager, USM, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the USM Board of Student Publications.
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NEWS
LIFE
Thursday, October 15, 2015 | Page 3
Sleep-deprived likelier to gain freshman 15 Camille Myrick Printz Reporter
Eating Taco Bell at 2 a.m. during all-night cramming sessions for 8 a.m. exams may not be the reason why freshmen are gaining the proverbial “15.” Nachos smothered with cheese surely do not help, but students can also blame the extra cushion on waiting until the last minute. Research reveals that sleep deprivation adds to weight gain, and not just because there is more time to eat. Lack of sleep also impacts proper functioning of the brain. Matthew P. Walker, a professor of neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley, authored a study published in “Current Biology,” a bi-monthly scholarly journal. Walker’s research primarily focuses on sleep affecting emotions, the physical body and psychiatric illness. In this particular study, depriving people of sleep for 24 hours created significant changes in neurological responses to high calorie foods. Fattening foods stimulated stronger reactions in the part of the brain that motivates eating. Participants likewise experienced less activity in the frontal cortex—a region of the brain where rational decisions are made. It has been theorized that
people who try to make up for calories they use while staying up, is the relationship between sleep deprivation and weight gain. Walker’s study says there is more. “Their hunger was no different when they were sleep-deprived and when they had a normal night of sleep,” Walker said. “That’s important because it suggests that the changes we’re seeing are caused by sleep deprivation itself, rather than simply being more metabolically impaired when you’re sleep-deprived.” Walker goes one step further and claims that after a certain time frame, the effectiveness of the brain decreases, which would
mean that freshmen pulling an “all-nighter” are not internalizing information in a way that helps their grades. “I think you have about 16 hours of optimal functioning before the brain needs to go offline and sleep,” Walker said. “If you go beyond these 16 hours into the realm of sleep deprivation, then those brain networks start to break down and become dysfunctional.” Ironically, weight gain and sleep deprivation are two things associated with freshman year. No one can force students to go to class, or monitor how many times they swipe into the fresh and studying requires more attention
and a master’s of professional accountancy just a year later. In 1996, he was named the outstanding alumnus by the Beta Alpha Psi chapter of the School of Professional Accountancy. Currently, Mercier is the president and chief executive
HALL OF FAME CONTINUED Tom “Bones” Malone A Hattiesburg native, Malone did not graduate from USM, leaving school to play instruments including the trombone, the tuba and the piccolo. Some of his many accomplishments include being a part of the Blues Brothers band, the Saturday Night Live Band and leading the house band for “The Late Show with David Letterman.” He also has recorded a solo album entitled “Soul Bones.” Now, Malone still plays his trombone in public venues across the South. Jim Borsig, Class of ’78, ’89 A former assistant to the mayor of Hattiesburg, Borsig was appointed as the 14th president of Mississippi University for Women in 2011. During his presidency, the institution awarded the largest number of degrees in its history. Borsig also served as executive assistant to the president of Southern Miss and also provided work at Mississippi State University. Currently, he serves as the co-chair of Mississippi’s Education Achievement Council and a member of the Policies and Purposes
Plush Studios/Courtesy Photo
than freshmen are usually willing to give until the night before. Lee Ann Hamilton, assistant director of health promotion and preventative services at the University of Arizona, studies the sleeping habits of students from the university. She tries to raise student awareness of the impact sleep deprivation has on health by sending out a “snoozeletter” to her students with sleep tips. “The average student is functioning with a clinical sleep disorder,” Hamilton said. “They average about 6.5 hours per night and student’s tend to over-report in surveys. Sleep time and quality measurements
Committee of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. Brett Favre One of the most famous Golden Eagle alumni, Favre put his stamp on the football world from the outset. At USM, his first playing time came in the second half of a game against Tulane in 1987. His first highlight came when he led the Golden Eagles to upset No. 6 Florida State in 1989. Later in his career, he came back from a near-fatal
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car accident to upset Gene Stallings in Alabama. Brett Favre’s accolades speak for themselves once he left USM, becoming one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. He still holds many records, including most career passing yards, career passing completions, career attempts and career victories as a starting quarterback. Andy Mercier, Class of ’83, ’84 Mercier received his bachelor’s degree in accounting and data processing in 1983
(like GPA) declined over the course of the academic year, while anxiety, depression and conflicts with family, friends and roommates all rose.” One psychologist, Brad Wolgast from the University of Delaware, suggests that sleep is the key to solving more than academic performance and weight gain. He theorizes that drug use, violence and the overall status of campus life can be improved with the right amount of pillow time. “When you find depression, even when you find anxiety, when you scratch the surface, 80 to 90 percent of the time you find a sleep problem as well,” Wolgast said . “On campus they’re dealing with alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, Ritalin abuse, sexual assault. In comparison sleep looks like a small problem, but the truth is if I could wave a magic wand and change everybody’s sleep, there would be fewer problems with pretty much everything else.” It can be easy to fall into the trap of procrastinating until a last-minute, all-night cramming becomes the only option, especially when first adjusting to life on campus. But the best thing freshmen can do for their grades, mental health and slim figure is to go to sleep. Do not fear the freshman 15. Instead, get the freshman 8 (eight hours of sleep) and leave Taco Bell alone.
officer of The Merchants Company, operating Merchants Foodservice, which is a foodservice distributor. The banquet will be held in the Grand ballroom of the Thad Cochran Center at 6:30 p.m.
FEATURE
Page 4 | Thursday, October 15, 2015
Fairhope, AL
What are you studying at Southern Miss? A: I am a photojournalism major with a minor in religion. What do you like to do for fun?
A: I love reading weird articles online (I know a lot of random facts because of this). If you could travel to any place, where would you go and why? A: I would probably go to Bali because I love their culture and the zen spirituality surrounding the city. I would also go wherever Drake is at this very moment. What are three interesting facts about yourself? A: I lived in Germany after graduating from high school, I read “Game of Thrones” fan theories and I’ve watched “Interstellar” 10 times. Courtland Wells/Printz Photo Editor
ON CAMPUS
Officials advise 4-year graduation Camille Myrick Printz Reporter
Southern Miss students hanging around campus for five years or more face financial setbacks the longer they wait to get a degree. Graduating after the standard four years or even sooner can increase the money they pack in the pocket and decrease debt accrued in student loans. Amy Chasteen Miller, associate provost for academic excellence, did the math, and the costs are too high. Students will be more successful the sooner they enter the job market. “From a student’s perspective, a big reason to graduate in four years is expenses,” Miller said. “Even though Southern is not a terribly expensive school in comparison with other universities, for every extra year you spend in school, you are delaying your earnings and accruing debt. Imagine you graduate and get a job that pays $40,000 a year. Well, instead of doing that, you spend $20,000 to stay in school an extra year. That fifth year just cost you $60,000 and then over your lifetime that one year less of earning multiplies, so you end up making much less money in your lifetime.” Graduating in four years requires a number of things. Taking the right number of hours every semester will keep a student on the right track. Miller suggested taking 30 hours per year. “Fifteen hours should be the default for each semester,” Miller said. “Taking summer
classes is also a good way to get those hours in or even get ahead.” Students are responsible for how many hours and what courses they take. Staying on top of how many hours taken each semester is crucial, but even more important is taking the right courses. “It is harder to graduate in four years when students change their major late in the game,” Miller said. “A good way to avoid getting behind is being familiar with your course requirements, planning your own semesters and having a ‘plan b’ just in case you end up not liking the major you picked.” Miller also pointed out that it is smart to choose a second plan related to the original when the core requirements are about the same; for example, switching from anthropology to sociology. William Bowen, former president of Princeton University, said that waiting around might risk the completion of a student’s degree. “The longer it takes people to graduate, the less likely they are to graduate—ever,” Bowen said. Michael Amiridis, University of South Carolina provost, said that promoting graduation in four years is a selling point during recruitment. “The easiest way for me to get a round of applause is to say we expect the students to graduate in four years,” Amiridis said. “And it’s not the students who applaud. It’s the parents.” The problem stems from students thinking they have time and money to spend figuring it all out—they do not.
“The fall semester of freshman year is for getting adjusted,” Miller said. “The second semester, it’s time for getting to work.” It can be tempting to take advantage of freedom and forget about the real reasons you spent so many long hours in high school making good
grades, studying for the ACT and laboring over admissions essays, but do not fall into the trap. Ultimately, graduating is your own responsibility and neglecting to stay on top of the process will negatively impact your future. Stay focused by making friends with people who are motivated
and organized. Log on to SOAR and familiarize yourself with courses required for graduation and make a semester-bysemester plan. Most importantly, talk to an adviser, professor or upperclassman to get some direction. Graduating on time is possible, but it is up to you.
FEATURE
Thursday, October 15, 2015 | Page 5
LOCAL
‘Burg sheds light on domestic violence Camille Myrick Printz Reporter
October is a month that celebrates and raises awareness for women who are going through tough times, but breast cancer is not the only thing being addressed. This month is also intended for people who have been victims or survivors of domestic abuse. The purple ribbon, provoking us to remember loved ones and women around the world who have experienced abuse, symbolizes domestic violence awareness. The City of Hattiesburg will participate in raising awareness with events throughout the month. At the beginning of the month, a 5k Run/One-Mile Walk mobilized about 100 people in downtown Hattiesburg. The run, themed “It May Hurt to Walk Away,” is the first 5k in Hattiesburg to recognize domestic violence. Funds were raised for the city’s Domestic Abuse Family Shelter (DAFS). Sara Holifield, executive director of Domestic Abuse
Family Shelters in Laurel and Hattiesburg, said it is important for women to know they have a place to go if they are ready to get out of the cycle of abuse. “For some women, abuse is all they know,” Holifield said. “They may have even grown up in an abusive situation. We have some women that turn to our shelters repeatedly because abuse is a cycle and it is hard to get out of, but we have plenty of success stories and all the women show substantial change after staying with us.” These homes that provide a safe haven for abuse survivors do more than protect. The family shelters offer a chance at new life and mending broken self-esteems. “The two shelters in Laurel and Hattiesburg service 11 counties,” Holifield said. “We take in victims and help them get jobs, provide counseling and connect them with community service opportunities. We transport them wherever they need to go if they don’t have a car and show them that they can
be self-sustaining.” Domestic abuse does not only injure and impact a woman or man. It can affect an entire family and even the community. Lieutenant Latosha Mitchell from the Hattiesburg Police Department Domestic Violence Unit sees firsthand domestic conflicts in the Hattiesburg area. “As an officer, I see the hurt families have,” Mitchell said. “I actually go from the calls to the follow-ups and to the courses. It is important to me to bring awareness to domestic violence so we don’t have so many cases and so many broken homes and families.” Domestic violence is not restricted to married couples or adults. Students at The University of Southern Mississippi face their own risks of abusive relationships. “Abuse is not always physical,” said Captain Lisa Carter, a special operations commander for the University Police Department. “A relationship can consist of emotional abuse, where someone is
constantly talking down to you. It can be psychological and controlling, and then there is sexual/physical abuse.” There are red flags that young women can look for to prevent abuse in their relationships. “Some signs that an intimate partner is abusive is excessive control, constantly texting asking where you are or who you are with, stalking you, isolating you from your friends and family or manipulating you into thinking everything is your fault,” Carter said. “If someone reports domestic violence to UPD, we are obligated to investigate it whether it happened on or off campus.” Certain resources are available to victims of abuse on the USM campus like the counseling center, the Title IX office, which handles affirmative action, and the Shafer Center for Crisis Intervention. After reporting abuse, UPD will provide escorts to and from classes to avoid contact with the abuser and allow the victim to
transfer class sections if shared by the two parties. Mayoral assistant Valerie Arnold said that domestic violence is something that should be proactively focused on year-round. “There are so many people who are totally unaware of how painful the problem of domestic violence is, especially to the victims,” Arnold said. “It is important to raise awareness not only in the month of October, but year-round, because it is something that continually happens.” According to PBS, it is often hard to leave an abuser. Some people stay with the hope that the other person will change, and others feel trapped. Some feel guilty. The myth is that a person suffering abuse has no way out, but the fact remains that abuse of any kind—sexual, physical or emotional—is damaging and dangerous. If you are suffering from an abusive relationship, please call 911 and take the first steps in saving your own life. It is not easy, but it gets better.
LIFE
Smokers speak about difficulties with quitting Andrew Dutton Printz Reporter
Currently about 42 million adults in the U.S. smoke cigarettes, according to the Centers for Disease Control. If any of them ever try to quit smoking, they will endure a very trying time in their lives. They would have to experience the constant desire to light up another cigarette, to continue their habit of breathing smoke in and out of their lungs. Cigarette smoking, despite its terrible effects, draws many Americans in order to relieve stress in their lives. Mississippi in particular has one of the highest percentages of smokers in the nation. The CDC reported between 23 and 27 percent of people in the state of Mississippi smoke. Once a person starts smoking, it becomes difficult to stop. Sometimes, it takes a tragedy or an intervention from doctors or colleagues to give smokers the strength to quit. Dissa Delaney, a custodian on the third floor of College Hall, is a former smoker. She quit three years ago due to concerns for her health. She had developed a heart disease through her years of smoking. Shortly before that, her husband
had died of cancer. Between this tragedy and her health status, she made an effort to finally quit smoking. “It was hard, really hard for me to quit,” Delaney said. In order to quit, she used Nicorette brand nicotine lozenges and has been smoke-free ever since. Quitting smoking was one of the hardest things Delaney has ever had to do. Hayes Sanders, sophomore information technology major, has seen a close friend go through trying to quit smoking. Sanders’ friend is in ROTC and tried to quit for health reasons a few months ago. “He has to run a lot, so he had to kick his habit,” Sanders said. His friend has not fully gone back to smoking, but has smoked sporadically to keep the edge off. Sometimes, however, the urge to go back into the habit of smoking becomes too much to bear. The vicious cycle of nicotine can draw people back to its sweet relief. Jonathan Sullivan, senior information technology major, saw his cousin attempt to quit smoking. Sullivan said his cousin attempted to use sunflower seeds as a replacement for his smoking habit. This lasted for a week before his cousin went back into his
habit of smoking. “Eventually, I guess he said he couldn’t do it,” Sullivan said. When Sullivan asked why he reverted to his habit, his cousin said he missed the way it made him feel. For smokers everywhere, who have attempted to quit smoking, they all said the same things associated with withdrawal. Those who tried to quit were antsy, irritable and anxious. Smoking becomes an uphill battle to quit because of nicotine. The American Heart Association reports that nicotine is an addictive chemical substance that works by traveling to the brain when inhaled and gives users a sense of stress relief. Once the user’s body rids itself of the drug, he or she starts to crave another, which is what happened to Sullivan’s cousin. Smoking is a cycle of dependency that takes many factors to quit. It takes the proper motivation and the right tools such as nicotine patches or, such as in Delaney’s case, nicotine lozenges. The CDC reported the number of smokers has gone down from 20 percent of Americans in 2005 to 18 percent of Americans in 2013. It is slow, but it is a sign that more and more people breaking the smoker’s dependency.
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Page 6 | Thursday, October 15, 2015
OPINION
ENTERTAINMENT
Nickelodeon revives ‘90s shows with ‘The Splat’ Hiba Tahir
Printz Reporter On Monday, Oct. 5, Viacom answered the prayers of ‘90s kids everywhere when it launched “The Splat,” a new cable TV “nostalgia block” that resuscitates many of Nickelodeon’s most popular animated and live action series of the ‘90s. “We have been listening closely to our first generation of Nick kids that are craving the great characters and shows they grew up with watching Nickelodeon in the ‘90s,” said Cyma Zarghami, president of Nickelodeon and Viacom Media Networks Kids and Family Group, in a press release before the launch. “We designed ‘The Splat’ with fans and their requests in mind, which means
we’re bringing together these beloved series and a high level of digital engagement to give fans a retro media experience they can’t get anywhere else.” The “can’t-get-anywhereelse” aspect is what my fellow Generation Y kids and I find most appealing. In an increasingly digitized, fast-paced world obsessed with the newest fads and lost in the constant desire to remake what many believe needs no revision, it’s nice to see a company like Viacom listening to viewers’ more mundane, nostalgic requests. Nickelodeon’s resuscitation of some of my favorite childhood shows fills me with an inexplicable, almost gleeful happiness that is comparable only to the happiness wrought by watching these shows the first time they aired—and I know
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I’m not alone. With a current lineup that includes shows like “All That,” “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” “Clarissa Explains It All,” “Hey Arnold,” “Rocko’s Modern Life,” “Rugrats” and “The Wild Thornberrys,” among many, many others, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And
NATIONAL
Dems’ debate solidifies Clinton’s candidacy J.D. Rimann Printz Reporter
Last night was the first debate of the Democratic presidential primary, so it was inevitable that all of the talk in the political world for the rest of the week was going to be about who won, who lost and who just did not matter. Media folks seem to believe that Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders both improved their standings, while the trio of irrelevants did nothing (they would be has-beens, except that Lincoln Chafee, Jim Webb and Martin O’Malley really have never been anything in regards to national politics). That leaves the question of who was the loser. In this humble columnist’s view, it was a man who not only was not at the debate but was not even mentioned once during the two-hour talk-a-thon: Vice President Joseph Biden. Ever since August—when he personally leaked to the New York Times that his late son Beau’s dying wish was that he run for president—the Veep has been playing a game of “will he or won’t he run?” Unfortunately for Delaware’s favorite son, that game was probably shut down for good by former Secretary of State Clinton on Tuesday night. Biden’s best shot of entering the race while also avoiding this first debate was for Clinton to somehow screw up Tuesday night—reinforcing donor and party establishment fears that have been building throughout the summer that she may not be as invincible a candidate as had previously been thought, what with the botched logo rollout, the email
scandal, the Benghazi investigation and continued issues on the stump—and allow an opening for a candidate who was still clearly a member of the party establishment but also liberal enough to satisfy a party base that is increasingly moving leftward. Hillary, however, did not screw up. In fact, she did more than well enough to assuage donors’ worries, and her performance almost certainly helps her as she continues to solidify her hold on the front runner title. Unless something goes monumentally wrong for Clinton in the next couple of months, this debate should end any shot for a Biden candidacy, and certainly for a successful one. A couple of other points about the debate Tuesday night include: -Whoever advised Bernie Sanders to not prepare for this debate should probably be reassigned to the unemployment line. The senator from Vermont came off as unprepared and a little stilted and unsure of himself at times, especially when questioned regarding his stance on the Second Amendment. -Also about Sanders: his line to Hillary, “that the American people are sick and tired of hearing about your damn emails...enough of the e-mails, let’s talk about the real issues facing America,” (quickly sending #DamnEmails trending on twitter) was perhaps the highlight of the debate. It was also a pretty strange thing to say for someone who has cast themselves as an advocate for governmental transparency in the past. Regardless of his political
alignment, Sanders should care about Clinton’s “damn emails.” If the secretary of state (traditionally the most important cabinet position) is trying to work around federal privacy laws while conducting government policy, that is clearly something that Americans should want to know about, and even more so if that former secretary is running for president. The emails are a criminal and security issue, not a political one (regardless of what certain clueless individuals from California might say while chewing on their foot). -Speaking of Clinton, this is tricky ground for her. She has continued to move leftward more and more to satisfy the Democratic base. That is a dangerous move, because instead of leading her party, she appears to be led by it. The Clintons have worked to build a brand over the decades as being pragmatic and only slightly left-of-center. Responding to the recent popularity of the Elizabeth Warrens and Bernie Sanders of the world with a dramatic leftward shift not only imperils that brand but also reinforces primary and general election voters’ fears that Clinton is disingenuous at best and lacking in moral convictions at worst. -Finally, last and certainly least: Webb, O’Malley and Chafee should fold up the chairs and go home. They are polling at rounding errors, completely anonymous to voters and politicos alike and are simply wasting their time as well as the Democratic Party’s by continuing their campaigns. It was a not-so-great run, gents, but it’s over now (and was over when it started).
that’s not all—in addition to the programming block, the “new multiscreen content destination” offers fans seven social media platforms to find content, including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, Twitter, Vine, YouTube, a fanoriented website and a Splatbranded emoji keyboard with emoticons, stickers and GIFs. New content will be added monthly and based upon both seasonal favorites and trending topics. Bearing in mind that memes, emojis, gifs and social media were hardly even a thing the last time most of these shows aired, I’m excited to see how the old programming will coincide with modern technology and how it will allow new generations to watch and enjoy the shows I loved as a child.
Although I do not really see myself using much of the aforementioned Splatbranded gimmicks, I can definitely appreciate the drive and dedication behind what promises to be a successful launch month. Contributing most to the success perhaps, are the themes and stunts that coincide with the launch. This week’s theme is “Rugrats Reptar Takeover,” which features the best of the “Rugrats” episodes featuring Reptar. At the end of the month, The Splat will host “Nick or Treat,” a call-in event where viewers can collect door prizes while watching Halloween-themed episodes. The Splat screens on TeenNick nightly from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. A nightly schedule can be found on The Splat’s official website.
SPORTS
Thursday, October 15, 2015 | Page 7
FOOTBALL
Execution key against UTSA Joshua Campbell Sports Editor
After failing to prove themselves as a contender in Conference USA last week, the Golden Eagles will look to right the ship in their homecoming Saturday against UTSA. Southern Miss’ high-flying offense was shut down by Marshall, holding USM to just 10 points. Going into the game, the Golden Eagles were averaging 33.2 points per game and had scored at least 49 points in three games this season. The Marshall defense had a lot to do with that, forcing five turnovers, four sacks, 15 pass breakups and hurrying Nick Mullens 17 times. But the execution on offense simply was not there as the offensive line struggled in pass protection and the receivers struggled to create separation. Head coach Todd Monken knows his offense is better than what they showed against Marshall and knows they cannot have turnovers. “(It’s about) playing better football on offense,” Monken said. “You can’t turn it over like we did if you want to win games. Don’t turn the ball over.” The Roadrunners have struggled on defense this season, allowing over 35 points per game and have only forced nine turnovers in six games. Last season, their defense was loaded with seniors and was easily the strength of their team, but that is no longer the case. While their overall production as a defense has been down, they have remained strong against the run, allowing 4.0 yards per carry. Jalen Richard (5.5 YPC) and Ito Smith (7.6 YPC) will have to really fight to match their usual production. If they cannot, the
Soobum Im/USA Today Sports Southern Miss quarterback Nick Mullens goes back for a pass against UTSA Nov. 13, 2014, in San Antonio.
Golden Eagles will have to win this game through the air, something they are certainly capable of doing. Mullens has been great this season, throwing 15 touchdowns to only four interceptions while averaging 334.2 yards per
game. The UTSA secondary has struggled so far this season against the pass, giving up three or more touchdown passes on three occasions. Mullens and the passing offense should be in for a huge day.
The Roadrunner offense has struggled at times this season, but is no slouch. They are on their fourth quarterback of the season, but former walk-on Dalton Sturm played well in his first start last week in a 34-31 loss to Louisiana
Tech. Sturm threw four touchdown passes and two interceptions while completing nearly 70 percent of his passes. Monken had nothing but praise for the UTSA coaching staff and Sturm. “Offensively, I think they have done a great job of weathering the storm,” Monken said. “That is credit to Coach Coker and their staff. They have had a couple of quarterbacks quit so they are down to their fourth team guy (Sturm) and he came out slow. “Right when they were probably thinking about pulling him he leads them to three touchdown drives and gives them a chance to win. That’s a credit to their staff and to that young man. That amazes me because all the people they have lost, they still find a way to score points and defend.” Despite UTSA’s rough 1-5 start, Monken knows they are a much better football team than their record indicates. “They played an awfully good opening schedule with Oklahoma State, Kansas State, Arizona, Colorado State who was a bowl team last year then finally Louisiana Tech who was picked by most people to win our division. “There are a lot of teams in our league that would be 1-5 in those six games. We have our work cut out for us they have done a great job plus they are in the infant stages. It takes a lot of time to build up a program but they play tough and they are talented.” The Golden Eagles are hoping to make a bowl game for the first time in three years and this game will be huge in that quest if they can get a win. The Roadrunners narrowly beat USM last season 12-10, but these teams are vastly different today. USM should have the edge, but do not be surprised if UTSA spoils Homecoming. Kickoff is at 6 p.m.
GOLF
USM finishes last in Bayou City Classic Joshua Campbell Sports Editor
Southern Miss’ rough season continued this past weekend in the Bayou City Classic in Houston. The event was cohosted by Houston, Rice and Sam Houston State and was at the Golfcrest Country Club. The Golden Eagles placed 14th out of 14 teams for their second consecutive last place finish. Overall, they shot a 64-over par with a total score of 928. Ryan Argotsinger had the best weekend for Southern Miss, posting a 7-over par which
could have been much better. In his first two rounds, he shot a 3-under, 69 and a 1-over 73 before regressing to an 81-stroke round Tuesday. Hayes Weathersby was Southern Miss’ most consistent performer, shooting in the mid70’s in each round. He finished tied for 45th place at 11-over par. Matt Codd and Willie Hammond tied for 74th place at 25-over par while Derick Kelting finished in 79th place at 29-over par. Houston won the event at 6-over par collectively, followed by North Texas at 8-over and Kansas at 14-over. Houston’s Matt Dunn and
McNeese State’s Robert MacIntyre finished the tournament tied for first at 5-under par, forcing a playoff. After both players remained tied after the first playoff hole, Dunn edged out MacIntyre, shooting a par on the 16th hole while MacIntyre bogied. Southern Miss will look to end their recent streak of last place finishes when they take part in The Grove Intercollegiate in College Grove, Tennessee Oct. 25 through Oct. 27. The Oak Grove Intercollegiate will be its last tournament this fall before picking back up in February for the Oak Hills Invitational in San Antonio.
Joe Harper/Courtesy Photo
Page 8 | Thursday, October 15, 2015
SPORTS
FOOTBALL
Newcomer Antoine makes early impact Jacob Kemp Sports Reporter
Through six games, the Golden Eagles are 3-3 and on the brink of matching their win total of the last two years. A consistent offense led by an experienced quarterback
and a swarming defense has been the recipe to the change in culture around the program. One of the leaders of the stellar defense is junior safety D’Nerius Antoine. His initial impact was felt when he forced a turnover on his first series as a Golden Eagle by
stripping Mississippi State running back Ashton Shumpert at the 1-yard line, leading to a touchback in the end zone. Antoine, a transfer from Trinity Valley Community College in Texas, collected 69 tackles, forced three fumbles and snagged a pair
D’Nerius Antoine tackles a Mississippi State running back during the Southern Miss opener Sept. 5.
Courtland Wells/Printz Photo Editor
of interceptions in his sophomore season. His statistics, along with his combination of size, speed and instincts, gained the attention of Oklahoma State. The All-Region safety committed to the Cowboys, but eventually signed with Southern Miss as a midyear transfer, enrolling in January. Antoine’s playmaking ability can also be seen in the box score, as he leads the team in tackles and forced fumbles. He is also fourth on the team in tackles for loss. Antoine’s nose for the ball can be described by a motto that he lives by on the field. “It’s simple,” Antoine said. “See the ball, hit the ball. I feel like what I do best (is) get to the ball quick.” Antoine has been praised as potentially the best athlete on the roster. Southern Miss defensive coordinator David Duggan, in an interview with Clarion-Ledger, said Antoine “plays at a different level than a lot of players.” It is evident what the junior college transfer does best, and that is finding the ball. Antoine arrived on campus as a linebacker, but by the end of fall camp, he was named starting safety. First impressions are the most lasting. The Golden Eagles’ fan base may think about the forced
fumble at the goal line as their favorite Antoine moment. But his favorite moment was his key interception against Nebraska. “(My favorite moment was in) the Nebraska game,” Antoine said. “The interception gained us momentum.” While Antoine was not on the roster last season, it is clear that there is a more positive atmosphere surrounding the team. Antoine credits the leadership on the team. “I feel there is more leadership on the team,” Antoine said. “Everyone is being vocal and stepping up.” For some players that play outside of a Power Five conference, they find motivation in being a big fish in a small pond. For Antoine, he does not have to look far for motivation to take the field on Saturdays. “I do it for my teammates,” Antoine said. “We play for each other.” Expectations are high for the Golden Eagles as they are off to one of their best starts since the Larry Fedora era. Antoine made it clear that you can only win one game at a time, there is no reason for looking ahead. The Golden Eagles look to capture their second conference win of the season against division opponent Texas-San Antonio (1-5, 1-1) Saturday at 6 p.m. for USM’s homecoming game.